Shanghai Edrive, a division of Zhongshan Broad-Ocean motor company, has opened the first Chinese facility for the development of Ballard fuel cell modules.
Located in the city of Shanghai, China, the company will assemble Ballard FCveloCity 30kW and 85kW fuel cell engines under a technology transfer, licensing and supply arrangement between Ballard and Broad-Ocean.
Each fuel cell engine assembled will utilize FCveloCity-9SSL fuel cell stacks, manufactured by Guangdong Synergy Ballard Hydrogen Power – a joint venture owned by Guangdong Nation Synergy Hydrogen Power Technology and Ballard.
“Shanghai Edrive’s facility is an important step in our strategy to localize production in China, as the market for heavy-duty fuel cell applications – including buses and commercial trucks – heats up in China,” said Randy MacEwen, president and CEO, Ballard.
“And, this timing dovetails with the recent roll-out of the Shanghai Fuel Cell Vehicle Development Plan, a ground-breaking initiative for large-scale vehicle deployment. The Plan includes annual production targets of 3,000 fuel cell electric vehicles by 2020 and 30,000 fuel cell electric vehicles by 2025.”
The newly opened manufacturing facility covers over 50,00ft2 and will manufacture and test several thousand engines annually. To ensure consistent build quality and engine performance, Ballard has supplied training to Shanghai Edrive.
“Clean fuels reduce carbon pollution and help improve air quality. That’s why Canada supports innovative businesses like Vancouver-based Ballard. Its fuel cells, which are used for electric buses, facilitate affordable zero-emission transportation,” said Catherine McKenna, Canada’s minister for environment and climate change.
“Ballard is commercializing and exporting clean energy solutions that are in demand here in China, and around the globe.”