Groupe Renault and Plug Power will develop hydrogen fuel cell systems (FCEVs) targeting more than 30% of Europe’s FCEV light commercial vehicle market.
The two have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to launch the 50-50 joint venture based in France in the first half of 2021 aimed at light commercial vehicles (LCVs), taxis and commercial passenger transport.
The partnership provides turn-key FCEV solutions with hydrogen fuel, refuelling infrastructures and services, establishing innovation and manufacturing capabilities in France for hydrogen fuel cell systems and their integration in vehicles.
This strategic project supports the decarbonisation of mobility in Europe with the adoption of clean energy solutions, the two companies say.
A global leader in hydrogen ecosystem solutions, Plug Power has deployed more than 40,000 fuel cell systems, built 110 refuelling stations, and is a technology leader in green hydrogen solutions via electrolysis.
The initial focus will be on the heavy van segment utilising Renault’s Trafic and Master vehicle platforms.
“With this project, our ambition is to position France as a bridgehead of industrial, technical and commercial development in this key technology, and to strengthen our leadership in Europe as our objective is to become the European leader in fuel cell LCV,” Renault chief executive Luca de Meo says.
He will launch Renault’s new strategic plan ‘Renaulution’ on January 14 at 8.30am Paris time (8.30pm NZ/6.30pm Australia) which is expected to include hydrogen and EV projects.
