GROUPE Renault has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with American hydrogen fuel-cell specialist Plug Energy Inc that can enable the French producer to launch its personal fuel-cell electrical automobiles (FCEVs) within the light-commercial automobile (LCV) house.
The MOU will launch a 50:50 three way partnership between the 2 corporations by the top of the primary half of the 12 months, that can see not solely the manufacture and sale of Renault-badged FCEVs, but in addition analysis and growth, and the development of turn-key options round hydrogen fuel-cell expertise.
For Groupe Renault, its transfer into the FCEV house might be based mostly round three pillars, the primary of which is R&D, with the corporate planning to construct an Innovation Centre in France to develop fuel-cell LCVs based mostly on present automobiles.
The primary automobiles to be transformed to LCVs would be the Trafic medium van and Grasp giant van, which in Australia are the model’s second and third best-selling fashions respectively.
If the model plans to transform its complete LCV portfolio to FCEV expertise, the following automobiles to obtain the remedy can be the Kangoo metropolis van (which has been bought regionally as an EV previously) and the Alaskan pick-up, which may present a stark level of distinction within the widespread pick-up phase as the one alternative-powertrain providing.
The second pillar is predicated round manufacturing, with Renault and Plug Energy to determine a vertically built-in fuel-cell stack and system manufacturing centre in France for implementation in Renault automobiles, in addition to the manufacture of hydrogen refuelling techniques.
Lastly, the third pillar will give attention to the sale of FCEVs, with the 2 corporations to create a “hydrogen automobile eco-system answer firm”, which is not going to solely provide the sale of automobiles but in addition hydrogen fuelling stations, hydrogen gas and companies.
Renault says providing a full vary of FCEV options will assist speed up adoption amongst industrial fleets.
Pilot fleet deployments will start later this 12 months.
Renault CEO Luca de Meo stated the three way partnership would enable the model to understand its objective of offering FCEV powertrains in its LCV vary.
“This joint-venture undertaking is totally aligned with our technique to supply market prepared H2 options for LCVs,” he stated.
“With Plug Energy, we’ll construct a singular end-to-end gas cell worth chain and provide turnkey options for patrons together with automobiles, refuelling stations and decarbonised hydrogen supply.
“With this undertaking, our ambition is to place France as a bridgehead of business, technical and industrial growth on this key expertise, and to strengthen our management in Europe as our goal is to grow to be the European chief in fuel-cell LCV.”
Plug Energy, an American firm based in 1997, has deployed over 40,000 FCEV techniques for e-mobility and is the world’s largest purchaser of liquid hydrogen.
Having beforehand constructed a hydrogen freeway throughout North America, Plug Energy’s prospects throughout different industries embody Amazon, Carrefour and Walmart.
Plug Energy CEO Andy Marsh stated the partnership would assist lengthen its attain into the European automotive trade.
“Plug Energy prides itself on being at the vanguard of innovation within the hydrogen gas cell trade, which is why we’re thrilled to accomplice with Groupe Renault to grow to be a pacesetter of market gas cell heavy vans in Europe,” he stated.
“We sit up for working with our new companions to mix our expertise with their many years lengthy expertise main the European automotive market.”
