BMW and Toyota to Unveil Hydrogen Car by 2028
BMW & Toyota one of biggest and the most prestigious brands are expanding their collaboration in the field of hydrogen fuel cell technology. Although this is not the first time we have seen the two brands collaborate (BMW Z4 & Supra), with the great history that both the brands individually, this collaboration is once again a considerable step in the automotive industry.
This collaboration shows BMW’s intend to launch a series-production hydrogen car in 2028. Don’t be fooled, this is not the first time BMW has tried their hands on creating a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. BMW has been pursuing hydrogen since the late 1970s with a 5 Series (E12) test car dubbed “520h”. There were also 750hL (E38) and 760Li (E65) sedans, the H2R record car, and the Hydrogen i8. The “Hydrogen 7” was one of the first few but was later decided to not be sold to public and since then they haven’t sold any hydrogen powered vehicles to the public until now (in 2028).
Understandably, BMW doesn’t go into details about the vehicle’s identity. It’s just too early but they do believe that the hydrogen vehicle will be a part of the existing line up (no new series will be introduced for the hydrogen models). We’ll have to wait and see whether it’ll be an SUV or a different body style.
The BMW iX5 that you can see on the image above is just a representation and shouldn’t be taken quite literally as it’s too late for them to use this model for the hydrogen project. If they do, they will likely do it for the “G65” Model that is due around 2027.
Fast forward to 2028, and BMW is gearing up to become the first luxury automaker to introduce a hydrogen car to the market. Toyota, on the other hand, has been leading the way in the mainstream segment with its Mirai sedan, which has been around since 2014 and is now in its second generation, launched in 2020.
Here are some quick facts about the BMW iX5 Hydrogen concept currently being tested:
Refueling Time: Fully refuels in just 3-4 minutes
Range: Offers up to 504 km on a full tank
Power: Delivers 401 hp
Acceleration: 0 to 100 kph in under 6 seconds
Top Speed: Over 180 kph
Performance Consistency: Range and refueling time remain consistent regardless of temperature
FCEV Progress in the UAE
The UAE took a significant step towards hydrogen-powered mobility back in 2017 when Al Futtaim Motors launched the country's first hydrogen station at Dubai Festival City. This marked the beginning of the UAE's FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle) initiative, aiming to promote hydrogen as a clean alternative fuel source.
However, since then, there hasn't been much news about the development or expansion of FCEVs in the UAE. Instead, Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) have dominated recent discussions around sustainable mobility in the region. As a result, hydrogen-powered vehicles have taken a backseat in the UAE's transition to greener transportation solutions.
