BMW announced Thursday its plans for its first series-production fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), also known as a hydrogen vehicle, in 2028, according to a press release. 

The announcement is the fruition of joint research and development into hydrogen-powered vehicles between BMW and Toyota. The companies first announced the joint effort in 2022. 

“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 cooperation, it will underscore how technological progress is shaping future mobility,” said Oliver Zipse, BMW AG Chairman of the Board of Management, said in the release.  “And it will herald an era of significant demand for fuel cell electric vehicles.”

BMW says in the release that it has successfully tested the BMW iX5 Hydrogen pilot fleet worldwide. 

The company’s website describes the BMW iX5 concept vehicle as offering long-range capacity, short refueling times and emission-free driving. It claims the vehicle can refuel in three-four minutes and its range is unaffected by weather conditions. 

“The iX5 concept vehicle has up to 401 hp, and can accelerate from 0-60 mph in under 6 seconds, making it as powerful and agile as any other BMW,” the website says. 

It adds the vehicle has an electric range of about 300 miles with a full tank. 

BMW and Toyota are jointly developing the powertrain system for passenger vehicles, the release says. 

“The result of this collaborative effort will be utilized in individual models from both BMW and Toyota and will expand the range of FCEV options available to customers, bringing the vision of hydrogen mobility one step closer to reality,” the release says. “Customers can expect the BMW and Toyota FCEV models to maintain their distinct brand identities and characteristics, providing them with individual FCEV options to choose from. Realizing synergies and amalgamating the total volume of powertrain units by collaborating on development and procurement promises to drive down the costs of fuel cell technology.”

Toyota previously said it plans to develop a hydrogen-powered prototype of its Hilux pickup truck through the partnership. It announced the vehicle had reached the demonstration phase in June. 

The company said it had completed ten prototypes of the vehicle with the support of United Kingdom government funding. It said the next step is an intensive evaluation stage. 

“We are pleased that the collaboration between BMW and Toyota has entered a new stage. 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,” Koji Sato, Toyota president and member of the board of management,” said in BMW’s Thursday 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.”

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Koji Sato, Toyota president and member of the Board of Management (Representative Director) Toyota Motor Corporation and Oliver Zipse, BMW chairman of the Board of Management/BMW.