Ballard Plans to Commercialize Vehicle
Fuel Cells by 2010
Ballard Power Systems, which is a participant in two of the U.S. Department of
Energy's Hydrogen Learning Demonstrations, has announced that it plans to
demonstrate a commercially viable fuel cell stack for hydrogen-powered vehicles
by 2010. The company's technology "road map" sets technology targets
for fuel cell stack cost, durability, freeze start and volumetric power density.
Those targets closely aligned with the goals of the DOE's Hydrogen, Fuel Cells
and Infrastructure Program.
“Ever since Ballard stack technology was first introduced into a customer
vehicle demonstration in 1993, timing of commercial fuel cell deployment has
been the number one question for consumers, investors and policymakers. With
today’s release of our Technology ‘Road Map,’ we’re making a public
commitment that Ballard will demonstrate the commercial viability of automotive
fuel cell stack technology by 2010,” said Dennis Campbell, president and CEO,
Ballard.
Ballard plans to develop a fuel cell with the following characteristics:
--5,000 hours of lifetime
--freeze start capability as low as 22 degrees Fahrenheit below zero
--volumetric power density of 2,500 watts per liter
--fuel stack cost of $30 per net kilowatt when produced at a volume of 500,000
units.
Over the next five years, Ballard plans to develop fuel cells that incorporate
such technology advancements as reduced active area, improved catalyst and
increased membrane conductivity, while also capable of being manufactured at
high volumes.
In 2004, Ballard produced a fuel cell stack capable of running for 2,200 hours
under real-world conditions, able to repeatedly start at 4 degrees Fahrenheit
below zero and using 30 percent less platinum catalyst, a key component in fuel
cell costs.
Published 04/14/2005
©
2005 Greenmedia Publishing Ltd.