FYI: BMW and Toyota are set to introduce hydrogen-electric vehicles to their lineups, enhancing their diversified powertrain offerings and targeting the challenges in infrastructure development.
BMW to Launch Hydrogen-Powered Vehicles by 2028
BMW has announced that it will expand its vehicle lineup by introducing hydrogen-powered cars in 2028. In collaboration with Toyota, BMW is developing a next-generation hydrogen electric powertrain, which both automakers plan to incorporate into their fleets.
Hydrogen Electric Vehicles: A Glimpse Into the Future
Hydrogen electric vehicles (HEVs) operate similarly to battery electric vehicles (BEVs), but with a key difference: instead of drawing energy from a charged battery, they utilize a hydrogen fuel cell stack. This stack converts hydrogen into electricity to power the vehicle, often in tandem with a battery that provides extra energy during high-demand situations.
Limited Edition X5 Hydrogen for Testing
BMW has begun producing the hydrogen-electric X5 SUV in small quantities since late 2022. These initial models are intended strictly for testing and demonstration purposes, and will not be available to consumers. The larger-scale hydrogen-electric model slated for 2028, however, will be a regular production vehicle derived from an existing BMW model line.
Diverse Powertrain Choices
BMW’s strategy, akin to Toyota’s, focuses on offering a spectrum of powertrain options including gasoline engines, plug-in hybrids, BEVs, and HEVs. This approach ensures customers have a variety of choices to meet their individual needs.
Overcoming Infrastructure Obstacles
One of the primary challenges for EV adoption remains the lack of a robust charging infrastructure. This issue is even more pronounced for hydrogen, where the refueling network is virtually nonexistent. BMW and Toyota see the deployment of hydrogen-electric cars as a strategic move to stimulate demand and drive the development of the necessary infrastructure.
To ensure the viability of hydrogen vehicles, both automakers are partnering with energy companies specializing in the generation and supply of low-carbon hydrogen. Toyota, for instance, has demonstrated a pilot plant capable of converting biogas into hydrogen.
Hydrogen in Motorsport
In addition to passenger vehicles, several companies are exploring the use of hydrogen internal combustion engines (H2 ICE) for motorsports. While these engines emit no carbon dioxide, they do produce nitrogen oxides, which must be managed with a urea-based selective catalytic reduction system, akin to modern diesel engines.
Conclusion
The collaboration between BMW and Toyota marks a significant step toward diversifying the automotive energy landscape. By integrating hydrogen-electric technology into their lineups, these industry giants are not only providing customers with more powertrain choices but also addressing the crucial issue of sustainable infrastructure development.
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Donald Smith
Editor of Automotive.fyi
