BMW to Build Third-Gen Fuel Cell Systems in Steyr From 2028
BMW Group Plant Steyr prepares for series production of hydrogen fuel cell systems. From 2028, the plant will manufacture the third generation of the BMW Group’s hydrogen drive system, while competence centres in Munich and Steyr are already building the prototypes. Landshut will supply further drive system components from its technology hub to support the launch.
“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,” says Joachim Post, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development. “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.”
BMW first used a fuel cell drive system supplied entirely by the Toyota Motor Corporation in a BMW 535iA back in 2014. The second generation debuted in the BMW iX5 Hydrogen pilot fleet, with BMW developing the overall fuel cell system and Toyota providing the individual fuel cells. For the new generation, BMW and Toyota jointly develop the powertrain system for passenger vehicles, using core fuel cell technology that creates synergies for both commercial and passenger applications. This close collaboration enables both companies to leverage shared development and procurement, while creating brand-specific models that meet their unique needs.
The third generation of BMW's hydrogen fuel cell technology is becoming increasingly compact, powerful, and efficient. Engineers have reduced the space taken up by the system by approximately 25 per cent and increased power density, enabling a much more compact construction than before. The new system integrates seamlessly into future vehicle architectures, supporting a technology-open approach that gives customers a choice of drive variants. BMW will deliver substantially higher efficiency by upgrading key components based on the jointly developed drive technology with Toyota and by refining operating strategies. These advances increase range and output while reducing energy consumption, marking a clear improvement over the second generation.
At the hydrogen competence centre in Munich, BMW is producing prototypes of highly efficient fuel cell systems. Inside each fuel cell, an electrochemical reaction uses hydrogen from the tanks and oxygen from the air to generate electricity that powers the electric motor and supplies the vehicle with energy. The fuel cell system comprises the fuel cells and all components necessary for efficient operation, including the cooling system and subsystems for hydrogen and air. The compact layout enables the drivetrain to deliver the performance and safety that customers expect from BMW.
Prototype production focuses on developing and validating assembly and testing processes, with teams prioritising industrialisation, quality assurance and long-term scalability. In parallel, engineers use prototypes to refine their operating strategy and validate performance at both system and vehicle levels. These steps prepare BMW fuel cell technology for series production and support future zero-emission mobility.
BMW will start series production of fuel cell systems at Plant Steyr in 2028. The site brings decades of development and production expertise across all BMW Group drive system types. Teams are building new test rigs and production facilities, as well as modifying existing buildings to incorporate the new hydrogen drive technology and refine it continuously for reliability, efficiency, and cost.
“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,” says Klaus von Moltke, Senior Vice President Engine Production at BMW AG and Director of BMW Group Plant Steyr. “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.”
BMW Group Plant Landshut will manufacture key components for fuel cell vehicles. In late May 2026, Landshut will start building new hardware and equipment for the series production of the hydrogen-specific BMW Energy Master. The BMW Energy Master controls the supply of power in the vehicle across a range from 400–800 V and acts as the interface for data from the high-voltage battery. BMW will supplement this control unit with components specifically required for fuel cell applications. In mid-2026, BMW Group Plant Dingolfing will begin producing prototypes of the hydrogen-specific Energy Master, building on the expertise gained from prototypes for the Neue Klasse models produced at the same site.
As with the BMW iX5 Hydrogen pilot fleet, Plant Landshut will once again manufacture the housing and pressure plate for the next model generation. Together, Steyr, Munich, Landshut, and Dingolfing form a European network that advances BMW's hydrogen fuel cell technology, strengthens zero-emission powertrain capability, and supports a technology-open product strategy.
