Two of the world’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturers are teaming up to form a joint venture for large-scale production of fuel cells.
Volvo Group and Daimler Truck AG have signed a preliminary non-binding agreement to establish the new venture as part of a shared vision of sustainable transport.
The intention is to develop, produce and commercialise fuel cell systems for heavy-duty vehicle applications and other uses.
Martin Daum, Chairman of the Board of Management Daimler Truck AG, said, “Transport and logistics keep the world moving, and the need for transport will continue to grow.
“Truly CO2-neutral transport can be accomplished through electric drive trains with energy coming either from batteries or by converting hydrogen on board into electricity.
“For trucks to cope with heavy loads and long distances, fuel cells are one important answer and a technology where Daimler has built up significant expertise through its Mercedes-Benz fuel cell unit over the last two decades.
“This joint initiative with the Volvo Group is a milestone in bringing fuel cell powered trucks and buses onto our roads.”
Martin Lundstedt, Volvo Group President and CEO, added, “Electrification of road transport is a key element in delivering the so-called Green Deal, a carbon neutral Europe and ultimately a carbon neutral world.
“Using hydrogen as a carrier of green electricity to power electric trucks in long-haul operations is one important part of the puzzle, and a complement to battery electric vehicles and renewable fuels.
“Combining the Volvo Group and Daimler’s experience in this area to accelerate the rate of development is good both for our customers and for society as a whole.
“By forming this joint venture, we are clearly showing that we believe in hydrogen fuel cells for commercial vehicles. But for this vision to become reality, other companies and institutions also need to support and contribute to this development, not least in order to establish the fuel infrastructure needed.”
