Freudenberg and ZF To Develop Fuel Cell-Based Drive System

Leading commercial grade technology solutions companies Freudenberg and ZF Friedrichshafen AG have joined hands for the long-term strategic development of a hybrid fuel cell/battery drive system for trucks and buses.

At a time when the transport industry is under political pressure to meet the emission standards for a sustainable and emission-free future to protect the environment, Freudenberg and ZF Friedrichshafen AG has already started the “HyFleet” research project to engineer a fuel cell drive for new long-distance bus platforms. 

Dr. Mohsen Sohi, CEO of the Freudenberg Group, explains, “We are investing heavily in the mobility of the future. In battery, hydrogen and fuel cell technology as well as in the development of high-tech components for electric vehicles. The long-term cooperation with ZF agreed-upon today underscores the strategic importance and growth potential that we at Freudenberg see in this sector.”

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“Freudenberg and ZF are longstanding, experienced players in the industry and have complementary technology know-how,” adds Dr. Max Kley, CEO of Freudenberg e-Power Systems. “Through our cooperation, we’re bundling this experience to develop clean e-drive solutions and thus provide targeted support to the industry in achieving its climate goals.”

“Decarbonization is a major aim of the transport industry, and within this, fuel cell technology will be a game changer. Together with Freudenberg, we can offer a ‘one-stop-shop' solution enabling manufacturers to quickly bring e-mobility solutions to market and supporting the industry's transformation towards a more sustainable future,” said Wilhelm Rehm, ZF Board Member with responsibility for Commercial Vehicle Solutions, Industrial Technology and Materials Management. 

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“ZF’s cooperation with Freudenberg will develop highly integrated fuel cell e-drive solutions for the commercial vehicle industry. By reducing manufacturers’ development and project costs, our powerpack solutions will also help to lower the Total Cost of Ownership,” Wilhelm Rehm added.

Further, it has been mentioned that in the initial phase, the cooperation agreement is all set for creating the prototype bus and truck and their demonstration. The first prototype will be introduced within 2023 as per sources. 

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