From 2028, BMW’s Plant Steyr in Austria will begin series production of BMW’s third-generation hydrogen fuel cell systems, bringing zero-emissions powertrains into its mainstream product range.
Prototype systems are already being made at BMW’s hydrogen centres in Munich and Steyr, while additional components will be supplied from the Landshut tech hub.
“The launch of the first-ever fuel cell production model from BMW in 2028 will add another exceptionally efficient high-performance drive system with zero emissions to our technology-open product portfolio. The choice of Steyr as the production location clearly demonstrates our commitment to a European innovation footprint. The BMW competence centres in Munich and Steyr have a key role to play in the development of pioneering fuel cell systems.”
Joachim Post, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development.
Compared to the second-gen units used in the iX5 Hydrogen, the new setup is about 25% more compact, with significantly improved power density and efficiency. It’s also designed for integration into future BMW vehicle platforms.
This third-generation system is being co-developed with Toyota, as part of an ongoing partnership. While BMW designed the complete system, the core fuel cells themselves come from Toyota. This lets both brands streamline development and procurement across commercial and passenger vehicle applications.
Updates include upgraded components, smarter operating strategies, and improved energy management, all contributing to a longer range and lower consumption.
Hydrogen Hub in Munich
At BMW’s Munich hydrogen centre, prototypes are currently being built and tested. These early-stage units focus not just on design, but also on scalable manufacturing techniques and quality control. They include the full suite of components, from the fuel cells themselves to cooling systems and hydrogen-air subsystems, all in a compact package.
These prototypes are being used to refine both system-level and vehicle-level integration strategies before full-scale production begins.
Steyr to Lead Production
The Plant Steyr facility, which already builds BMW’s latest electric motors and combustion engines, is being retooled to handle fuel cell system production. New test rigs, facilities, and manufacturing equipment are in development as the plant prepares for its expanded role in BMW’s electrified future.
“We are proud to be producing another innovative drive technology at Plant Steyr in future alongside the latest generation of electric motors and combustion engines. This, together with the development expertise we have available on-site, makes our plant a prime example of the BMW Group’s technology-open approach.”
Klaus von Moltke, Senior Vice President Engine Production at BMW AG and Director of BMW Group Plant Steyr.
Landshut Supplies Key Components
BMW Group Plant Landshut will manufacture critical elements of the hydrogen drive system, including the new BMW Energy Master. This unit manages power delivery across 400–800 volts and also serves as a data interface for the high-voltage battery.
Prototype production for the Energy Master is set to begin in mid-2026 at Plant Dingolfing, with full component production at Landshut ramping up shortly after. Landshut will also build the housing and pressure plate for the upcoming hydrogen model, as it did for the iX5 Hydrogen.
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