Automotive Industry
German Start-up Begins Pilot Production of Fuel Cells for Heavy Trucks
Cellcentric has begun pilot production of fuel cell systems for heavy trucks at its assembly plant in Esslingen, Germany. Photo courtesy Cellcentric
ESSLINGEN, Germany—Cellcentric, a joint venture between Daimler Truck and the Volvo Group, has begun pilot production of fuel cell systems for heavy trucks at its assembly plant here.
The start-up hopes to supply fuel cells on a large scale by the end of the decade, when fuel cell powered long-haul trucks are expected to be a key technology for sustainable transportation.
“Fuel cell technology is a well-proven solution for carbon-neutral long-distance heavy-duty transportation,” says Lars Johansson, chief commercial officer and chief organizational officer of Cellcentric. “However, fuel cells have not yet been produced on an industrial scale, which is the key to achieving economies of scale, optimizing the total cost of ownership, and putting Cellcentric in a solid competitive position in the long term.”
Spanning more than 10,300 square meters, Cellcentric’s Esslingen assembly plant employs more than 100 people.
With pilot production begun, Cellcentric plans to establish the processes needed for large-scale production of fuel cell systems with a high degree of vertical integration.
In addition to producing fuel cells for heavy trucks, Cellcentric is developing the drive systems that will be powered by the cells. It’s also working on ways to recycle and remanufacture used fuel cells at the end of their life cycle.Looking for quick answers on assembly and manufacturing topics? Try Ask ASM, our new smart AI search tool. Ask ASM
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