BMW Gears Up for Hydrogen Powertrain Production

BMW has developed the prototype of their hydrogen fuel cell system that is set to be put into production by 2028.

BMW’s Hydrogen Fuel Cell System Prototype

Image: BMW

BMW’s Munich and Steyr competence centres are currently building the first prototypes of the brand’s in-house-developed hydrogen fuel cell system. The company’s first production model powered by this technology is scheduled to roll off the line at BMW Group Plant Steyr in 2028.

The German marque’s journey with hydrogen-powered mobility began in 2014, when the automaker fitted a Toyota-supplied fuel cell drive system to the BMW 535iA. The second stage came with the BMW iX5 Hydrogen pilot fleet. Now in its third generation, the German marque has developed its own complete fuel cell system, although the individual cells continue to be sourced from Toyota.

According to the Bavarian firm, the latest iteration of the system is more efficient, 25% more compact, and offers improvements in both range and power output. The fuel cell generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen stored in tanks and oxygen from the air. The electricity generated is then used to power the vehicle’s electric motor(s).

Looking ahead, BMW, in partnership with Toyota Motor Corporation, plans to deploy the hydrogen fuel cell powertrain not only in passenger cars but also in their commercial vehicles.

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The post BMW Gears Up for Hydrogen Powertrain Production appeared first on CAR Magazine.


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