BMW Group Hydrogen Technology.

With 45 years of experience in hydrogen technology and over 20 in fuel cells, the BMW Group is a pioneer in alternative drive technologies. Now, the new BMW X5 is set to be the first model on the market to offer a choice of five different drives: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid, battery-electric or hydrogen fuel cell. Joining the lineup in 2028, the BMW iX5 Hydrogen will be the first mass-produced hydrogen-powered model in the BMW Group’s portfolio. Its arrival underscores our strategy of offering a diverse range of drive solutions that meet different customer and regulatory requirements worldwide.

For a look back at our innovation milestones and more on the latest developments and options for the future, visit ourhydrogen milestone page.

Hydrogen is considered a promising fuel for the future, with the potential to play a major role in global decarbonisation. By storing excess energy from wind and solar and releasing it later as needed, hydrogen can help to offset fluctuations in the electrical grid and support the more stable and reliable integration of renewables into the energy network. Hydrogen-powered mobility also provides an important complement to electromobility, as it offers a second mainstay alongside battery electric vehicles.

Fuel cells generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction: inside the cells, hydrogen from the vehicle’s tanks combines with oxygen from the air to produce a current that powers the motor. The only byproduct of this process is water vapour. A hydrogen-powered car, therefore, combines zero local emissions and other advantages of electromobility with the fast refuelling of a petrol or diesel car.
The fuel cell system comprises not only the actual cells but also the various other components needed to ensure safe, efficient operation. These include hydrogen and air subsystems, control units and the cooling system. Arranged in a compact layout, they deliver signature BMW power and safety along the drivetrain.

The hydrogen drive technology is based on the third-generation fuel-cell system currently being developed jointly by the BMW Group and the Toyota Motor Corporation. This technical innovation enables a more compact design and improved efficiency. It also combines stronger performance with lower energy consumption. The first prototypes are already being produced at dedicated centres of excellence in Munich and at BMW Group Plant Steyr.
The first-generation hydrogen fuel cell drive – developed entirely by Toyota – was launched in 2014 in the BMW 535iA. The second generation was introduced in the current pilot fleet of BMW iX5 Hydrogen cars. It features a fuel cell system developed entirely by the Munich-based premium carmaker, with individual cells supplied by Toyota.
Today, the BMW Group and Toyota are jointly developing a hydrogen powertrain for passenger cars. Its fuel cell technology is based on third-generation individual cells and offers synergies for both commercial and passenger vehicles. Working closely together, the two partners also benefit from synergies in development and procurement, enabling them to create models that befit their respective brands.

Refuelling a hydrogen car is much like refuelling a petrol or diesel vehicle: a complete refill takes just a few minutes. For drivers who cover long distances, fast refuelling offers clear advantages over recharging a battery-electric car. That’s why the BMW Group supports the development not only of the electric charging network but also of the hydrogen infrastructure.

Alongside developing the new BMW iX5 Hydrogen, BMW is actively involved in establishing hydrogen filling stations. As part of this commitment, the HyMoS (Hydrogen Mobility at Scale) initiative was launched – a collaboration between multiple industry partners and institutions aimed at advancing the ecosystem for hydrogen mobility. The initiative seeks to make systems more economically viable by introducing a standardised solution that meets demand from all types of vehicles, including trucks, buses and passenger cars. This approach enables hydrogen filling stations to be optimally distributed and utilised. 
HyMoS supports existing projects as they evolve, efficiently consolidate demand and optimise hydrogen station operations. A pilot programme has been launched to strengthen existing ecosystems in Germany and France and gather valuable insights for expansion into urban areas – and potentially other countries as well.

The BMW Group has using hydrogen to power plant logistics for more than ten years. In 2013 we set up Germany’s first indoor filling station at Plant Leipzig. Together with our partners, we also use hydrogen beyond the factory gates as part of our efforts to decarbonise transport logistics. The BMW Group is involved in research projects such as H2HAUL and HyCET and is trialling the use of hydrogen in vehicle production in the paint shop at Plant Leipzig.
In the future, the plant in Leipzig will be connected to a hydrogen pipeline approximately 2 km long, which will supply the plant with hydrogen via a core network from mid-2027 onwards. This will replace traditional hydrogen delivery by truck with an industrial pipeline – a globally unique step in automotive production.