cellcentric launches BZA375, a 375 kW single-system fuel cell for heavy-duty trucks

cellcentric, the joint venture between Daimler Truck and the Volvo Group, has unveiled its latest heavy-duty fuel cell system, the BZA375, at Hannover Messe. This next-generation unit delivers up to 375 kW of continuous net power from a single package, a significant advancement over its predecessor, the BZA150, which required two systems operating in parallel. The new design simplifies integration and offers greater flexibility for vehicle manufacturers, marking a pivotal shift in fuel cell architecture for heavy-duty trucks. The BZA375 boasts substantial improvements in efficiency and performance. Fuel consumption is reduced by 20%, enabling a fully loaded 40-ton truck to consume less than 6 kg of hydrogen per 100 km under real-world conditions, with a driving range exceeding 1,000 km. Additionally, waste heat generation at 300 kW net power has been cut by 40%, allowing for more compact cooling systems. Power density has increased by 40%, while the component count has decreased by the same margin, resulting in a system weight below 500 kg that maintains payload capacity comparable to diesel trucks. Nicholas Loughlan, cellcentric’s Chief Technology Officer, emphasised that the BZA375 is specifically designed to meet the demands of heavy-duty, long-haul trucks and highlighted the company’s role as an independent Tier 1 supplier open to partnerships with any OEMs pursuing decarbonisation. The system is also intended for broader applications, including coaches, rail, mining, and stationary power generation, with a unified product strategy aimed at leveraging volume to reduce costs across sectors. Daimler Truck CEO Karin Rådström underscored the complementary roles of battery-electric and hydrogen technologies in the transition to zero-emission transport. Prototype units of the BZA375 are now available for customer testing and validation, with plans to scale up production of mature prototypes for initial fleet deployment. Series production is anticipated to commence around the end of the decade, signalling a significant step forward in the commercialisation of hydrogen fuel cell technology for heavy-duty transport.