Volkswagen ramps up fuel cell development program with Ballard
by Canadian Manufacturing.com Staff
The current six-year engineering services contract with Volkswagen Group runs to March 2019 and is worth about $140 million
VANCOUVER and INGOLSTADT, Germany—Automotive OEM Audi AG has issued purchase orders to Ballard Power Systems that accelerate “key development activities” under the current long-term Technology Solutions program that Volkswagen Group has with Ballard.
The current six-year engineering services contract with Volkswagen Group runs to March 2019, with an optional two-year extension beyond that date. The contract has an estimated value of C$100-140 million (approximately US$80-112 million at the time of Ballard’s press release).
The resulting HyMotion program encompasses automotive fuel cell stack development as well as system design support activities.
Volkswagen Group recently transferred responsibility for fuel cell development to its Audi luxury brand, and is also accelerating the timeline for series production. The acceleration in HyMotion program activities is focused on reconfiguration of the current fuel cell stack and acceleration in the development of a next-generation fuel cell stack.
Dr. Petra Hackenberg-Wiedl, head of Fuel Cell Office Audi AG and Volkswagen Group said, “We see our future as including electric powertrains, both battery and fuel cell vehicles.”
Randy MacEwen, Ballard President and CEO said, “This acceleration of the HyMotion program confirms Volkswagen Group’s commitment to fuel cell technology and its long-term partnership with Ballard.”
Vancouver-based Ballard Power Systems develops hydrogen fuel cells and clean energy products.
