Toyota and BMW are teaming up again, this time to bring fuel cell vehicles into the mainstream

Toyota Motor and BMW are expanding their partnership to advance fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs), according to a report by Nikkei Asia. The two automotive powerhouses see FCEVs as a promising alternative amid the growing scepticism around the sustainability of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). BMW is aiming to begin mass production of a fuel cell vehicle within a few years.

The Japanese and German automakers are expected to ink a memorandum of understanding next week, officially announcing their renewed partnership during BMW’s media roundtable on 5-September.

This collaboration isn't entirely new; it dates back to 2012, when the companies first joined forces on FCEVs. However, the new agreement will see Toyota playing a more substantial role by supplying BMW with critical components like hydrogen tanks and fuel cell systems. BMW, in turn, will leverage its BEV expertise, particularly in drive systems, to bring these fuel cell vehicles to market.

Fuel cell vehicles operate by generating electricity through the chemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen, emitting only water as a byproduct. This makes them arguably the "ultimate eco-friendly vehicle," especially given their quicker refuelling time compared to battery-electric counterparts.

Toyota’s and BMW’s strengthened alliance could be the key to overcoming the significant cost and infrastructure challenges that have so far held back FCEVs from widespread adoption.

BMW has already developed a concept model known as the iX5 Hydrogen, which promises a cruising range of over 500 km and refuelling times as short as three to four minutes. Mass production of this model is planned to commence within a few years, offering a potential game-changer for the fuel cell market.

Toyota has long been a pioneer in FCEVs, launching the Mirai back in 2014. However, its relatively high price tag meant that the Mirai has struggled to achieve mainstream popularity. By pooling resources and technology with BMW, both companies hope to reduce production costs and make FCEVs a more attractive option for consumers.

The partnership will likely extend beyond vehicle production, potentially involving joint efforts to develop a more robust hydrogen refuelling infrastructure in Europe.

Also read: MOSTI: Malaysia's hydrogen economy to potentially generate RM 12 billion by 2030; mobile H2 refueling station coming by end-2024