BMW Group has initiated European road trials of its hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, marking a significant step in evaluating the technology under real-world conditions. The prototypes, known as BMW i Hydrogen Next, are being assessed for reliability, safety, and efficiency, with the company emphasizing their potential to operate seamlessly in everyday driving scenarios. According to BMW, the technology could “become an attractive alternative to battery-electric drive trains – especially for customers who do not have their own access to electric charging infrastructure or who frequently drive long distances.” The firm anticipates these tests could pave the way for a small-series production model in 2022.
The hydrogen fuel cell system in these vehicles integrates individual cells supplied by Toyota, while BMW has engineered the fuel cell stack and the complete drive system. Refueling is notably swift, with the hydrogen tanks capable of being replenished in three to four minutes, delivering “a range of several hundred kilometres in all weather conditions,” as stated by the company. This rapid refueling addresses one of the persistent challenges faced by battery-electric vehicles—charging time—while offering consistent performance regardless of temperature extremes.
Hydrogen, described by the International Energy Agency as a “versatile energy carrier,” has broad applicability across sectors including industry and transportation. Its use in fuel cell vehicles generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water vapor as exhaust. This makes it a compelling zero-emission option, particularly for applications requiring long range and quick turnaround times.
BMW’s exploration of hydrogen propulsion is not new. In November 2006, the company began production of the BMW Hydrogen 7, which it described as “the world’s first hydrogen-powered luxury saloon car.” That model employed an internal combustion engine capable of running on either petrol or liquid hydrogen, highlighting BMW’s early interest in alternative fuels long before the current wave of electrification.
Other major automakers are also investing in hydrogen technology. Jaguar Land Rover recently announced development of a hydrogen fuel cell electric prototype based on the latest Land Rover Defender, with testing planned to evaluate fuel consumption and off-road performance. This initiative aligns with JLR’s broader goal of achieving zero tailpipe emissions by 2036.
Toyota and Honda have both commercialized hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, leveraging decades of research into fuel cell stack efficiency and durability. Smaller innovators such as Riversimple are also contributing to the ecosystem, often focusing on lightweight designs and localized hydrogen supply chains.
The push toward hydrogen is not limited to vehicle propulsion. Volvo Cars revealed a partnership with Swedish steelmaker SSAB to “jointly explore the development of fossil-free, high quality steel for use in the automotive industry.” Central to this effort is the Hybrit project, a collaboration between SSAB, energy company Vattenfall, and iron ore producer LKAB. Hybrit aims to “replace coking coal, traditionally needed for iron ore-based steelmaking, with fossil-free electricity and hydrogen,” potentially reducing the carbon footprint of automotive manufacturing.
Hydrogen fuel cell technology offers several engineering advantages. The high energy density of compressed hydrogen allows for long driving ranges without the mass penalty associated with large battery packs. Moreover, the modular nature of fuel cell systems enables integration into various vehicle platforms, from passenger cars to heavy-duty trucks. Thermal management is also simplified compared to internal combustion engines, as waste heat is lower and more predictable.
However, challenges remain. Infrastructure for hydrogen production, distribution, and refueling is still sparse in many regions, and the economic viability depends heavily on scaling up green hydrogen production—hydrogen generated via electrolysis using renewable energy. Current production methods often rely on natural gas, which diminishes the environmental benefits.
By conducting extensive road tests across diverse European conditions, BMW is gathering critical data on component durability, system integration, and driver experience. These insights will inform not only future vehicle designs but also broader strategies for integrating hydrogen into the transportation energy mix.