(Esslingen, Germany) – Cellcentric GmbH & Co KG has launched pilot production of fuel cell systems in Esslingen. By the end of the decade, the company aims to develop solutions for fuel cell-powered long-haul trucks. Furthermore, the joint venture between Daimler Truck AG and Volvo Group AB, established in 2021, plans to cover the entire spectrum of fuel cell-related services – from product development and maintenance to end-of-life recycling.
Opening ceremony in Esslingen in the presence of representatives from politics and business. © Cellcentric GmbH & Co KG
"Fuel cell technology is now a tried and tested solution for emission-free heavy-duty transport," says Lars Johansson, Chief Commercial Officer and Chief Organizational Officer. However, there has not yet been any industrial-scale production. But this is "the key to achieving economies of scale," optimizing the "total cost of ownership" and giving the company "a solid competitive position in the long term."
Assembly of the fuel cell components. © Cellcentric GmbH & Co KG
More than 10.300 employees work on 100 square meters. The property, in the immediate vicinity of the B10 federal highway, is part of the Greenfield business park. Cellcentric wants to prepare "the large-scale start of fuel cell systems with a high level of vertical integration" and "establish a complete ecosystem around the highly complex assemblies beyond heavy-duty transport." This means that customers also receive "seamless integration of the drive solutions into vehicle management." In addition, a comprehensive service package should ensure that "maintenance-related downtime and unforeseen failures are reduced to a minimum."
Recycling and refurbishment of obsolete systems
Ultimately, Cellcentric is also planning an environmentally friendly return of the fuel cells at the end of their life cycle: Disused systems could be used for other applications with lighter requirements, reconditioned or even completely overhauled. In May, as reported, Cellcentric announced a more powerful "NextGen" fuel cell system for long-distance trucks. The start of series production is planned for the end of the decade.
Rendering of the planned production facility in Weilheim. © Cellcentric GmbH & Co KG
The pilot production in Esslingen forms the blueprint for the next step: "At the Weilheim site, we will consistently drive forward the industrialization and scaling of the production of fuel cell systems in the coming years," says Johansson. In Weilheim an der Tek, the company had secured 15 hectares for a fuel cell factory. The development of the commercial area there was already decided in 2022. At that time, the majority of citizens voted in favor of the new building. According to the plans, the company wants to create up to 450 new jobs and provide the waste heat from hydrogen production in the commercial area.
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Cellcentric factory in Esslingen. © Cellcentric GmbH & Co KG
