BMW to launch hydrogen car in 2028 and promises 'exceptionally efficient high-performance drive'

The Steyr plant is undergoing modifications with new testing facilities and production equipment being installed to accommodate the innovative drive technology.

Additional components for the hydrogen vehicles will be manufactured at BMW's Landshut facility in Germany.

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Joachim Post, BMW AG Development Board Member, said: "The launch of the first-ever fuel cell production model from BMW in 2028 will add another exceptionally efficient high-performance drive system with zero emissions to our technology-open product portfolio."

The jointly-developed powertrain system with Toyota represents a major technological advancement, achieving approximately 25 per cent space reduction through significantly increased power density.

This collaboration allows both manufacturers to benefit from shared development and procurement efficiencies whilst maintaining distinct brand-specific models.

The enhanced efficiency will deliver greater range and power output whilst reducing energy consumption, marking a substantial advancement over the second-generation system.

The compact design enables smooth incorporation into upcoming vehicle platforms, supporting BMW's multi-technology strategy that offers customers various powertrain options.

The fuel cell technology will complement BMW's existing portfolio of electric motors and combustion engines manufactured at the Austrian plant.

BMW's hydrogen journey began in 2014 when the company fitted Toyota-supplied fuel cells into the 535iA model, before evolving significantly with the second-generation system powering the current iX5 Hydrogen pilot vehicles, where BMW developed the complete fuel cell system whilst sourcing individual cells from Toyota.

This progression has led to the third-generation breakthrough, representing a fundamental shift in the partnership structure.

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Post added: "The choice of Steyr as the production location clearly demonstrates our commitment to a European innovation footprint."

Rather than supplier relationships, BMW and Toyota now collaborate as joint developers of the powertrain technology, creating synergies for both passenger and commercial vehicle applications.

The hydrogen fuel cell operates through an electrochemical process where hydrogen from storage tanks combines with atmospheric oxygen, generating electricity to power the vehicle's electric motor.

The compact configuration maintains BMW's renowned performance and safety standards across the entire drivetrain. These preparatory measures prove essential for transitioning the fuel cell technology from development to full-scale series production scheduled for 2028.

BMW's Landshut plant will play a crucial role in the fuel cell programme, manufacturing essential components including the hydrogen-specific BMW Energy Master.

Construction of new production equipment for this power control unit will begin in late May 2026, with prototype manufacturing commencing at the nearby Dingolfing facility in mid-2026.

Klaus von Moltke, Senior Vice President Engine Production at BMW AG and Director of BMW Group Plant Steyr, added: "We are proud to be producing another innovative drive technology at Plant Steyr in future alongside the latest generation of electric motors and combustion engines.

"This, together with the development expertise we have available on-site, makes our plant a prime example of the BMW Group’s technology-open approach."