Tanya Weaver Mon 9 Sep 2024
Collected at: https://eandt.theiet.org/2024/09/09/bmw-and-toyota-team-develop-hydrogen-fuel-cell-technology-next-gen-zero-emissions
BMW and Toyota will work together to develop hydrogen fuel cells and improve infrastructure for hydrogen-powered vehicles.
With both companies seeking to advance the hydrogen economy, BMW and Toyota have announced they will work together to “accelerate technological innovation in fuel cell systems” for passenger vehicles. These systems will be installed in both companies’ fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) in the coming years.
While this collaboration focuses on the fuel cell powertrain technology, the exterior of the FCEV models will remain distinctive to the individual BMW and Toyota brands.
BMW has already announced it plans to launch its first mass-produced FCEV – the iX5 Hydrogen – in 2028. First unveiled as a concept in 2019 and then officially unveiled as a production vehicle in 2023, the iX5 will go into series production with hydrogen drive systems as a result of this collaboration.
BMW claims the iX5 will have a range of up to 504km, an electric motor output of 295kW/401hp and a refuelling time of just three to four minutes.
“This is a milestone in automotive history: the first-ever series production fuel cell vehicle to be offered by a global premium manufacturer. Powered by hydrogen and driven by the spirit of our cooperation, it will underscore how technological progress is shaping future mobility,” said Oliver Zipse, chairman of the board of management of BMW AG.
To help create a hydrogen society and fuel a demand for FCEVs, the two companies said they would work closely with companies that are building low-carbon hydrogen production, distribution and refuelling facilities.
The two companies hope that if hydrogen refuelling and battery electric vehicle charging infrastructure is in place, hydrogen will become a more accessible option for customers looking to drive zero-emissions vehicles.
Koji Sato, president and representative director of Toyota, said: “In our long history of partnership, we have confirmed that BMW and Toyota share the same passion for cars and belief in ‘technology openness’ and a ‘multi-pathway’ approach to carbon neutrality.
“Based on these shared values, we will deepen our collaboration in efforts such as the joint development of next-generation fuel cell systems and the expansion of infrastructure, aiming for the realisation of a hydrogen society.”
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