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

"Hongqi set high standards for quality and performance when selecting a partner. Our in-depth development and profound technological expertise has proven to be a decisive factor in this. This order further deepens our long-standing partnership. Already during the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, Hongqi shuttle vehicles were equipped with our EKPO fuel cell stacks – and have proven themselves under extreme weather conditions. We are delighted that Hongqi has once again chosen EKPO's fuel cell technology," said Carole Brinati, Managing Director of EKPO.

The new order builds on EKPO’s connect with China, which has been strategically promoting its hydrogen economy for years. EKPO founded a Chinese subsidiary in 2022 and built up extensive development and production capacities.

The PEMFC stack module NM12-Single is suitable for applications in the passenger car sector and light commercial vehicles. It offers high power density with a compact design and low weight. It is based on robust and reliable technology that relies on low hydrogen consumption for reduced operating costs and longer ranges. In addition, simplified system integration is ensured by function-integrated media modules, assured quality and comprehensive documentation. NM12 Single as well as all other EKPO stack platforms are manufactured in an automated production process according to current automotive standards.

The China FAW Group, formerly China First Automobile Works, is one of China's oldest and largest automobile manufacturers. Headquartered in the northern Chinese city of Changchun, Jilin Province, FAW has manufacturing facilities in northeast China's Jilin, Liaoning and Heilongjiang provinces, east China's Shandong Province and Tianjin City, southern China's Guangxi Autonomous Region and Hainan Province, and southwest China's Sichuan and Yunnan provinces.