Ballard follow-on tech solutions deal with key automotive OEM

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Fuel Cells Bulletin

Ballard follow-on tech solutions deal with key automotive OEM

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anadian-based Ballard Power Systems has signed a follow-on Technology Solutions contract with an unnamed leading global automotive OEM. Under the contract Ballard will provide expertise in PEM fuel cell technology to advance the customer’s membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) development programme related to future versions of its engine for fuel cell electric vehicles. The mandate of Ballard’s Technology Solutions group is to help customers solve difficult technical and business challenges in their PEM fuel cell programmes. Ballard delivers this through customised, bundled technology solutions, including specialised engineering services, access to the company’s deep intellectual property (IP) portfolio and know-how, as well as the supply of technology components. This follow-on contract involves Technology Solutions work that began with this customer in 2014, including technology transfer. MEAs are a key component of each PEM fuel cell, and the MEA-related work in this customer programme is being undertaken by Ballard engineers and test technicians in conjunction with the OEM’s in-house fuel cell technical team. The programme is expected to be completed later in 2016. Ballard has also recently signed deals with Guangdong Nation Synergy Hydrogen Power Technology Co Ltd in China for local manufacturing of stacks for heavy-duty vehicles (in a strategic collaboration with Broad-Ocean) as well as hydrogen fuel cell backup power systems [see pages 8 and 9].

Ballard Power Systems, Burnaby, BC, Canada. Tel: +1 604 454 0900, www.ballard.com

Hyundai, US DOE extend FCEV loan partnership to 2017

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orean automaker Hyundai and the US Department of Energy are extending their fuel cell electric vehicle confirmation programme, originally set to run from 2013 through 2015, to its second phase through 2017. This phase

of the programme will make significant use of a newly opened hydrogen refueling station in Washington, DC. The programme involves Hyundai providing a number of Tucson Fuel Cell cars (known elsewhere as the ix35 Fuel Cell) for daily use and confirmation by the DOE, using existing hydrogen infrastructure. This phase of the programme will make significant use of a newly opened hydrogen refueling station in the Washington, DC region, at a National Park Service facility [see the News Feature on page 13]. The Hyundai/DOE partnership effectively continues preparation for the rollout of FCEVs across the US in the near future. The first phase of the Hyundai/DOE programme focused exclusively on southern California, where the earliest hydrogen infrastructure was rolled out. The second phase further expands the programme’s reach to northern California, Washington DC, Michigan, and Denver. Phase 2 commenced in July, in conjunction with the opening of the National Park Service hydrogen station. Tucson Fuel Cell cars will use this newest DOE-developed hydrogen station extensively. The Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell has been commercially available since 2013 [FCB, March 2013, p2]. Its practicality and reliability have been demonstrated in a number of long-distance journeys, including a recent European road trip from Bergen in Norway to Bolzano in Italy [see the News Feature in July 2016]. Hyundai Motor Europe is opening a new publicly accessible hydrogen station, operated by Air Liquide, at its headquarters in Offenbach, Germany [see page 4]. Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell: www.hyundaiusa.com/tucsonfuelcell Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell: www.fuelcell.eu

MOBILE APPLICATIONS

More Plug Power units for Newark Farmers Market forklift fleet

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ewark Farmers Market in New Jersey has placed an order with Plug Power for 96 next-generation GenDrive® PEM fuel cell units, to operate its electric industrial truck fleet. Newark Farmers Market has utilised GenDrive systems as the sole power source for its electric industrial truck fleet since 2011, and has reinvested in the benefits of Plug Power’s GenDrive fuel cells by adopting the next-generation product.

August 2016