Groupe Renault & Plug Power join forces in hydrogen LCV market

14 January 2021 | David Young

Groupe Renault and Plug Power – a fuel cell systems and hydrogen-related services company – have signed a memorandum of understanding to launch a joint venture

Groupe Renault & Plug Power join forces in hydrogen LCV market

Based in France, the partnership will launch in the middle of 2021, positioning the two companies at the forefront of research and development, transformation, manufacturing and sale of fuel cell-powered vehicles and hydrogen turn-key solutions. The joint venture will serve the growing market for fuel cell LCVs, taxis and commercial passenger vehicles.

Bringing the strengths of both organisations together, the partnership will combine Groupe Renault's pioneering experience in new and sustainable energies as well as its strong position in electric light commercial vehicles with Plug Power's 20 years of experience in fuel cell technologies and hydrogen solutions.

A global leader in hydrogen ecosystem solutions, Plug Power has deployed more than 40,000 fuel cell systems, designed and built 110 refuelling stations that dispense more than 40 tonnes of hydrogen daily, and is a technology leader in green hydrogen solutions via electrolysis.

The partnership intends to offer unique, comprehensive products and solutions to the LCV market, based around three key pillars:

  • Research and Development: Groupe Renault and Plug Power intend to establish an Innovation Centre for the development of fuel cell technology and hydrogen fuel cell LCVs based on existing and future Groupe Renault platforms. The initial focus will be on the heavy van segment utilising the Trafic and Master commercial vehicle platforms. This centre will be unique in combining hydrogen fuel cell R&D expertise and vehicles with integrated engineering teams.
  • Manufacturing: The joint venture will combine the vehicle manufacturing capabilities of Groupe Renault with the fuel cell and hydrogen system manufacturing knowledge of Plug Power. A vertically integrated fuel cell stack and system manufacturing centre in France for integration into LCV vehicle platforms will be established. In addition, this manufacturing centre will provide hydrogen refueling systems, a key part of the hydrogen ecosystem.
  • Sales: To accelerate adoption by commercial fleets, a comprehensive ecosystem of support will be created, offering vehicles, hydrogen fueling stations, hydrogen fuel and services to customers.

Groupe Renault and Plug Power will begin sales of fuel cell LCVs in Europe starting in 2021 with pilot fleet deployments.