BMW to Launch 2028 Hydrogen Vehicle as Complement to BEVs Amid Infrastructure Hurdles

BMW Group has announced its commitment to hydrogen fuel cell technology, planning to launch its first hydrogen-powered vehicle into series production by 2028. This move positions the automaker among a growing but niche group of manufacturers exploring hydrogen as a complementary solution to battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The company’s iX5 Hydrogen prototype, based on the X5 model, has already demonstrated competitive performance, with rapid refueling times and zero emissions, though the final production model remains undecided [1].

Jürgen Guldner, BMW’s General Project Manager for Hydrogen Technology and Vehicle Projects, emphasized hydrogen’s potential to address key limitations of BEVs, such as charging time and range anxiety. “A hydrogen vehicle is an electric vehicle—it’s just a different way of storing energy,” he stated, highlighting the shared components like electric motors and the benefits of 3–4 minute refueling [1]. BMW’s approach reflects a broader strategy to diversify its decarbonization portfolio, acknowledging that not all consumers are suited for battery electric vehicles.

The hydrogen industry, however, faces significant hurdles, particularly in infrastructure development. While BEV charging stations have proliferated globally, hydrogen refueling stations remain sparse. In the UK, for example, hydrogen stations have dwindled from 15 in 2019 to four in 2025, compared to 39,733 public BEV charging locations. Guldner noted that scaling hydrogen infrastructure is more costly, with stations priced between $1.5 million and $4 million, compared to $1,000–$50,000 for BEV chargers. Proponents argue that a hybrid approach—investing in both BEV and hydrogen infrastructure—could reduce overall costs. David Wong of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders cited modeling showing that a 90% BEV and 10% hydrogen mix in Germany could save $40 billion in infrastructure costs compared to a 100% BEV network [1].

BMW’s strategy hinges on overcoming these challenges. The automaker has not yet identified target markets for its 2028 launch, citing infrastructure readiness as a key factor. Guldner expressed optimism about future improvements, stating, “Right now, it’s simply not here in the UK. But hopefully in the next few years, development will pick up.” Commercial hydrogen adoption, such as HyHAUL’s focus on long-haul trucking, may serve as a catalyst. Protium Green Solutions’ Chris Jackson highlighted that hydrogen’s economics scale better for heavy transport, requiring fewer vehicles to justify station investments compared to passenger cars [1].

Despite these efforts, consumer adoption remains uncertain. While surveys suggest interest in hydrogen vehicles, actual sales of FCEVs in 2024 totaled just 12,866 globally versus 10.8 million BEVs. Toyota, a leader in hydrogen tech with the Mirai, continues to advocate for choice, but even its Paris-based Hype taxi service has shifted focus to BEVs. BMW’s gamble relies on aligning infrastructure growth with consumer demand, aiming for price parity with BEVs through economies of scale.

The 2028 launch will test whether hydrogen can transition from a niche solution to a mainstream option. Guldner acknowledged the need for market validation: “I am always surprised by surveys where many people say they prefer hydrogen. The question is whether these preferences translate into sales.” With infrastructure and cost barriers still unresolved, the success of BMW’s hydrogen initiative will depend on coordinated industry efforts and consumer willingness to embrace a dual-technology future.

Sources:

[1] [BMW backs hydrogen for transport with first series production car in 2028 — Is H2 the future after all?](https://fortune.com/2025/07/27/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-car-production-2028-battery-electric-vehicle/)