The BMW Group is pioneering the future of sustainable logistics by integrating hydrogen fuel cell technology into its transport operations. Two zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell trucks have been acquired by BMW as part of the European H2Haul project, marking a significant step towards decarbonizing freight transport. This pilot program will test the practicality and efficiency of hydrogen-powered trucks in real-world logistics scenarios, operating between BMW Group locations in Leipzig, Landsberg, and Nuremberg.
To support the seamless operation of these Bmw Trucks, state-of-the-art hydrogen refueling stations are under construction in Leipzig and Hormersdorf. These stations are designed for rapid refueling with substantial amounts of hydrogen, a crucial element for ensuring the continuous operation of fuel cell trucks within the demanding logistics sector. The H2Haul project is a collaborative effort, bringing together key industry players including Iveco, DHL, and TEAL Mobility, alongside the BMW Group.
“In the realm of global logistics, choosing the optimal mode of transport is paramount for future-oriented and efficient operations. The BMW Group’s commitment to technological openness extends to our transport logistics, and for the first time, hydrogen-powered trucks will be serially deployed for German automotive production,” emphasizes Michael Nikolaides, Head of Production Network and Logistics BMW Group. “This pilot fleet is the culmination of years of collaboration with our partners, representing a crucial milestone in gaining practical experience and further advancing this vital technology.”
BMW Truck Pilot Project: Driving Decarbonization in Heavy Freight
The core objective of the H2Haul project is to rigorously evaluate hydrogen trucks equipped with fuel cell powertrains under realistic operating conditions. This initiative seeks to understand the substantial role these BMW trucks can play in significantly reducing carbon emissions within heavy-duty transportation. By thoroughly testing this technology, the project aims to pave the way for the broader commercial adoption of fuel cell trucks across Europe.
Funded by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, the H2Haul project involves a total of 16 trucks operating across various European countries. Within Germany, BMW Group Logistics will operate two IVECO S-eWay Fuel Cell trucks as part of this program. The operational data and insights gathered from these BMW trucks will be instrumental in refining the technology, accelerating its journey to market readiness, and facilitating its widespread integration into the road freight sector.
A key advantage of hydrogen trucks, including these BMW trucks, lies in their rapid refueling times and extended ranges. These attributes position them as a valuable complement to electric trucks, which are also utilized by the BMW Group, particularly for long-haul routes. Furthermore, hydrogen trucks offer operational flexibility, eliminating the need for extensive charging infrastructure development and network expansion, unlike their battery-electric counterparts.
BMW Group’s Strategy: Reducing Emissions Across Logistics
BMW Group’s participation in the H2Haul project, and the practical deployment of hydrogen fuel cell BMW trucks in long-distance and heavy transport, is a cornerstone of the company’s comprehensive strategy for reducing logistics emissions. This strategy is a vital component of BMW Group’s overarching climate goals, aimed at achieving zero-emission transport logistics.
The cross-departmental “Reduced Logistics Emissions” team at BMW Group is dedicated to developing innovative concepts for CO2 reduction across all facets of the company’s global transport network – encompassing road, rail, and sea. This team rigorously evaluates various drive technologies, anticipating future scenarios and striving to transition the entire global production and distribution network to zero-emission transport. Positive assessments lead to the implementation of pilot projects, such as the BMW truck initiative, and the development of plant-specific concepts. Emission data from these projects is meticulously collected and analyzed to produce comprehensive CO2 reports, guiding further emission reduction strategies.
HyCET Project: Exploring Hydrogen Combustion Engine Trucks for BMW Logistics
In addition to the H2Haul project and fuel cell BMW trucks, the BMW Group is also spearheading the HyCET project, which explores the potential of hydrogen combustion engines in heavy-duty trucks. Under the HyCET project, two 40-ton trucks and one 18-ton truck equipped with hydrogen combustion engines will be integrated into BMW Group Logistics operations in the future. This project is supported by funding from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV). Collaborative partners in HyCET include DHL, Volvo Trucks, Deutz, KEYOU, and TotalEnergies.
By simultaneously testing both hydrogen fuel cell and hydrogen combustion engine technologies, the BMW Group is reaffirming its commitment to technological openness within the transport logistics sector. While hydrogen combustion engines exhibit higher fuel consumption compared to fuel cells, their production costs are lower due to their similarities to established diesel engine technology. Crucially, the exceptionally low emissions from hydrogen combustion qualify these H2 combustion trucks as zero-emission vehicles under EU regulations. Both the hydrogen fuel cell BMW trucks and the hydrogen combustion engine trucks will operate on the same BMW Group Logistics routes and utilize shared refueling stations. This parallel testing will provide valuable data to determine the optimal application areas for each technology within BMW Group Logistics.
Hydrogen Powering Intralogistics at BMW’s Leipzig Plant
The BMW Group’s Leipzig plant has long been a pioneer in the adoption of hydrogen technology within logistics. Notably, in 2013, Leipzig became home to Germany’s first indoor hydrogen refueling station, specifically designed for intralogistics operations. This station facilitates the refueling of forklifts and tugger trains used for internal plant logistics. Over the past decade, the Leipzig plant has expanded its hydrogen infrastructure and now boasts one of the largest fleets of fuel cell-powered industrial trucks in Europe, with over 200 vehicles. Currently, five hydrogen refueling stations are operational within the plant grounds, including a recently added station that enables fully-automated refueling for the first time.
Furthermore, BMW Group Plant Leipzig is the world’s first automotive plant to implement a newly developed burner technology in its paint shop, capable of utilizing both natural gas and hydrogen. Five bivalent, hydrogen-ready burners are currently employed in the application of contrast roof paint on the MINI Countryman. The plant is progressively converting other burners in the paint shop to hydrogen, with the long-term goal of eliminating natural gas usage entirely. This initiative positions the Leipzig plant as a frontrunner in the automotive industry’s transition towards reduced CO2 emissions. “Our vision for Leipzig is the comprehensive decarbonization of production, achievable, in part, through the replacement of fossil fuels with hydrogen,” states Petra Peterhänsel, Head of BMW Group Plant Leipzig, outlining the plant’s long-term strategic direction.
BMW to Launch Hydrogen Production Model in 2028
Building upon its holistic approach to sustainable mobility and the successful global testing of the BMW iX5 Hydrogen pilot fleet, BMW is actively preparing for the series production of hydrogen drivetrain vehicles, slated to commence in 2028. These series production models will be seamlessly integrated into BMW’s existing vehicle portfolio, offering customers a hydrogen fuel cell variant within established model lines. The BMW Group views fuel cell technology as a complementary electric vehicle technology, alongside battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and internal combustion engines (ICEs), reflecting its commitment to a diverse and technologically open approach to sustainable transportation.
