BMW Thinks the 'Timing Is Right' For Hydrogen. Is It Really?

 As more government entities pull back on their once-overly ambitious fuel economy standards, enthusiasm for electric vehicles is starting to wane. Automakers, too, have announced major investments in gas and hybrid powertrains as the market shifts.

That said, many companies are still looking for ways to wean off gasoline. BMW is one of them.

Alongside Honda, Hyundai, and Toyota, BMW still believes that hydrogen can be a viable source of vehicle propulsion over the next decade. The company debuted the iX5 hydrogen fuel-cell prototype in 2024, and it promises a new hydrogen-powered SUV in just a few years.

In a recent interview, the company tripled down on its commitment to hydrogen.

The 'Timing Is Right' for Hydrogen

General Program Manager for Hydrogen Technology, Dr Jürgen Guldner, told Driving Hydrogen that BMW is moving forward with its plans for fuel-cell vehicle production.

The German automaker's first hydrogen vehicle is scheduled to arrive in 2028, and it will likely be based on the next X5 SUV. Up until now, BMW has never had a production hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle—only prototypes.

'We believe the timing is right. Since we've been pioneering both battery electric and hydrogen technologies, we're ready to lead.' — Dr Jürgen Guldner

Guldner notes that hydrogen infrastructure is improving in key markets across Europe, Japan, and Korea. That could help incentivize automakers to develop hydrogen vehicles at a higher clip.

Alongside BMW's already extensive lineup of electric vehicles, Guldner believes that hydrogen could offer the "best of both worlds."