Ballard Power Systems and Linamar have announced the formation of a strategic alliance for the co-development and sale of fuel cell powertrains and components for class 1 and 2 vehicles, weighing up to 5-tons, initially in North America and Europe.

With emission regulations, zero-emission vehicle mandates and low emission zones in place in many jurisdictions around the world, there is a key imperative to find green end-to-end solutions that combine zero-emission operation with zero-emissions fuel sources.

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) represent an answer to that challenge.

There is a growing demand for FCEVs that can operate on long duty cycles—without payload compromise—and be rapidly refuelled in order to maximize fleet utilization.

In the initial phase of work under a Framework Agreement, a fuel cell powertrain solution will be developed, with Ballard providing the fuel cell subsystem and Linamar providing the rolling chassis, tanks, enclosures, cradles and other balance of plant needs as well as the final assembly.

Ballard and Linamar contemplate the formation of a joint venture to sell and support powertrains with fuel cell systems and an interchangeable rolling chassis for use in a range of light-duty class 1 and 2 vehicles, including passenger cars, SUV’s, light trucks and commercial vans.

“The establishment of this partnership to commercialize solutions for light-duty vehicles using Fuel Cell technology is transformative for the future of mobility and combines the global technology leadership of two great Canadian businesses,” said Linamar CEO Linda Hasenfratz.

Randy MacEwen, Ballard President and CEO added, “In addition to our existing joint working relationship on the recently announced UPS delivery vans trial in California, we now deepen our collaboration based on a joint vision to provide zero-emission fuel cell powertrains for light-duty vehicles, particularly those that require long-range, extended duty cycle and rapid refuelling.”