JAKARTA – Two automotive giants, Toyota Motor Corporation and BMW Group, signed a new agreement on the effort to further strengthen collaboration in developing hydrogen vehicles. The collaboration is purposed for a full-range hydrogen ecosystem toward carbon neutrality with which hydrogen would enable greener mobility options. Combining the expertise of both parties, the two companies will continue to accelerate fuel cell system development along with developing global infrastructure of hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Together, Toyota and BMW are committed to creating a future where hydrogen energy is at the forefront of sustainable mobility.
Koji Sato, CEO of Toyota Motor Corporation
“This joint venture signifies the start of a new chapter for our industry,” declared Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management at BMW AG. “It marks the beginning of the age of high-volume hydrogen fuel cell-powered autos”.
Shared Vision for a Sustainable Future
CEO of Toyota Motor Corporation Koji Sato pointed out that such cooperation goes in line with its multi-path way to sustainable mobility. “We want to accelerate our efforts together with BMW and partners in various industries toward a future in which the hydrogen energy can support the ecosystem,” Sato said on the firm’s official website on Friday, September 6. He also underlined the similar commitment of BMW for greener mobility solutions by reiterating the synergy between both brands.
This is a partnership that doesn’t just involve the manufacturing of hydrogen-powered vehicles but also building up a hydrogen ecosystem, if you will, in the wider sense. This will engender a dependability in infrastructure that will support the global adoption of hydrogen as a clean energy source.
Third-Generation FCEV Systems End
Under the agreement, the two companies are to collaborate on developing a third-generation FCEV system that would be installed in each company’s respective models. This, in turn, would further options for the customers in zero-emission motoring. Thus, the two companies are anticipating using their comprehensive technological strengths with the objective of reaching as many people as possible while making the cars more accessible and appealing.
Roadmap to Mass Production by 2028
One of the critical milestones of this partnership would be when BMW launches its first mass-production hydrogen fuel cell vehicle by 2028. In this respect, development will apply the use of advanced FCEV technology developed jointly with Toyota, with an assurance that the new model will be at high-performance standard but with zero-emission driving.
This alliance also seeks to attain cost efficiencies in the development and procurement process by consolidating the powertrain units, with a view to creating demand for both the commercial and passenger vehicle markets.
Development of the Hydrogen Infrastructure
The two companies also drive a sustainable supply chain actively to match the forecasted demand increase of hydrogen vehicles by creating demand for hydrogen energy and working with key energy-producing companies in building more hydrogen refueling facilities around the world.
It wasn’t long before December 2011 that Toyota and BMW had been extending their collaboration to develop technologies related to alternative energies like hydrogen fuel cells. The joint efforts of both companies have finally nudged them to introduce the BMW iX5 Hydrogen last February. The iX5 Hydrogen rides on the fourth-generation X5 SUV unveiled in 2019 and is a key model in BMW’s attempt to boost infrastructure featuring hydrogen-fueled vehicles across the world.
KEY FEATURES
- Toyota and BMW collaborate to develop hydrogen vehicles and infrastructure.
- Joint effort to create a new fuel cell system for future models.
- BMW plans to launch its first mass-production FCEV by 2028.
- Both companies work to improve hydrogen supply chains and refueling facilities.
- A shared commitment to carbon neutrality and environmentally friendly transportation.
