Fuel cell and batteries for heavy-duty mobility, Ballard and Forsee Power sign MoU

Ballard Power Systems and Forsee Power, the latter specializing in smart battery systems for sustainable electromobility, signed a MoU for a partnership to develop fully integrated fuel cell and battery solutions, optimized for performance, cost and installation for heavy-duty hydrogen mobility applications. The markets of bus, truck, rail, marine and off-road are all involved in the newly-announced partnership, which is expected to increase technological performance, optimize costs, extend service life, and reduce customer friction points by providing pre-integrated and optimized electric powertrain solutions. Not long ago, Ballard announced another valuable partnership, this time with Eaton and National Renewable Energy Laboratory for the development of highly efficient hydrogen fuel cells.

Ballard and Forsee will jointly develop the EMS

For the planned integrated solution, Ballard will supply the fuel cell system and related controls, and Forsee Power will supply the battery system and related battery management system, cooling system and high voltage DC/DC conversion system. The parties will jointly develop the EMS to optimize the hybrid fuel cell and battery system architecture. Ballard and Forsee Power have each been supplying the same verticals, and some of the same customers, with fuel cell modules and battery systems since 2016.

Potrebbe interessarti

Ballard for engines, Quantron for vehicle design. Partnership announced at IAA Mobility

According to the initial framework, Quantron will integrate Ballard's latest generation FCmove heavy-duty fuel cell power modules into its electric truck platforms.

Make the fuel cell electric vehicle experience simpler

«A key element of our corporate strategy is to simplify the fuel cell electric vehicle experience for OEM customers and end users», said Randy MacEwen, Ballard’s President and CEO. «Our clear goal is to create more value for our customers. We are working to improve FCEV powertrain and vehicle performance, lower lifecycle costs, and simplify powertrain and vehicle systems integration and service. We believe fuel cells and batteries are highly complementary and can be integrated together in a smart and compelling architecture that optimizes performance».

«I am delighted with the signing of this strategic MOU with Ballard, with whom we share the same ambition to develop sustainable, zero emission mobility. This partnership is expected to provide key strategic advantages: technological know-how, industrial capacities, and geographical coverage to capture the growth of the hydrogen vehicle market», replied Christophe Gurtner, Chairman & CEO of Forsee Power.