- BMW will begin production of its third-gen hydrogen fuel cell systems at Steyr in 2028.
- The new system is 25% more compact, delivers higher efficiency, and is future-ready.
- Landshut will manufacture hydrogen-specific units and other key components.
BMW is doubling down on hydrogen power, with its Steyr plant in Austria set to begin series production of the brand’s third-generation fuel cell systems in 2028.
Prototypes are already being built at the company’s hydrogen competence centres in Munich and Steyr, with Landshut also tapped to supply key components.
Smaller, smarter, stronger
The upcoming hydrogen system is claimed to be more compact, taking up around 25% less space than the current version, while offering improved power density and efficiency.
BMW says the design allows seamless integration into future platforms, supporting its “technology-open” strategy of offering multiple drivetrains side by side. That means more range, lower energy use and greater flexibility across passenger and commercial applications.
The system builds on BMW’s earlier hydrogen efforts: the first-gen setup borrowed entirely from Toyota and appeared in a 2014 535i prototype, while the second-gen powered the limited iX5 Hydrogen fleet.
This time, BMW has led the system’s development, although Toyota remains a close partner on the core fuel cell technology.
A new commitment
“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,” said Joachim Post, BMW’s board member for development. He also stressed the importance of keeping innovation rooted in Europe, with Steyr chosen as the hub for full-scale build.
Prototype production in Munich is currently validating assembly and testing processes, from cooling and hydrogen supply systems to safety protocols.
At Steyr, new test rigs and facilities are under construction, while Landshut is preparing to manufacture the “Energy Master” control unit managing 400 to 800V power distribution as well as housings and pressure plates.
Hydrogen’s long road
BMW is careful not to pitch hydrogen as a replacement for battery-electric, but rather as another arrow in its quiver.
By 2028, when the Neue Klasse EV rollout will be in full swing, expect Munich’s fuel cell push to quietly slip another drivetrain option into the mix.
