MAHLE and Ballard Power Systems Inc. have announced a project to develop a range of commercial vehicle fuel cell solutions. The long-term aim is to manufacture complete systems suitable for the European, North American and Asian markets.
Canadian fuel cell manufacturer Ballard will take responsibility for the fuel cell stack system design. MAHLE will aid the development process with its expertise in thermal management, power electronics and packaging.
Dr. Jörg Stratmann, chairman of the MAHLE Management Board and CEO, said, “Climate neutral hydrogen is the energy carrier of the future and, at the same time, key for the achievement of climate targets for medium and heavy commercial vehicles. Through our cooperation with Ballard, we will provide a strong stimulus to the development of fuel cell drives that are suitable for large-scale production.”
MAHLE is an established supplier of fuel cell vehicle technology. It claims particular strengths in overcoming challenges posed by the complicated air intake system, electronics and temperature control.
CEO of Ballard Power Systems Inc., Randy MacEwan, said, “Given increasing policy support for low-emission powertrains in particular, we are pleased to work with MAHLE on driving forward our shared vision of carbon-neutral heavy-duty transport.”