BMW and Toyota to strengthen collaboration on fuel cells

German automaker BMW said on Thursday they will boost joint development of next-generation hydrogen fuel cells with Japan's Toyota Motor. It aims to start its first-ever mass production of a fuel-cell electric vehicle in 2028. The collaboration will extend to improving infrastructure such as setting up hydrogen stations.

The advantages of fuel-cell vehicles over other EVs include a range on a par with gasoline engines, and the short time to refuel compared to recharging. But the challenge for automakers in building a market is that fuel-cell vehicles are expensive.