BMW Goes Hydrogen: What’s Coming in 2028

BMW isn’t just talking about hydrogen, they’re planning to launch their first hydrogen-powered production model in 2028.

What BMW Has Done So Far

• Pilot program: They tested the BMW iX5 Hydrogen, which is basically a test bed to see how hydrogen fuel-cell tech performs in the real world. 
• Tough conditions tested: Cars were driven in extreme heat (up to ~45°C), dust, inclines, varying humidity, and also in sub-zero cold. The iX5 showed that it can function well in harsh environments. 
• Powertrain layout: The iX5 Hydrogen combines a fuel cell system (≈125 kW / 170 hp), an electric motor (BMW’s Gen-5 eDrive tech), and a specially developed battery. Altogether, it can get to ~285-295 kW (≈400+ hp) output. 
• Range & refuelling: The hydrogen tanks (two of them) hold about 6 kg of hydrogen, giving a WLTP range of ~504 km. Refuelling takes ~3-4 minutes (much faster than charging a battery).

What BMW Is Planning for 2028 and After

• First hydrogen production model will come in 2028. It won’t be a totally new car; rather, it will be an “existing model in an additional hydrogen fuel-cell drive system variant.” So think: a car you know, but with a fuel-cell version. 
• Infrastructure push: BMW is pushing for more hydrogen refuelling stations globally, since you need that network for hydrogen cars to make sense.
• Collaboration: They have teamed up with Toyota for jointly developing “next-generation fuel cell powertrain technology.” 

Why This Matters

• Complement to EVs, not replacement: BMW frames hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) as another tool in the zero-emissions toolbox, alongside battery EVs (BEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and internal combustion (while being phased out). This means they see hydrogen as filling in gaps (e.g. long distances, quick refuels). 
• Performance in extreme conditions: If hydrogen tech works well in heat, cold, etc., it reduces one of the big weaknesses people worry about with battery EVs (like range loss in cold weather, long charging times etc.).
• Fast refueling & good range potential make FCEVs more viable for users who can’t wait hours to charge or who drive long distances regularly.

Key Challenges & What to Watch Out For

• Hydrogen infrastructure: Refuelling stations are still rare in many places, which is a major hurdle. BMW is pushing for more of them, but building them is expensive and requires regulation, safety, supply of hydrogen, etc.
• Cost & complexity: Fuel cell systems are complex, and making them affordable for mass production is nontrivial. The dual-tank setup, compressors, special cooling, etc., all add manufacturing and maintenance complexity.
• Hydrogen source / sustainability: If the hydrogen isn’t produced “cleanly” (i.e. with renewable energy or via methods that don’t emit carbon), then a lot of the environmental benefit is lost.
• Competition with batteries: Battery EV tech keeps improving (cost, density, charging speed). BMW will need to balance investments between BEVs vs FCEVs and figure out where hydrogen makes sense (e.g. heavier vehicles, longer routes, etc.).

What to Expect in the Near Term (2028-2030)

• The first hydrogen model will likely appear in markets with better hydrogen infrastructure or where hydrogen makes more sense (long-haul, commercial, maybe premium segments).
• More pilot testing in different geographies continues, refining durability, safety, and performance.
• BMW (and partners like Toyota) working to bring down costs and increase hydrogen production and distribution infrastructure.
• Possibly hybrid models (fuel cell + battery) that help smooth out limitations of hydrogen alone (e.g. for short trips vs long trips).

Bottom Line

BMW’s move into hydrogen starting in 2028 is a big step. They’re not abandoning batteries, but they see hydrogen fuel-cells as a meaningful piece of the zero-emissions future, especially for customers who need fast refueling and longer range.

It’s exciting, but a lot depends on infrastructure and cost. If those scale well, hydrogen could go from “sometimes useful” to “practically essential” in certain segments.