Cellcentric and MAHLE cooperate in the supply of fuel cell components

Cellcentric and the technology group MAHLE to cooperate in fuel cell technology for use in heavy-duty commercial vehicles and other applications with comparable requirements.

Cellcentric is the 50:50 fuel cell joint venture of Daimler Truck AG and Volvo Group AB.

The cooperation focuses on developing and producing the system component flat membrane humidifier. Among other things, the innovation improves the durability of the fuel cell and thus ensures a longer service life. The flat membrane humidifier is to be used in fuel cell systems for commercial vehicles and stationary systems, such as emergency power generators.

The flat membrane humidifier from MAHLE plays a supporting role in the fuel cell system. To work as effectively and efficiently as possible, fuel cells must be supplied with sufficient fresh air and humidity.

Conventional humidifiers use small hollow membrane fibres to ensure the correct moisture content in the fuel cell. MAHLE instead uses very thin membranes stacked in layers in the humidifier, thereby ensuring effective humidification of the fuel cells. The higher the humidity in the fuel cell, the more efficiently it works and the longer its service life.

Cellcentric CEO, Matthias Jurytko, said, “Cellcentric has the intention to become a world-leading manufacturer of fuel cells. Our fuel cell is explicitly designed for use in heavy trucks.”

Martin Wellhöffer, Corporate Executive Vice President at the MAHLE Group, said, “The agreement reached between MAHLE and cellcentric represents a valuable step towards a joint strategic future in the development of zero-emission powertrains.”

Martin Weidlich, Member of the MAHLE Management Board, said, “The agreement is a vote of confidence in MAHLE’s technological expertise. The fuel cell is an important pillar of our Group strategy as part of our technology-open approach to designing climate-neutral mobility.”