MAHLE and Ballard Power Systems have agreed to work together on developing fuel cell systems for commercial vehicles of various weight classes.
The long-term goal of the cooperation is to manufacture complete fuel cell systems for the European, North American, and Asian markets. During the first phase of the cooperation, Ballard will be primarily responsible for system design relating to the fuel cell stack. MAHLE is bringing its experience in the areas of thermal management, power electronics, and packaging.
Ballard Power Systems is Canadian fuel cell manufacturer and MAHLE is a known development partner and supplier to the automotive industry. The company has been a series supplier for fuel cell vehicles for several years. The technology group based in Stuttgart/Germany claims to have expertise in the complex air intake system, the electronics, and the temperature control of fuel cell systems. The company consequently expands its application portfolio for hydrogen for some time and also lobbies politically for support for fuel cell technology and hydrogen combustion.
“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” said Dr.Jörg Stratmann, Chairman of the MAHLE Management Board and CEO. “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.”
