BMW, Toyota Teams Up To Develop Fuel-Cell EVs

BMW and Toyota announced a groundbreaking partnership to develop hydrogen-powered vehicles together. This marks a major shift from fossil fuels with a possible first hydrogen-powered car debuting in 2028, featuring a jointly-developed powertrain.

This venture will focus on hydrogen-powered or fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) which will generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen within a fuel cell unlike conventional EVs that rely on electricity stored in batteries.

“It is essentially electric driving,” explained Michael Rath, BMW's Vice President of Hydrogen Vehicles.

Meanwhile, Koji Sato, President and Representative Director of Toyota Motor Corporation, added, “We are pleased that the collaboration between BMW and Toyota has entered a new stage as both companies share the same passion for cars and belief in ‘technology openness’ and a ‘multi-pathway’ approach to carbon neutrality.”

FCEVs offer a practical alternative for drivers who may lack access to charging stations or require faster refuelling options. Much like traditional internal combustion-engine vehicles, hydrogen cars can be refuelled quickly at specialised stations, making them ideal for everyone.

BMW views hydrogen vehicles as a complement to battery-powered EVs rather than direct competitors, recognizing that a variety of clean energy solutions is needed to meet the diverse needs of consumers. This is inline with Toyota’s “multi-pathway” goal since day one.

However, both manufacturers also agree that infrastructure remains a significant challenge. Hydrogen refuelling stations are far less common than electric charging points, and safety concerns, particularly revolving around the flammability of hydrogen, will be thoroughly addressed through extensive crash testing.

In a related development, Toyota is reported to have scaled back its global EV output forecast for 2026 by 30%, lowering its target from 1.5 million vehicles to 1 million. This decision comes in response to a global slowdown in EV demand. In 2023, Toyota sold approximately 100,000 EVs. As of July 2024 though, sales had only reached 80,000 units.

The global slowdown in EV adoption also prompted rivals Volvo into revising its previous commitment to an all-electric lineup by 2030. During its recent “90/90 Day” event, Jim Rowan, President and CEO of Volvo Cars announced that 10% of its future models would now include hybrid vehicles, acknowledging that the market may not be fully prepared to transition exclusively to EVs.

These strategic shifts from BMW, Toyota, and Volvo highlight the evolving landscape of clean transportation. Rather than a singular solution dominating the market, a blend of battery-electric, fuel-cell, and hybrid vehicles is likely to define the future of the automotive industry as it transitions away from fossil fuels.