Other fuel-cell variants of existing BMW models will follow, making it the first manufacturer to push hydrogen propulsion. The firm describes this as “a milestone in automotive history”.
In all likelihood, the first model to go with hydrogen power will be the X5 SUV. BMW has already been testing a fleet of X5s with this powerplant.
Toyota and BMW codeveloped the powertrains, and the announcement strengthens their H2 partnership.
BMW chairman Oliver Zipse commented “Powered by hydrogen and driven by the spirit of cooperation, it will underscore how technological progress is shaping future mobility.”
He also said: “It will herald an era of significant demand for fuel cell electric vehicles.”
BMW will be the first car maker to offer a mass-produced FCEV. Mirai saloon and Nexo SUV were only ever leased in small numbers. Honda has also been busy in the area but pulled its Clarity FCV saloon three years ago.
BMW said “The collaborative effort will be utilised in individual models from both BMW and Toyota and will expand the range of FCEV options available to customers.
“Realising synergies and amalgamating the total volume of powertrain [production] units by collaborating on development and procurement promises to drive down the costs of fuel technology.”
Both BMW and Toyota have called on governments to invest in hydrogen infrastructure.
Toyota has long been the biggest backer of hydrogen-powered cars, launching the first Mirai in 2015. It has been resolute in its commitment to the fuel despite hurdles. The major obstacle is the widespread closure of hydrogen filling stations in California, the UK and mainland Europe.
As well as hydrogen fuel cells, Toyota is developing hydrogen combustion engines. It plans to enter a prototype fitted with just such a powerplant in the 2027 edition of the Le Mans 24 Hours.
