BMW Group Plant Regensburg announced plans to transform its production logistics with hydrogen-powered vehicles starting in 2026. The innovative initiative will replace the current electric fleet with hydrogen-powered tugger trains and forklift trucks across all transport and logistics operations.
Key Developments in BMW’s Hydrogen Logistics Implementation
The transition encompasses critical production areas including the press shop, body shop, and assembly operations. This strategic shift aims to enhance the plant’s operational efficiency while advancing BMW’s iFACTORY vision of sustainable manufacturing.
Project Manager Katharina Radtke highlights two primary advantages of the hydrogen transition:
- Fast refueling capabilities comparable to conventional fuel systems
- Space optimization through strategically placed filling stations within production zones
Infrastructure Development and Implementation Timeline
The plant will develop comprehensive hydrogen infrastructure including:
- A two-kilometer pipeline network
- Six decentralized filling stations
- Specialized hydrogen delivery and storage trailers
- Expected annual hydrogen consumption of 150 tonnes
The current electric logistics fleet consists of 230 vehicles, including tugger trains and forklift trucks. While these vehicles currently require battery changes twice per shift—a 15-minute manual process—the new hydrogen-powered fleet will eliminate this operational constraint.
Impact on BMW’s Manufacturing Efficiency
The transition to hydrogen power addresses several key operational challenges:
- Eliminates time-consuming battery replacement procedures
- Reduces space requirements for charging infrastructure
- Diversifies the plant’s energy sources
- Streamlines logistics processes
Timeline and Scale of Implementation
The conversion will proceed in phases:
- Initial implementation: 2026
- Complete transition: 2030
- Scope: 230 logistics vehicles
- Coverage: All production areas
About BMW Plant Regensburg
BMW Plant Regensburg, operational since 1986, produces up to 1,400 vehicles daily, including BMW X1 and BMW X2 models. The facility maintains flexible manufacturing capabilities, producing vehicles with various drive trains—from internal combustion engines to fully-electric models—on a single production line.
The plant employs approximately 9,250 staff members, including over 300 apprentices, across its Regensburg and Wackersdorf locations in eastern Bavaria.
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