Ballard Power Systems, a leader in fuel cell solutions, has agreed to collaborate with Ford Trucks on the development of a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCV) prototype. The agreement includes an initial order for two FCmove-XD 120 kW fuel cell engines slated for delivery to Ford Trucks later this year. 

Ford Trucks, a globally recognized brand of Turkey-based, Ford Otosan, is set to design a Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) F-MAX using the Ballard-supplied engines. The plan is to integrate the engines into the Ford Trucks’ F-MAX 44-ton long-haul tractor truck.

Manufacturing and assembly of the hydrogen-powered F-MAX will take place in Turkey. The two companies aim to start European Ten-T corridor demonstrations by 2025. This aligns with the objectives of the European Union’s Horizon Europe ZEFES (Zero Emission Freight EcoSystem) project.

The European Ten-T (Trans-European Transport Network) corridor is an initiative of the European Union that aims to improve the interconnectedness and efficiency of transportation infrastructure across Europe. This initiative involves the development and upgrading of major roads, railways, airports, seaports, and inland waterways across EU member countries.

The ZEFES project brings together four truck OEMs, two trailer OEMs, logistic operators, suppliers, and research partners to expedite the integration of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) for long-distance heavy transport. The focus is to enhance efficiency, facilitate mass production, and prove the viability of these technologies in everyday operations.

By 2025, it is expected that nine different vehicle concepts (four FCEVs and five battery electric vehicles) will cover more than 1 million kilometers across EU corridors in actual daily operations. This initiative is expected to accelerate the use of ZEVs in the freight transport industry.