Ballard announces partnership with Ford Trucks for fuel cell powered trucks

The partnership includes an initial purchase order for 2 FCmove™-XD 120 kW fuel cell engines that are planned to be delivered by Ballard to Ford Trucks in 2023.

Ford Trucks plans to develop a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) F-MAX as part of the project. The fuel cell engines are planned to be integrated into Ford Trucks' F-MAX 44-ton long-haul tractor truck. Ford Trucks plans to build and assemble the fuel cell-powered F-MAX in Turkey and aims to commence European Ten-T corridor demonstrations in 2025 as part of the EU's Horizon Europe Zero Emission Freight EcoSystem (ZEFES) project goals.

As per the LOI, upon the successful completion of the development programme and subject to certain other conditions, Ballard may be named as the preferred supplier for the serial production of the fuel cell-powered F-MAX.

In the ZEFES project, four truck OEMs, two trailer OEMs, suppliers, logistic operators, and research partners will work together towards the overall goal of accelerating the integration of zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs) for long distance heavy transport.

This work plans to focus on efficiency improvements, mass production capabilities, and demonstrating the use of the technologies in daily operations. In 2025, nine different vehicle concepts are expected to run over 1 million km across EU corridors in real daily operations, guided and validated by a digital platform (to be developed within the project). This project is expected to be a significant step forward for ZEV adoption in the freight transport ecosystem. Vehicles are expected to carry over 40 t for distances up to 750 km, averaging 500 km in daily operation.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with Ford Trucks to facilitate market adoption in Europe. We look forward to validating Ballard as their preferred fuel cell supplier and to support the integration of their heavy-duty truck platform," said David Mucciacciaro, Ballard Chief Commercial Officer.

Ford Trucks' Vice President, Emrah Duman, commented: "At Ford Trucks, electrification, followed by hydrogen technology, is one of our top priorities. Our first fuel cell electric-powered vehicle F-MAX, which we will develop as part of the ZEFES project, will be a significant milestone. We are thrilled to be working with Ballard on this critical project. This long-term relationship will generate value in the future.”

Read the article online at: https://www.globalhydrogenreview.com/hydrogen/04082023/ballard-announces-partnership-with-ford-trucks-for-fuel-cell-powered-trucks/