Ballard and Quantron Develop Fuel Cell Trucks

Ballard and Quantron are launching fuel cell electric truck platforms in a strategic partnership. QUANTRON will initially integrate the latest generation of Ballard’s FCmove™ fuel cell energy modules into its electric truck platforms. The first deliveries are planned for the second half of 2022 in Germany.

(Munich/Burnaby) The partnership between Ballard, a global leader in fuel cell technologies, and QUANTRON, a leading company in the integration of electric vehicles, aims to accelerate the market introduction of fuel cell technology. The combined, complementary expertise of Ballard and QUANTRON enables customers to easily access zero-emission fuel cell electric vehicles without compromising on range, payload, vehicle utilization, or total operating costs.

The collaboration initially focuses on integrating fuel cell modules from Ballard’s FCmove™ product line for heavy-duty vehicles into the electric drivetrains of QUANTRON’s vehicles. Currently in development are fuel cell electric vehicles including a 7.5-ton delivery van, a 44-ton heavy-duty truck, and a municipal waste disposal vehicle.

The deployment of fuel cell electric vehicles is planned for the second half of 2022. In Europe, fleet operators have access to various government subsidies and incentives. Recently, Germany committed to covering up to 80% of the costs for converting combustion engines to alternative drives through its electric mobility funding program.

Important Milestone in the Introduction of Fuel Cell Technology for Trucks

Andreas Haller, founder and CEO of Quantron AG: “This is another important milestone for the global growth of QUANTRON. The cooperation with Ballard allows us to bring customized hydrogen commercial vehicles with fuel cell electric drive to market. Today marks the beginning of our joint journey in the development and production of fuel cell electric commercial vehicles.

Accelerating Fuel Cell Technology for Trucks

Robert Campbell, Chief Customer Officer of Ballard Power Systems: “Ballard is excited to work with QUANTRON to accelerate the introduction of fuel cell technology for truck applications. The combination of both companies’ expertise guarantees high-performance hydrogen trucks that meet the growing demand from fleet operators for zero-emission vehicles. Additionally, they create new business opportunities for medium and heavy fuel cell trucks in Germany and Europe. Ballard brings its 8th generation experience of fuel cell modules for heavy-duty vehicles. Ballard’s fuel cells have proven themselves over 85 million road kilometers with more than 3,500 buses and trucks powered by our leading PEM technology.”

Positive Impact on Zero-Emission Transport

Heavy-duty vehicles have a greater impact on emissions and air pollution in our cities than any other vehicle. The crucial role of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in decarbonizing this sector is now embedded in the hydrogen strategies of many European countries. Hydrogen and fuel cell technologies are essential for the industry’s decarbonization efforts. The collaboration between QUANTRON and Ballard will leverage the synergies between battery electric and fuel cell electric drives to enable a more environmentally friendly, faster, and cost-effective decarbonization of the transport sector.

Photo: © QUANTRON