German auto supplier Bosch on Monday said it had reached a licensing agreement with Powercell Sweden AB to jointly mass produce hydrogen fuel cells for electrifying heavy-duty commercial vehicles. European Union rules call for trucks to cut carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 15 per cent by 2025, and 30 per cent by 2030 which will force the industry to adopt hybrid and electric powertrains. Hydrogen fuel cells take less time to refuel than electric car batteries, making them more suitable for use in vehicles that need to stay on the road for prolonged periods of time.
One litre of hydrogen contains as much energy as about three litres of diesel, Bosch said, adding that hydrogen fuel cells will power around 20 per cent of electric vehicles by 2030. Under the agreement, Bosch and Powercell will work jointly to develop a polymer-electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell for mass production, Bosch said. Bosch said it had made an investment of mid-double-digit million euros in the agreement with Powercell.
