Hydrogen BMW Receives Funding for Fuel Cell Project

From Sven Prawitz | Translated by AI 1 min Reading Time

BMW is advancing fuel cell development and receives significant support: The federal government and Bavaria are funding the hydrogen project "HyPowerDrive" with USD 317 million.

Starting in 2028, BMW plans to launch a car with a fuel cell drive system.(Image: Jonas Rattel)
Starting in 2028, BMW plans to launch a car with a fuel cell drive system.
(Image: Jonas Rattel)

BMW is receiving a total of USD 317 million from the federal government and the Free State of Bavaria for its hydrogen project "HyPowerDrive." The funds are being provided as part of the European IPCEI initiative. Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder, together with Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder, handed over the funding notification to BMW Development Board Member Joachim Post. The federal government is contributing USD 224 million, while Bavaria is providing USD 93 million.

BMW plans to begin serial production of the iX5 Hydrogen in 2028. The vehicle uses the third generation of the fuel cell system, which BMW developed together with Toyota. According to the company, the system is more compact, powerful, and efficient than previous versions. Initial prototypes are already being built at the competence centers in Munich and the BMW plant in Steyr. The Landshut plant supplies additional components. According to the company, up to 2,500 jobs could be created in this area.

With the new X5, BMW will, according to its own statements, offer five different drive options in one model for the first time starting in 2028—including the hydrogen fuel cell. The automaker continues to focus on technology openness: the portfolio includes conventional drives, plug-in hybrids, battery-electric vehicles, and in the future, the fuel cell.

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