Fuel cell from ElringKlinger exceeds expectations in European ‘GiantLeap’ funding project

  • Multi-year EU-funded project for the development and real-life testing of a fuel cell-powered range extender for electric buses successfully completed
  • Excellent laboratory results of the fuel cells in the bus of the Dutch manufacturer VDL Bus & Coach fully confirmed
  • Performance and operational stability of the stacks not limited even by adverse conditions until the end of the project

Dettingen/Erms (Germany), February 5, 2020 +++
Fuel cell stacks from ElringKlinger AG have achieved outstanding results as part of the European “GiantLeap” funding project. The stacks were attached to an electric bus from the Dutch manufacturer VDL Bus & Coach in a system as a range extender, tested in real traffic and also subjected to adverse conditions in the course of this. Even damaging operating conditions such as fuel undersupply, excessive temperatures and pressures, emergency system shutdowns during the development phase, and human error have not limited the stacks’ performance. According to the final report of the multi-year project, “The overall performance of the system exceeded expectations. […] The ElringKlinger stacks used in GiantLeap performed excellently throughout the project. […] Even by the end of the project, the stacks were within their specified performance range.”

Armin Diez, Head of the Fuel Cell Technology division at ElringKlinger, commented: “We are delighted with the successful conclusion of the project and it once again confirms the outstanding test results achieved by our fuel cell stacks in a real-world application environment. The basis for the implementation of the stack technology used here is formed by patented design features and high-precision manufacturing processes developed from existing products that have already been in series production for decades. This know-how makes our fuel cells a powerful, efficient and sustainable solution for our customers on the road to zero-emission mobility.”

In the “GiantLeap” project, a total of six partner companies and institutions developed and built a fuel cell-powered range extender for battery-electric buses. The range extender includes a system with two stacks installed in it. The fuel cells were used in a separate trailer for the bus and were tested in real road traffic. The project was funded by the EU through the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU). The objective of the FCH JU is to promote research, technological development and demonstration of fuel cell and hydrogen technology in Europe.

ElringKlinger has been active in the research and development of fuel cells for around 20 years and operates in the market as both a system and component supplier. The stacks are based on PEM technology and convert chemical energy into electrical energy and water using hydrogen and oxygen. Due to their high power density, they are predestined for mobile applications with a long range. Areas of application include buses and passenger cars, but also industrial applications such as commercial vehicles and industrial trucks.

Stacks from ElringKlinger for integration into customer systems are available with an electrical output of 2 to 150 kW. They optionally feature highly integrated end plate modules made of injection-molded plastic. These ensure the supply of power to the fuel cell and reduce the complexity and cost of the overall system by taking over system functionalities by means of integrated peripheral components.


About ElringKlinger AG
As a globally positioned, independent supplier, ElringKlinger is a strong and reliable partner to the automotive industry. Whether passenger car or commercial vehicle, with combustion engine, with hybrid technology or as a pure electric vehicle – we offer innovative product solutions for all drive types and thus contribute to sustainable mobility. Our lightweight design concepts reduce vehicle weight, which in turn reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in the case of internal combustion engines and increases the range in the case of alternative drive systems. With pioneering battery and fuel cell technology and electric drive units, we positioned ourselves early on as a specialist in electromobility. We are continuously developing our sealing technology for a wide range of applications. Our shielding systems ensure optimum temperature and acoustic management throughout the vehicle. Dynamic precision parts from ElringKlinger can be used with all drive types. Engineering services, tooling technology and products made of high-performance plastics – also for sectors outside the automotive industry – round off the portfolio. In total, more than 10,000 employees at 45 locations worldwide are involved within the ElringKlinger Group.

About FCH JU
The Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) is a public-private partnership to support research, development and demonstration activities in the field of fuel cell and hydrogen energy technologies in Europe. The aim is to accelerate the market introduction of these technologies and to exploit their potential as a tool for achieving a low-carbon energy system. The three members of the FCH JU are the European Commission, the fuel cell and hydrogen industry, represented by Hydrogen Europe, and the research community, represented by the Hydrogen Europe Research group.

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