Monday 29 April 2019 1:00 pm | Updated: Monday 03 June 2019 12:19 am

Bish bash Bosch: German auto supplier signs deal to work with Powercell on HGV fuel cells

Bosch said today it has reached a licensing agreement with Swedish firm Powercell to work together on mass producing hydrogen fuel cells for trucks and lorries.

The German company, which is a major supplier to global car and lorry makers, is heavily involved in the industry-wide effort to meet stringent European Union anti-pollution rules, which will require trucks to cut carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 15 per cent by 2025 and 30 per cent by 2030.

The rules, part of the EU’s bid to ward off the devastating effects of global warming caused in part by the emissions, have forced the auto industry to perform a swift about-turn to adopt hybrid and electric powertrains.

“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 chairman of Bosch’s Mobility Solutions arm Stefan Hartung.

Hydrogen fuel cells refuel faster than electric car batteries recharge, meaning they are more suitable for use in vehicles that need to drive for long periods of time, such as heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). One litre of hydrogen contains as much energy as around three litres of diesel.

Bosch said the investment value was in the mid-double-digit million euros range. It expects hydrogen fuel cells to power around 20 per cent of electric vehicles around the world by 2030.

The two firms with work jointly to develop a polymer-electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell for mass production.

Powercell chief executive Per Wassen said: “With the combined weight of its clout and expertise, Bosch will provide our fuel-cell technology with the chance to gain a foothold in the automotive market. We couldn’t imagine a better partner than Bosch for this.”