Germany’s BMW plans to launch its first mass-produced fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) in 2028, after agreeing to strengthen its collaboration in the hydrogen sector with Japan’s Toyota. The firms will work together on the development of fuel cells system and the improvement of infrastructure.
This is a milestone in automotive history: the first-ever series production fuel cell vehicle to be offered by a global premium manufacturer,” says Oliver Zipse, predicting that “it will herald an era of significant demand for fuel cell electric vehicles".
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EV inFocus is unconvinced by Zipse’s bullishness. In out view, both firms should concentrate on developing their BEV passenger vehicle options, rather than wasting time, money and internal resources on FCEVs.
Progress, or lack of it in the last twelve-and-a-half years reinforces our scepticism. The two companies first signed an agreement in December 2011 to establish a mid-long-term cooperative relationship in environmental technology, and claim to "have jointly advanced the development of environmental technologies, including fuel cells and sports cars, for over a decade".
Given that FCEVs as a passenger vehicle option have been globally going backwards, rather than forwards in recent years, we struggle to see many material fruits from these so-called advancements.
Further efforts
Toyota and BMW will now collaborate on the development of a third-generation fuel cell system, which will be installed in both companies' models with the aim of providing customers with a broader range of FCEVs. They will also work to create synergies through collaboration in development and procurement, as well as to try to drive down costs by amalgamating powertrain units to expand commercial and passenger vehicle demand.
Given the need to create clusters of demand for hydrogen in the early stages of any scaling up of hydrogen as a mobility fuel, Toyota and BMW have also resolved to try to stimulate sustainable hydrogen supply by creating demand — as well as to work closely with hydrogen-producing companies and distribution and refuelling facilities to try to facilitate a stable hydrogen supply and reduce costs.
"We are pleased that the collaboration between BMW and Toyota has entered a new stage,” says Toyota president Koji Sato. “In our long history of partnership, we have confirmed that BMW and Toyota share the same passion for cars and belief in ‘technology openness’ and a ‘multi-pathway’ approach to carbon neutrality.”
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