
PowerCell
Image: PowerCell Sweden AB
German automotive supplier Bosch has announced its entry into the mobile fuel cell market through and alliance with PowerCell Sweden AB.
Bosch is one of the world's largest suppliers of components for fuel systems for the automotive industry. PowerCell manufactures fuel-cell stacks, which are at the core of hydrogen fuel cells and help convert the gas into electricity. The final agreement includes the joint development of PowerCell S3 by both partners and gives Bosch an exclusive, global right to produce and sell the jointly improved version of the PowerCell S3 in fuel cell systems for automotive applications like passenger cars, trucks and buses for seven years following start of production.
“In the fuel-cell domain, Bosch already has a strong hand, and the alliance with PowerCell makes it even stronger. Commercialising technology is one of our strengths. We are now going to take on this task with determination and develop this market,” said Dr. Stefan Hartung, member of the Bosch board of management and chairman of the Mobility Solutions business sector.
The current version of PowerCell S3 has a power range of 30-125 kW, runs on pure hydrogen and is based on PEM technology. The PowerCell S3 has world-leading power density and is built with bipolar plates made of steel to be able to withstand and function under rough and varying conditions.
“This agreement gives us an unparalleled possibility to leverage our S3 technology within the automotive industry while at the same time providing us with the resources needed for a successful expansion into other product segments”, Per Wassén, President and CEO of PowerCell said. “PowerCell has a clear mission – to save the planet – and with this agreement we get both the market and financial position needed to continue to leverage our cutting-edge technology commercially.”
The automotive industry is coming under increasing pressure to cut emissions of carbon dioxide. Over the last year the EU has imposed new and very strict regulatory demands for CO2 emissions from cars, vans and commercial vehicles like trucks and buses. The EU’s fleet requirements for trucks call for a reduction of CO2 emissions by 15 percent on average by 2025, and 30 percent by 2030.
“This target can only be met with an increased electrification”, Per Wassén, CEO of PowerCell said. “PowerCell with its leading fuel cell technology can play a decisive role here and the cooperation with Bosch presents us with a tremendous opportunity to bring about the change needed.”
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