BMW Group is gearing up for a big leap towards sustainable mobility with its upcoming third-generation hydrogen fuel cell technology. The company has confirmed that series production will start in 2028 at its Steyr Plant in Austria. Prototypes are already being developed at BMW’s Hydrogen Competence Centres in Munich and Steyr, marking the beginning of a new chapter in zero-emission driving.
BMW’s Vision for a Green Future
BMW has always believed in innovation with purpose, and now the brand is preparing to enter the next phase of its green mobility journey. In 2028, BMW will roll out its first-ever hydrogen fuel cell production model, a step closer to achieving its zero-emission goals.
Joachim Post, Member of the Board of Management at BMW AG, shared:
“The launch of BMW’s first hydrogen fuel cell production model in 2028 will be a historic milestone. It will add a highly efficient, zero-emission drive system to our technology-open product portfolio.”
Third-Generation Hydrogen Fuel Cell: More Power, More Efficiency
BMW’s upcoming third-generation hydrogen fuel cell system comes with significant upgrades, making it smaller, smarter, and stronger than ever before:
- Compact Design → The size of the system has been reduced by 25%, making it lighter and easier to integrate into vehicles.
- Seamless Integration → The new system fits perfectly with BMW’s future vehicle architectures, offering customers more driving options.
- Better Efficiency → Upgraded components and smarter energy management improve driving range, power output, and energy savings.
BMW & Toyota: A Powerful Partnership for the Future
BMW is working hand-in-hand with Toyota Motor Corporation to develop this advanced hydrogen powertrain system. While Toyota provides the fuel cell units, BMW has designed the overall fuel cell system in-house.
This strategic partnership allows both companies to:
- Share development expertise
- Reduce production costs
- Build brand-specific hydrogen-powered vehicles for both passenger and commercial markets
Prototype Development in Munich: The Innovation Hub
At BMW’s Hydrogen Competence Centre in Munich, prototypes are being built and tested to ensure performance, safety, and efficiency.
How it works:
- Hydrogen stored in tanks reacts with oxygen from the air, creating electricity through an electrochemical reaction.
- This electricity powers the electric motor, enabling smooth, zero-emission driving.
- The system includes advanced cooling mechanisms, hydrogen management, and air subsystems for optimum performance.
Currently, the focus is on testing and validating these prototypes before moving to mass production.
BMW Group Plant Steyr: The Core of Series Production
From 2028, BMW’s Steyr Plant will become the production hub for hydrogen fuel cell systems. The facility is being upgraded with:
- Advanced testing facilities
- State-of-the-art production equipment
- New infrastructure to support hydrogen technology
Klaus von Moltke, Senior Vice President, BMW AG, said:
“We are proud to manufacture another cutting-edge drive technology at Plant Steyr, alongside electric motors and combustion engines. This reflects BMW’s commitment to a technology-open strategy.”
Landshut & Dingolfing Plants: Key Players in BMW’s Hydrogen Strategy
BMW’s Landshut Plant will handle production of crucial components, including the BMW Energy Master, which manages power distribution between 400V and 800V.
Meanwhile, the Dingolfing Plant will produce prototypes of the Energy Master, ensuring smooth integration between BMW’s hydrogen and electric systems. Together, these plants form the backbone of BMW’s hydrogen innovation.
Conclusion: BMW’s Hydrogen Future is Closer Than Ever
With its third-generation hydrogen fuel cell technology, BMW is redefining the future of mobility. The upcoming hydrogen-powered BMW models will deliver:
- Zero emissions for a cleaner environment
- Better energy efficiency with higher performance
- Longer driving ranges
- Premium BMW driving experience
By 2028, BMW aims to blend the best of electric mobility with hydrogen power, creating a sustainable, powerful, and eco-friendly driving experience.
Disclaimer
This article is based on official information from BMW Group and publicly available reports. It does not include personal opinions or predictions.
