One of the most important steps on the road to the future of zero-emission mobility is being jointly taken by BMW and Toyota in their development of next-generation hydrogen fuel cell technology. This collaboration brings together two of the leading automobile manufacturers worldwide, with further development of hydrogen-powered vehicles and building up the necessary hydrogen infrastructure that comes along with this clean energy carrier.
The collaboration comes at a most critical juncture as the automotive sector is in quest of various alternative technologies to traditional internal combustion engines that will help bring down carbon emissions and, of course, have a better effect on climate change. The world over, while electric vehicles have gained great traction, both BMW and Toyota gaze at hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles as a complementary technology in their own right-a technology that will be able to play its part in the transition to a carbon-neutral future.
A Joint Commitment to Hydrogen Mobility
BMW will begin sales of its first mass-produced fuel cell electric vehicle in 2028 as part of a broader plan to expand its offerings of zero-emission vehicles. It is developing the new hydrogen powertrain – with third-generation fuel cells that will be used by both companies in their models – along with Toyota.
This makes it another step in the long campaign of BMW in its pursuit of multiple roads to sustainable mobility. When the German auto brand had already occupied strong ground in the EV market with BEV and PHEV, hydrogen fuel cells have been a new frontier for clean energy.
Compared to Ford, since it started selling the hydrogen-powered Mirai in 2014, Toyota has been developing fuel cell technology and so brings a lot of experience into the partnership. This is said while both of the companies have “technology openness” or “multi-pathway” in their roadmap to pursue carbon neutrality, including various technologies toward different needs.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology Development
The collaboration in the development of a common hydrogen powertrain for passenger vehicles is at the heart of this deal. Both companies are committed to making hydrogen fuel cell vehicles more accessible and affordable through their joint development. The new powertrain will include third-generation fuel cells, which guarantee much better performance, efficiency, and cost from their predecessors.
Fuel cell vehicles work by converting hydrogen into electrical energy via a chemical reaction in the fuel cell stack. This electricity feeds the electric motor of the vehicle, and the only residue released from the vehicle’s exhaust pipe is water vapor. The major advantages of the FCEVs are that these have larger ranges and take less time for refilling compared to BEVs, which will render them very convenient for long travel and, therefore, for commercial uses.
Slated for 2028, the hydrogen production car from BMW will join the electric and hybrid models currently offered by the company, all variants of battery electric, plug-in hybrid, and internal combustion engine vehicles. This strategic product diversification will enable BMW to effectively address an extensive portfolio of consumer needs and driving preferences.
Building the Hydrogen Economy
The main hurdles to broadening the use of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles right now are pretty robust refueling infrastructures. Hydrogen fueling stations currently remain scant compared with the proliferating electric vehicle charging network. Therefore, BMW and Toyota want not only to focus on vehicle development but participate in the expansion of the hydrogen refueling infrastructure.
They also cooperate on regional projects for the development of hydrogen refueling stations and the support of low-carbon hydrogen production. That is to say, their goal is to make this a world where hydrogen-powered vehicles can prosper, particularly by calling upon governments to enact policies and make investments that can help build the hydrogen infrastructure. This includes working with other industries and stakeholders to further develop hydrogen as a major part of the global energy mix.
Their collaboration thus coincides with larger global moves that are in place toward the development of hydrogen as a clean energy resource. Hydrogen is increasingly viewed as a key part of the energy transition, particularly in those sectors where it may be impracticable to deploy battery electric solutions-such as heavy-duty transport modes, shipping, and industrial process. As an energy carrier, hydrogen can store excess renewable energy and provide stable supply when demand is at its peak.
Hydrogen’s Contribution to Global Decarbonization
Hydrogen fuel cells have some advantages over battery electric vehicles in terms of their range, refueling times, and energy density. While such latter cars turn out to be quite suitable for an urban environment and smaller trips, the advantages of hydrogen fuel cell cars remain for long-distance transportation, and they can be refueled within minutes, just as their conventional gasoline counterparts.
Hydrogen also plays a very important balancing role for energy supply and demand in renewable energy systems. When renewable energy sources like wind and solar produce more electricity than is utilizable by the grid, excess energy can be utilized in the production of hydrogen through a process known as electrolysis. The produced hydrogen may then be stored and utilized at such instances where energy production is not enough from renewable sources.
This makes hydrogen a very attractive option for governments and industries that want to reduce their carbon footprint. In building hydrogen fuel cell technology and infrastructure, BMW and Toyota are in a good position to take the lead in transitioning to a hydrogen economy.
Future of Hydrogen Mobility
This deal marks a huge leap toward hydrogen mobility between the two firms, BMW and Toyota, meaning a long-term and strategic approach since BMW intends to launch its first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in 2028.
Hydrogen fuel cells are among the most promising means by which a drastically reduced emission level can be achieved, therefore making transport sustainable, as things stand today in the context of car manufacturing. Toyota and BMW support each other in bringing into life a mode of transportation that incorporates hydrogen-powered vehicles into a carbon-neutral future.
Source: BMW Press Release