Hydrogen High Tech at BMW Group: Series Production in 2028 is Getting Closer
The BMW Group is preparing for a major milestone in its clean mobility journey: the start of series production of hydrogen fuel cell systems in 2028. With the third generation of BMW’s hydrogen drive technology now in development, the company is solidifying its commitment to a technology-open approach that combines electric, hydrogen, and efficient combustion systems.
From Pilot Projects to Series Production
BMW’s hydrogen journey began more than a decade ago. The first generation of the fuel cell drive system, developed with Toyota, was tested in the BMW 535iA back in 2014. The second generation arrived with the BMW iX5 Hydrogen pilot fleet, showcasing the potential of fuel cells in real-world driving.
The upcoming third generation marks a major evolution: BMW has developed the complete fuel cell system in-house, while continuing to partner with Toyota for the core fuel cell technology. This collaboration leverages synergies across both passenger and commercial vehicles, reducing costs and enhancing innovation.
Third-Generation Fuel Cell: Compact, Powerful, Efficient
The next-generation hydrogen system introduces several breakthroughs:
- Compact Design: The new fuel cell system is 25% smaller, with higher power density for a more efficient layout.
- Seamless Integration: Its design allows integration into future BMW vehicle architectures, ensuring flexibility across product lines.
- Higher Efficiency: Optimized components and new operating strategies deliver greater range, improved performance, and reduced energy consumption.
This ensures that hydrogen-powered BMWs will combine zero-emission driving with the performance and luxury customers expect from the brand.
Technological Expertise in Munich
Prototypes are currently being developed at BMW’s Hydrogen Competence Centre in Munich. Here, engineers are refining the assembly and testing processes, focusing on industrial scalability, quality, and long-term production readiness.
The fuel cell system includes not only the cells themselves but also cooling, hydrogen, and air management subsystems—engineered for BMW’s standards of safety, efficiency, and driving dynamics.
Series Production at Plant Steyr in 2028
The BMW Group Plant Steyr in Austria will lead series production from 2028. Known for decades of expertise in producing combustion engines and electric motors, the plant is being upgraded with new test rigs, production lines, and facilities to support the hydrogen program.
Klaus von Moltke, Senior Vice President Engine Production, highlights:
“We are proud to be producing another innovative drive technology at Plant Steyr in future alongside the latest generation of electric motors and combustion engines.”
This underlines BMW’s technology-open strategy, where multiple powertrain solutions coexist to meet different market and customer needs.
Component Manufacturing at Plant Landshut
BMW Group Plant Landshut will play a vital role in supplying hydrogen-specific components. From 2026, it will produce the BMW Energy Master, a control unit that manages power distribution between 400V–800V systems and integrates data from the high-voltage battery.
The plant will also manufacture housings and pressure plates for the next generation, continuing its contribution from the iX5 Hydrogen pilot fleet.
A Key Step in BMW’s Technology-Open Future
The introduction of fuel cell series production reflects BMW’s conviction that the future of mobility is not one-size-fits-all. With battery-electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cells, and efficient combustion engines coexisting, BMW aims to deliver sustainable mobility without compromising performance, choice, or global adaptability.
Final Note for Drivers in Dubai
Hydrogen technology may soon complement electric and combustion vehicles in global markets, while used cars in Dubai continue to offer drivers affordable access to BMW innovation today. To explore a wide range of used BMW cars and other premium brands in Dubai, visit Auto Trader UAE – the trusted marketplace for finding your next car.
English
العربية
中文
