ElringKlinger/Plastic Omnium: Fuel-cell joint venture starts

After contractual arrangements and antitrust approval, the supplier ElringKlinger (60%) and the vehicle networking specialist Plastic Omnium (40%) have now commenced operations of their joint venture, which was established in October 2020, for the development of fuel cell systems for commercial vehicles and other applications. The new company EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies aims to realize technologically leading and cost-competitive fuel cell stacks and components for a wide range of applications. Initially, the focus is primarily on commercial vehicles and buses, but passenger cars are also on the agenda. In the area of special vehicles, trains, and ships, suitable applications with growth potential are also being considered.

"We see the great market potential ahead of us and are determined to achieve the targeted sales volume of EUR 700 million to EUR 1 billion by 2030. Our order book is very strong and production capacities are available," explained the CEOs of the parent companies Stefan Wolf and Laurent Favre.

Furthermore, the company has a convincing technology with high power density, thereby contributing to the path toward zero-emission mobility. From the start, up to 10,000 fuel cell stacks can be produced annually at the company headquarters in Dettingen/Erms, Germany, in accordance with automotive standards, as well as key components such as bipolar plates or media modules. In the coming years, investments will be accelerated to enhance innovations, expand the commercial pipeline, and increase production capacities, the company further reported. By 2030, the company plans to achieve a market share of 10 to 15 percent.