Ballard Power Systems and Linamar Corporation announced the unveiling of its concept hydrogen fuel cell powered class 2 truck chassis. The technology demonstration platform is showcased this week at the ACT Expo (https://www.actexpo.com/) displayed in a RAM 2500 truck chassis. Testing on the new platform is underway and will continue in 2022 and 2023.

Linamar and Ballard announced a strategic partnership in May 2021 to co-develop fuel cell powertrains for class 1 and 2 vehicles. This demonstration platform is a result of the partnership’s progress.

The class 2 truck chassis integrates Ballard’s 8^th generation heavy duty fuel cell module, the FCmove-HD+, launched late last year. The FCmove-HD+ is more compact, lighter, and built with fewer components than Ballard’s previous 100kW module. These enhancements result in lower total lifecycle cost while maintaining leading operating performance, high efficiency, and wide operating ranges for the Linamar-Ballard powertrain.

The demonstration platform features Linamar’s Rolling Chassis concept which highlights its advanced electrification and fuel cell technology under its new sub-brand, eLIN. eLIN is showcasing its FlexForm conformable hydrogen storage system, which utilizes advanced manufacturing materials and techniques to provide customers efficient hydrogen storage of up to 25% more storage capability than conventional tanks. eLIN also incorporates a wide range of electric drive axle products and in-house battery technology into the demonstration platform that are currently available to customers worldwide.

Randy MacEwen, CEO, Ballard Power Systems said, “We are encouraged by this demonstration milestone with Linamar to create leading zero emission vehicles for class 1 and 2 trucks. The quick refueling times, long range capabilities and payloads comparable to diesel vehicles make our hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles a competitive zero emission solution. We believe the evolution of our technology and strategic partnership with Linamar continues to position us at the forefront in this growing market.”

“The work our teams have accomplished through this partnership to commercialize fuel cell solutions for light duty vehicles is truely transformative. The demonstration chassis and its systems really showcase the plug-and-play nature of our technologies,” said Linamar CEO Linda Hasenfratz, “This demonstration concept will make the evolution from Battery Electric Vehicles to Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles seamless and drive real change in terms of environmental sustainability.”