Ballard Power Systems announced that it has signed a non-binding MOU with Chart Industries, Inc. for the joint development of integrated system solutions that include a fuel cell engine with onboard liquid hydrogen (LH2) storage and vaporization for the transportation industry, with a focus on heavy-duty applications including buses, trucks, rail and marine vessels. 

Liquid hydrogen is well-suited for the transportation industry as its higher density, lower pressure, and ease of filling via liquid hydrogen pump contributes to the ability for larger mobile equipment to travel longer distances, similar to what is possible today with diesel fuel. As part of the development agreement –

• Chart will provide:

• Liquid hydrogen expertise from liquefaction plant to storage, fueling and onboard tanks
• Extensive truck LNG tank experience
• An existing liquid hydrogen onboard vehicle tank prototype design
• Fuel to vehicle connection / interface experience
• LH2 test lab in Minnesota, United States

• Ballard will provide:

• Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell stacks, modules and systems
• Fuel cell mobility experience with over 70m km of vehicle operation
• Market access to system integrators and vehicle OEMs
• Fuel cell testing facilities in British Columbia, Canada and Denmark