Ekpo Fuel Cell Technologies, the joint venture between ElringKlinger (60%) and Plastic Omnium (40%), will start operations after all contractual provisions have been implemented and the necessary antitrust approvals have been granted. The new company offers technologically leading and cost-competitive fuel cell stacks and components for a wide range of applications – initially primarily for commercial vehicles and buses and then also for cars. Special vehicles, trains and ships are also suitable areas of application with growth potential.
At the start of EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies, the two CEOs of the parent companies, Dr. Stefan Wolf and Laurent Favre:
We are pleased that business is now starting. We see the great market potential ahead of us and are determined to achieve the targeted sales volume of EUR 700 million to EUR 1 billion in 2030. Our order book is very strong and there is manufacturing capacity. In addition, we have a convincing technology with a high power density to implement our common vision. By successfully establishing fuel cell drives, we are making our contribution on the way to emission-free mobility.
10,000 fuel cell stacks annually
At the company’s headquarters in Dettingen / Erms, up to 10,000 fuel cell stacks a year can initially be manufactured according to automotive standards. Crucial components such as bipolar plates or media modules can also be manufactured. Over the next few years, Ekpo will continue to drive investments to accelerate innovation, expand the commercial pipeline and increase production capacity. The company is aiming to achieve a market share of 10 to 15% by 2030.
Three managing directors
The joint company is headed by three managing directors. Armin Diez (58) was previously responsible for the fuel cell business at ElringKlinger and takes care of the technical and operational tasks. Julien Etienne (43) from Plastic Omnium New Energies is responsible for sales, marketing and program management. Dr. Gernot Stellberger (41), previously head of the “Global Strategy, M&A and Innovations” division at ElringKlinger, will take on the commercial and strategic tasks.
The agreements signed in October 2020 also included Plastic Omnium acquiring ElringKlinger Fuelcell Systems Austria GmbH (Ekat), ElringKlinger’s subsidiary specializing in the integration of hydrogen systems. With the completion of this takeover, Plastic Omnium strengthens its expertise in energy management and the control of hydrogen systems.
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