Toyota and BMW are updating their partnership in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, signing a new memorandum of understanding to accelerate the development of next-generation, zero-emission vehicles. BMW will launch its first hydrogen-powered model in 2028.

Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, but automakers have struggled to market fuel cell vehicles to the public. A severe lack of fueling infrastructure outside of California in the US has prevented hydrogen from becoming as popular or prevalent as battery-electric cars. And vehicle sales have essentially collapsed: only 322 fuel cell vehicles were sold in the US in the first half of 2024, 82 percent lower than a year ago.