BMW is advancing its hydrogen fuel-cell technology with the development of its third-generation system, set for series production in 2028. This new system is 25 percent smaller due to enhanced power density and is designed for high integration with future vehicle architectures, potentially offering various drive system variants. Although BMW has not confirmed its integration with the Neue Klasse models, there is speculation that it might power a future version of the X5, expected in 2026, and could be compatible with the CLAR platform. Additionally, BMW is developing a hydrogen-specific BMW Energy Master, an interface between the battery and vehicle systems, which will be produced later this year for the first Neue Klasse cars.
The new hydrogen system is claimed to be significantly more efficient than its predecessor, with increased range, higher output, and lower energy consumption. This development is part of a collaboration between BMW and Toyota, which has been ongoing for over a decade. Initially, BMW sourced the entire hydrogen system from Toyota. Over time, BMW took more control, designing the system itself while Toyota continued to supply the fuel cells. The current second-generation system powers BMW’s iX5 prototypes, producing 396 horsepower and offering a range of up to 313 miles on the WLTP cycle.
Despite the limited availability of hydrogen fueling stations, many automakers, including BMW, continue to invest in hydrogen as a cleaner alternative to gasoline. The new system’s development reflects BMW’s commitment to expanding its hydrogen vehicle offerings, with the potential to integrate with both existing and future vehicle architectures. This ongoing collaboration with Toyota highlights the strategic importance of hydrogen technology in BMW’s long-term plans, as the company seeks to provide diverse drive system options to its customers.