
BMW and Toyota are collaborating once again.
The two companies famously collaborated to develop the Toyota Supra and BMW Z4 sports cars, but now the companies are working together on a different project.
BMW Group and Toyota Motor Corporation announced they’re jointly developing the next generation of fuel cell technology to power their fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV).
Toyota already has an FCEV on the Canadian market, the hydrogen fuel cell electric Mirai, while BMW has none.
BMW says it plans to launch its first-ever production fuel cell vehicle in 2028.
A news release from the companies says they both “share the aspiration of advancing the hydrogen economy and have extended their collaboration to push this locally zero-emission technology to the next level.”
“This is a milestone in automotive history: the first-ever series production fuel cell vehicle to be offered by a global premium manufacturer. Powered by hydrogen and driven by the spirit of our co-operation, it will underscore how technological progress is shaping future mobility,” said Oliver Zipse, chairman of the board of management of BMW AG, in the release. “And it will herald an era of significant demand for fuel cell electric vehicles.”
“In our long history of partnership, we have confirmed that BMW and Toyota share the same passion for cars and belief in ‘technology openness’ and a ‘multi-pathway’ approach to carbon neutrality,” said Koji Sato, president and member of the board of management of Toyota Motor Corporation, in the release. “Based on these shared values, we will deepen our collaboration in efforts such as the joint development of next-generation fuel cell systems and the expansion of infrastructure, aiming for the realization of a hydrogen society. We will accelerate our efforts together with BMW and partners across various industries to realize a future where hydrogen energy supports society.”
The companies say they will jointly develop the powertrain system for passenger vehicles, while the two brands will maintain their distinct brand identities and characteristics.
BMW previously tested the iX5 Hydrogen pilot fleet worldwide. The company also plans to offer an existing model in its lineup in an additional hydrogen fuel cell drive system variant.
The two brands are also calling on governments and investors to facilitate the development of a hydrogen infrastructure.
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