BMW Group Plant Regensburg Launches Hydrogen-Powered Logistics Fleet

The BMW Group Plant Regensburg is embracing hydrogen for its production logistics: Starting in 2026, hydrogen-powered tugger trains and forklifts will be used for transport and logistics tasks. This includes operations in the press shop, body shop, and vehicle assembly, where components and individual parts are delivered to their precise assembly locations.

The goal of the project is to leverage the benefits of hydrogen propulsion. "The gradual transition from electric to hydrogen-powered vehicles contributes to our BMW iFACTORY, a digital and sustainable factory of the future," says Armin Ebner, Head of the BMW Group Plant Regensburg.

"By switching from electricity to hydrogen in production logistics, we are expanding the energy mix at our plant. At the same time, we are optimizing logistics processes and saving valuable space," explains project manager Katharina Radtke. "The advantage of hydrogen is that refueling, similar to conventional fuels, can be done in a very short time. The necessary refueling stations will be installed decentrally in the various production areas and require very little space."

Currently, the Regensburg plant's logistics fleet operates entirely on electric power. The batteries used in industrial trucks need to be replaced twice per shift. Battery swapping is done manually using a crane, takes about 15 minutes, and requires additional space.

To ensure a comprehensive hydrogen supply in the future, a two-kilometer pipeline network and six decentralized refueling stations will be installed at BMW Group Regensburg by early 2026. These stations will supply the logistics fleet with hydrogen across the various production areas. The hydrogen will be delivered via specialized trailers, which will also serve as interim storage. "Once the conversion is complete, our annual hydrogen consumption will be approximately 175 tons," Radtke adds.

The logistics fleet at the BMW Group Plant Regensburg currently comprises around 230 tugger train tractors and forklifts. The conversion will be carried out gradually and is expected to be completed by 2030.