Hydrogen-powered cars have never quite gotten off the ground. But BMW thinks the new iX5 Hydrogen coming in 2028 can change that.

On this special episode of the InsideEVs Plugged-In Podcast, brought to you in partnership with BMW, Patrick and Tim sit down with Dr. Michael Rath, the automaker’s VP of hydrogen vehicles.

They discuss the history of hydrogen-powered cars—from BMW’s first effort in the 1970s to its 12-cylinder engine that ran on liquified hydrogen to the iX5 Hydrogen going on sale soon. Dr. Rath explains why BMW is still betting big on hydrogen as a zero-emission option for people who can’t conveniently charge a conventional battery-powered EV.

The guys also ask about the challenges facing hydrogen fuel-cell EVs. What would it take to build out hydrogen fueling infrastructure in a major way? Will fuel-cell EVs ever be as popular as battery-powered ones? Are commercial vehicles the best application for this technology?

Stick around for this fascinating conversation about the future of BMW’s hydrogen-vehicle efforts.