Why BMW is betting on hydrogen fuel cell powertrains [View all]

Why BMW is betting on hydrogen fuel cell powertrains

Despite earlier using hydrogen to power internal combustion engines, BMW is turning to fuel cells for its first hydrogen production car, due in 2028.

Automotive News | Peter Sigal | September 29, 2024

BMW has committed to building a series production hydrogen fuel cell car, even as other automakers focus on using hydrogen to fuel internal combustion engine vehicles.

The automaker said Sept. 5 that it would launch the fuel cell vehicle in 2028, working with Toyota to develop a "next-generation" powertrain using that company's fuel cells. BMW has not said which car will get the technology, but it has been testing iX5 crossovers with fuel cells in 20 countries and producing the model on a limited basis at its factory in Munich.

The hydrogen drivetrain could be an option for a vehicle built on the coming Neue Klasse electric-only architecture. Michael Rath, vice president of hydrogen vehicles at BMW, said the Neue Klasse underpinnings are well suited for fuel cells.



Rath said that on an individual "well-to-wheel" basis, "it's a fact that BEVs are more efficient." But, he argues, a wider view of an EV's life cycle that accounts for raw materials, production and even recycling shows that fuel cells and BEVs have "comparable footprints."...more
https://www.autonews.com/technology/bmw-joins-toyota-hydrogen-fuel-cell-car-plans

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