Bosch is taking the next step to help fuel cells as emission-free drive solutions achieve a global breakthrough. Together with the premium commercial vehicle manufacturer Qingling Motors, the company has now established a JV in China, named Bosch Hydrogen Powertrain Systems (Chongqing) Co. Ltd.

The new company will develop, assemble and market fuel cell systems – so-called Fuel Cell Power Modules – in China. The goal is to pool the technology and market expertise of both partners and contribute to the development of the Chinese fuel cell market and the transformation of the automotive industry there. According to the Energy Saving and New Energy Vehicle Technology Roadmap 2.0 by the China Society of Automotive Engineers (China-SAE), more than one million vehicles with fuel cell drive systems could be registered in China by 2030.

The JV aims to provide all Chinese vehicle manufacturers with fuel cell systems. The components required for this, such as the fuel cell stack, air compressor with power electronics, and control unit with sensors, come from Bosch, mainly from the plant in Wuxi. Small-scale production will start there this year. Also in 2021, a test fleet of 70 Qingling trucks equipped with Bosch’s Fuel Cell Power Module will hit the road. The market launch of the fuel cell system is planned for 2022/2023.

Bosch is bringing its knowledge in fuel cell systems to the JV. As a manufacturer with a complete portfolio ranging from light to medium to heavy trucks and a strong commitment to electrification and fuel cells, Qingling is contributing its commercial vehicle know-how as well as years of experience in the Chinese truck market.

"China is the most important growth market for electromobility,” said Stefan Hartung, Bosch board of management member and chairman of the Mobility Solutions business sector. "Especially for large, heavy vehicles that travel long distances, the fuel cell offers clear advantages over the battery-electric powertrain."