Ballard Power Systems has signed a letter of intent to supply two 120kW FCmove-XD fuel cell engines to Ford Trucks, the global brand of Ford Otosan, as they develop a hydrogen fuel-cell-powered vehicle prototype.
The fuel cell engines, which are scheduled for delivery in 2023, will be integrated into Ford Trucks’ F-MAX 44-ton, long-haul tractor truck. The trucks will be built in Turkey, and demonstrations are projected to commence in 2025 along Europe’s Ten-T corridor.
These initiatives directly align with the European Union’s Horizon Europe Zero Emission Freight EcoSystem (ZEFES) project goals, which seek to progress zero emission vehicle adoption in the freight transport industry.
"At Ford Trucks, we invest in alternative technologies that will define the automobile industry's future in accordance with our sustainability aims. Electrification, followed by hydrogen technology, is one of our top priorities. We have a wide range of promising technological talents and capabilities, and our work is progressing quickly and successfully," said Ford Trucks' Vice President Emrah Duman.
The letter of intent also reserves the opportunity for Ballard Power Systems to be named Ford Trucks’ preferred supplier for the serial production of the fuel-cell-powered F-MAX. This is contingent upon the successful completion of the development program and is subject to certain conditions being met.
"We are thrilled to be partnering with Ford Trucks to facilitate market adoption in Europe. We look forward to validating Ballard as their preferred fuel cell supplier and to supporting the integration of their heavy-duty truck platform," said David Mucciacciaro, Ballard's Chief Commercial Officer.
