Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) formerly had the potential to revolutionise transportation, but the global picture is shifting. Manufacturers are being forced to broaden their strategies by renewed investment in hybrid and internal combustion technologies, decelerating consumer adoption, and regulatory rollbacks.

And although the remarkable shift is affecting most automakers, several, like BMW, are still creating battery electric vehicles as their main product. However, BMW is focusing on hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs) and framing that technology as a longer-term addition to its battery-electric lineup.

Hydrogen as a substitute

At a time when confidence in the widespread adoption of battery electric vehicles has diminished due to their limited range and significant limitations—particularly in the areas where BEVs are most in demand—BMW is rekindling interest in hydrogen. Given some of the issues affecting electric vehicles, such as extended charging times and significantly outdated infrastructure in some areas, hydrogen fuel cells may still be considered a viable alternative. This is despite the fact that BMW now has a robust portfolio of electric vehicles.

Dr. Jurgen Guldner's hydrogen initiative at BMW has made further strides toward a production-ready version using the iX5 hydrogen prototype, which was introduced in 2024. BMW has announced its intention to eventually manufacture a hydrogen-powered production SUV in 2028, which will likely be based on the platform of the next-generation X5. After years of continuous prototype iterations, this would signify BMW's first entry into the mass production of a hydrogen passenger car.

The Argument for Hydrogen

In a recent interview with Driving Hydrogen, Dr. Guldner highlighted that hydrogen fuel cell vehicles merge the advantages of electric drivetrains, including instantaneous torque and no tailpipe emissions, with the quick refuelling durations of gasoline automobiles. This blended approach could help overcome some of the barriers to widespread EV adoption that currently exist, especially in areas with little charging infrastructure.

BMW is not going in this way alone. It keeps working closely with Toyota, extending that partnership for the 2028 model and utilising Toyota's fuel-cell technology in the iX5. This partnership, according to Guldner, aims to improve efficiency and scalability in the creation of hydrogen cars.

Global preparedness and infrastructure

Infrastructure is still a crucial factor in hydrogen's viability. Fuel cell cars cannot be scaled up without a dependable network of refuelling facilities. Although progress has been slow, some areas are beginning to gain traction. In particular, Europe is demonstrating a dedication to policies and investment. More than half of Europe's hydrogen infrastructure capacity is currently provided by Germany, France, and Spain.

In other places, nations like Japan, South Korea, and Australia have started to introduce public hydrogen stations. Brazil is making a lot of money into developing a green hydrogen supply chain. Driven by strategic programs like the EU's Hydrogen Strategy, the worldwide hydrogen market, which was worth $77.8 billion in 2024, is anticipated to increase to $149.3 billion by 2033.

Difficulties and market unpredictability

Hydrogen's function in personal transportation is still unclear despite increased interest. Despite years of research by firms like Honda and Toyota into fuel cell technology, it has not yet been widely used. Hydrogen cars are still restricted to specialised markets, and detractors note that infrastructure growth has lagged significantly behind that of electric charging stations.

In a recent statement, Honda's Chris Martin recognised the gradual adoption, emphasizing that any significant change will first require developing a wider hydrogen economy that caters to both personal and business vehicle uses.

However, manufacturers with current hydrogen development pipelines may discover a renewed motivation to keep investing in the technology as EV momentum appears to be leveling off and regulatory support becomes more divided.

BMW's blended strategy for the future

BMW's stance indicates a careful but adaptable approach. CEO Oliver Zipse has expressed worry about regulatory measures that favor a single technology over others, claiming that such limited strategies might impede long-term advancement. While it does not consider electric vehicles to be the only way forward, the company continues to expand its electric portfolio, with models that offer more than 600 miles of range.

BMW intends to continue manufacturing across three parallel streams for the time being: electric, hydrogen, and internal combustion. This multi-fuel strategy might enable the business to adjust as infrastructure, regulations, and customer preferences change, without making a complete commitment to one propulsion technique in a volatile worldwide market.

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