During Climate Week NYC 2024 in late September, BMW, an official event partner, hosted a daylong program focused on sustainability, particularly the role of hydrogen as a transformative energy source.
The German automaker assembled experts and industry leaders to discuss hydrogen’s potential for vehicles and other sectors, alongside topics such as recycling electric vehicle (EV) batteries and utilizing recycled materials in car manufacturing. Among the speakers was Jürgen Guldner, BMW Group’s general project manager for hydrogen technology and vehicle projects, who provided insights into BMW’s hydrogen strategy following the event.
BMW’s Hydrogen Ambitions
BMW recognizes that addressing climate change requires more than just producing battery-powered vehicles, like its latest EV, the i5. The company is advancing its hydrogen initiatives through the BMW iX5 Hydrogen concept car. Following a hydrogen-powered test fleet launched over the past few years, the powertrain is set to enter production.
However, BMW does not plan to release a dedicated hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). Instead, a hydrogen drive system will be available as an option starting in 2028, complementing BMW’s existing vehicle lineup. “We don’t see FCEVs as competition to BEVs, but as complementary zero-emission powertrains,” Guldner stated.
The iX5 Hydrogen concept boasts 401 horsepower, accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in under six seconds, and has a range of 300 miles.
Challenges in Hydrogen Infrastructure
While production hydrogen models from brands like Honda, Hyundai, and Toyota are limited in availability, BMW is still determining where its hydrogen options will be offered. Guldner emphasized that availability will depend on local hydrogen refueling infrastructure and customer acceptance of hydrogen mobility. Currently, the U.S. has only 55 hydrogen stations, all located in California.
In Europe, BMW is exploring expansion of hydrogen filling stations through various EU initiatives, with potential infrastructure developments in Japan, South Korea, and China.
Market Dynamics for Hydrogen FCEVs
Recently, BMW and Toyota announced a partnership focused on advanced technologies, including hydrogen. Toyota, a leader in consumer hydrogen vehicles with its Mirai, has seen its sales drop significantly; it sold only 318 Mirai units in 2024, an 88.5% decline from the previous year. Hyundai’s Nexo is facing similar struggles, with just 26 units sold in Q3.
Despite these challenges, Guldner remains optimistic about the future of hydrogen in consumer vehicles, suggesting that multiple emission-free drive solutions may be necessary to meet global mobility needs.
Honda’s Hydrogen Innovations
In 2025, Honda will introduce the CR-V e, which it claims is North America’s first production vehicle that combines plug-in battery and fuel cell technology. The vehicle can be charged at home or public outlets while also allowing refueling at hydrogen pumps. The CR-V e
has a range of 270 miles, but like other hydrogen vehicles, it will initially be available only in California.
Meanwhile, Hyundai has also been active in the hydrogen sector, recently unveiling plans to incorporate hydrogen technology into more products at a hydrogen industry event in Seoul. The company currently offers the Nexo FCEV.
As the automotive industry explores sustainable options, hydrogen technology continues to generate interest, despite facing significant infrastructure and market challenges.
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