Daimler and Volvo Joint Venture Accelerates Hydrogen Fuel Cell Production in Germany
Key Ideas
  • Daimler and Volvo's joint venture, Cellcentric, has initiated pilot production of hydrogen fuel cells at its Esslingen plant in Germany to scale up to industrial levels by the end of the decade.
  • The collaboration aims to optimize fuel cell technology for CO2-neutral heavy-duty transportation, with plans to introduce a more powerful and efficient NextGen fuel cell system in the late 2020s.
  • Daimler Truck and Volvo Group are testing hydrogen fuel cell vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck and establishing a common hydrogen refueling standard, signaling a strong commitment to sustainable transportation solutions.
  • Both companies are on a trajectory to offer a range of CO2-neutral vehicles in key markets by 2039, showcasing a strategic shift towards hydrogen-powered options alongside battery-electric models.
Cellcentric, a joint venture between Daimler Truck and Volvo Group, has commenced pilot production of hydrogen fuel cells at its plant in Esslingen, Germany. The company plans to further develop, produce, and distribute fuel cell systems on an industrial scale in the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg. With aims to supply fuel cells at a large scale by the end of the decade, the joint venture is positioning itself as a key player in the heavy-duty transportation sector. Cellcentric's focus on industrialization and scaling of production is pivotal for achieving economies of scale and ensuring a competitive edge in the market. The production steps involved in manufacturing the fuel cell systems include ink mixing and coating, membrane electrode assembly, sealing, stacking, and assembly. The current BZA150 generation fuel cell is nearing series production, with plans for a more advanced NextGen fuel cell system that promises increased power and efficiency while offering fuel consumption savings. Additionally, Daimler Truck and Volvo Group are intensifying testing of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, such as the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck, and working on establishing a common hydrogen refueling standard for trucks through the sLH2 initiative. Both companies are committed to offering a full lineup of CO2-neutral vehicles in core markets by 2039, with Volvo Trucks planning to introduce hydrogen fuel cell and hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine configurations for its semis. The collaboration reflects a strategic shift towards sustainable transportation solutions, as seen in Volvo Trucks North America's battery-electric prototype VNL tractor and the testing of fuel cell trucks on public roads. The partnership's efforts highlight a positive sentiment towards hydrogen as a viable alternative in the commercial transportation sector.
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