Toyota Motor Corporation and BMW Group are deepening their partnership to advance a hydrogen-based society. They plan to broaden their range of fuel-cell passenger vehicles and collaborate on developing a third-generation fuel-cell system. BMW is set to introduce its inaugural series production fuel cell vehicle in 2028.
Toyota Motor Corporation and BMW Group have formalised their commitment to advance hydrogen technology by signing a collaboration agreement aimed at fostering a hydrogen society and achieving carbon neutrality. The collaboration will focus on developing fuel cell systems and enhancing infrastructure to support this goal.
Initially partnering in December 2011 on environmental technology, the companies have been working together for over a decade, particularly on fuel cells and sports cars. With a shared goal of establishing a hydrogen society, their collaboration will now intensify to spearhead innovations in fuel cell technology.
The partnership entails developing a third-generation fuel cell system that will be integrated into both Toyota and BMW models, broadening the spectrum of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) available to consumers. BMW is set to introduce its first mass-produced FCEV by 2028.
Additionally, both companies aim to leverage joint development and procurement strategies to reduce costs and enhance the marketability of commercial and passenger FCEVs, contributing to more widespread adoption of hydrogen technology. This includes establishing a sustainable hydrogen supply chain by fostering demand and collaborating with hydrogen producers, distributors, and refuelling stations to stabilize supply and lower costs.
Toyota’s President, Koji Sato, expressed enthusiasm about entering a new phase of collaboration with BMW, emphasizing shared values and a commitment to a multipath approach to achieving carbon neutrality. Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management at BMW AG, highlighted the upcoming launch of their first series production fuel cell vehicle as a significant step in automotive history, driven by the joint efforts with Toyota.
Both automakers view hydrogen as a critical energy carrier for future decarbonization, serving as an efficient storage medium for renewable energies and facilitating a smoother integration of these sources into the energy grid. Toyota is particularly focused on hydrogen as a cornerstone of its strategy to reach carbon neutrality, working with various partners to advance hydrogen production, transportation, storage, and utilization.
In its commitment to regional adaptability and customer-centric strategies, Toyota aims to cater to local market needs through a diversified approach that includes FCEVs, battery electric vehicles (BEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), all while pursuing reduced CO2 emissions.
