BMW is set to introduce its first mass-market hydrogen-powered vehicle in 2028, marking a major advancement in its partnership with Toyota. The move, which BMW has called a "milestone in automotive history," will include multiple fuel-cell versions of existing models, making BMW the first manufacturer to launch such vehicles on a large scale.
The X5 SUV is expected to be the first model to feature the new hydrogen powertrain, as BMW has already been testing modified versions of this popular vehicle. These hydrogen powertrains are being co-developed with Toyota, highlighting the deepening collaboration between the two automotive giants.
BMW’s chairman, Oliver Zipse, described the initiative as a transformative moment for the industry: "Powered by hydrogen and driven by collaboration, this marks a significant leap in the future of mobility." He added that this will pave the way for increased demand for fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).
This move positions BMW as the first automaker to mass-produce a fuel cell vehicle, surpassing Toyota’s limited-run Mirai and Hyundai’s Nexo. While Honda once championed the technology with its Clarity FCV, it discontinued the model three years ago.
In a joint statement, BMW and Toyota emphasized the benefits of working together, including reducing costs through shared development and production of powertrain components. They also urged governments to invest in hydrogen infrastructure. Koji Sato, Toyota’s president, stated, "We are committed to working with BMW and other partners to create a future where hydrogen energy plays a critical role."
Toyota has been a long-standing advocate for hydrogen cars, introducing the first Mirai in 2015, and remains committed to the technology despite setbacks like the closure of hydrogen refueling stations in key markets such as California, the UK, and Europe. In addition to hydrogen fuel cells, Toyota is exploring hydrogen combustion engines and plans to debut a prototype at the 2027 Le Mans 24 Hours.
