Bosch, a technology and services supplier, has begun mass production of its fuel-cell power module. The company plans to use hydrogen as a fuel for vehicles. It is working to develop technology for its production and application. By 2030, Bosch estimates that it will make sales of approximately 5 billion euros with its hydrogen technology.
“Here in Stuttgart-Feuerbach, the hydrogen future is about to happen,” said Dr. Stefan Hartung, chairman of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH, at the Bosch Tech Day 2023. “Bosch knows its way around hydrogen, and Bosch is growing with hydrogen.”
Nikola Corporation will be the pilot customer with its Class 8 hydrogen fuel cell electric truck in the 3rd quarter of 2023.
Hydrogen as a solution to reduce carbon in atmosphere
For its hydrogen economy solutions, Bosch relies on global manufacturing network and its expertise in German location.
They have started the production of the fuel cell power module in Feuerbach and Chongqing, China. “Bosch is the first company to produce these systems in both China and Germany,” said Hartung.
Bosch understands that hydrogen leads to a climate-neutral world. Therefore, it plans to invest nearly 2.5 billion euros, between 2021 and 2026, in the development and manufacturing of its H2 technologies. This is more than the amount earmarked in its investment plan for 2021 to 2024. They have more than 3,000 people working in the hydrogen technologies. Most of the employees are from Europe and were internally recruited.
Future ideas to cut on emissions
Bosch is ready to move in the hydrogen economy and this is why it is in demand in H2 production. In the beginning of 2023, it started constructing prototypes for electrolysis using proton exchange membranes. In the fall, it plans to make 1.25 megawatt prototypes for applications. It plans to begin mass production by 2025. Stationary solid-oxide fuel cells can be used for the distributed supply of power and heat.
The company is working on hydrogen engine to develop systems for port and direct injection of hydrogen. Such a means is good for heavy vehicles on long routes that carry loads. Heyn said, “A hydrogen engine can do everything a diesel engine does, but on top of that, it is carbon neutral. It also allows a fast and cost-effective entry into hydrogen-based mobility.”
The hydrogen engine is estimated to be launched in 2024. As of the current date, it has four orders for production projects from all the major economic regions, and expects six-figure unit volumes by 2030.
