EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies GmbH (EKPO) and China FAW Group (FAW) have signed a contract for the development and supply of fuel cell stack module prototypes. The stacks of the NM12-Single platform will be used in a next-generation fuel cell vehicle of FAW’s premium brand Hongqi.

The NM12 Single PEMFC stack module is currently available with a cell count of 359 cells. At 2.5 bar operating pressure it achieves a power output of up to 123 kW.

EKPO, headquartered in Dettingen/Erms (Germany), is a joint venture between ElringKlinger and Plastic Omnium for the development and large-scale production of fuel cell stacks for CO2-neutral mobility.

China has been strategically promoting its hydrogen economy for years and represents a key future market for EKPO. As a result, EKPO has founded a Chinese subsidiary in 2022 and installed development and production capacities there.

The NM12-Single PEMFC stack module is suitable for applications in the passenger car and light commercial vehicle sectors. It offers high power density combined with a compact design and low weight. It is based on a robust and reliable technology that focuses on low hydrogen consumption for reduced operating costs and longer ranges.