Daimler Truck and Volvo Group have unveiled plans to manufacture hydrogen fuel cells for trucks in Europe by 2025.
The two companies have launched a new fuel-cell joint venture, cellcentric, which will develop, produce and commercialize fuel-cell systems for both long-haul trucking and other applications.
cellcentric is currently carrying out preparations for pre-series production at a new site in Esslingen near Stuttgart, with operations planning to commence in 2025.
Martin Daum, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler Truck, said hydrogen-powered fuel-cell electric trucks will be key for enabling CO2-neutral transportation in the future.
“In combination with pure battery-electric drives, it enables us to offer our customers the best genuinely locally CO2-neutral vehicle options, depending on the application,” he continued.
“Battery-electric trucks alone will not make this possible. Together with our partner Volvo Group, we are therefore fully committed to our fuel-cell joint venture cellcentric and we are both pushing forward the development of the technology as well as the series production preparations.
“Regarding the necessary hydrogen infrastructure, it is clear that green hydrogen is the only sensible way forward in the long term.”
Martin Lundstedt called for a harmonized EU hydrogen policy framework to accelerate the rollout of hydrogen-based fuel-cells and to support the technology in becoming a viable commercial solution.
“There needs to be greater cooperation between public and private stakeholders to develop the necessary technology and infrastructure, which is why we are calling for united action from policymakers and governments around the world in helping us make hydrogen fuel-cell technology a success,” Mr Lundstedt said.
“Partnerships like cellcentric are vital to our commitment to decarbonizing road transport.”
Australian manufacturing, Daimler Truck, Volvo, hydrogen fuel cells, hydrogen fuel cells for trucks, cellcentric, Battery-electric trucks, EU hydrogen policy
