Ballard Power Systems signs LOI with Ford Trucks for hydrogen fuel cell vehicle development

Ballard Power Systems unveiled plans for a collaboration with Ford Trucks in the development of a hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicle prototype. This partnership is symbolized by the signing of a letter of intent (LOI) and includes an initial purchase order for two FCmove-XD 120 kW fuel cell engines, set to be delivered to Ford Trucks in 2023, with an estimated value undisclosed.

Ford Trucks to Develop Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle with Ballard’s Technology

The global brand of Ford Otosan, Ford Trucks, aims to develop a Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) F-MAX, employing the 120 kW FCmove-XD fuel cell engines provided by Ballard. These engines are to be integrated into Ford Trucks’ F-MAX 44-ton long-haul tractor truck.

Further plans involve building and assembling the fuel cell-powered F-MAX in Turkey, with European Ten-T corridor demonstrations expected to commence in 2025. This is part of the broader European Union’s Horizon Europe ZEFES (Zero Emission Freight EcoSystem) project goals.

Upon the successful completion of the development program and fulfillment of certain conditions, Ballard might be named as the preferred supplier for the serial production of the fuel cell-powered F-MAX.

Ford Trucks and Ballard Power Systems partner to drive zero emission freight transport in Europe. Photo courtesy of The Ford Motor Company.

ZEFES Project and the Future of Zero-Emission Freight Transport

The ZEFES project, where the FCEV F-MAX will be a part, will see collaboration between four truck OEMs, two trailer OEMs, suppliers, logistic operators, and research partners. The goal is to accelerate the integration of Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) for long-distance heavy transport, focusing on efficiency improvements, mass production capabilities, and real-world demonstrations.

Nine different vehicle concepts are expected to be on the road by 2025, running over 1 million kilometres across EU corridors in daily operations. This project represents a significant step in ZEV adoption in freight transport, with vehicles anticipated to carry over 40 tonnes for distances up to 750 km.

Quotes and Reactions

David Mucciacciaro, Ballard Power Systems’ Chief Commercial Officer, stated, “We are thrilled to be partnering with Ford Trucks to facilitate market adoption in Europe. […] We are excited by their ambition towards scaled deployments of F-MAX fuel cell trucks. Our FCmove-XD is an outstanding match for the range, refueling, payload, and packaging requirements of long-haul tractor customers.”

Ford Trucks’ Vice President Emrah Duman expressed, “We are thrilled to be working with Ballard on this critical project. This long-term relationship will generate enormous value in the future. […] As Ford Trucks, we will continue to pioneer future sustainable transportation technologies with R&D investments.”