New MAHLE Hydrogen Test Centre
The new MAHLE test centre for hydrogen applications has been pressed into operation in Stuttgart.
MAHLE has pressed into operations a new test centre for hydrogen applications. Built on a 1,400 sq. m. site in Stuttgart, in Germany, the company has invested around euros two million and is already planning a further expansion. The rigs at the new centre will be used to test components for fuel cells and zero-emissions engines running on hydrogen in order to develop economical and robust system solutions for the automotive industry adding to the company’s strong expertise in the areas of air management, filtration, thermal management, and power electronics. An estimated 100 employees are said to be working on hydrogen-related projects at the technology group’s location. “Our new hydrogen test centre is an important step and another example of a successful transformation project by MAHLE,” says Dr. Martin Berger, Vice President Corporate Research and Advanced Engineering at MAHLE in the company release. “After all, testing at this location was so far linked to combustion engines only,” he adds. Notably, MAHLE has been a supplier for fuel cell vehicles for over a decade now.
The test centre’s activities will focus on developing drive systems and components for heavy-duty commercial vehicles. At the group, the belief is strong that hydrogen in fuel cells and combustion engines are an important contributor to sustainable transport. With this new test centre, the Stuttgart-based automotive supplier is looking at strengthening its research and development activities in the field. As a member of the Hydrogen Council, it is looking at promoting hydrogen technology in line with the global initiative known to consist of leading energy, transport, and industrial companies. The initiative advocates hydrogen as an essential element towards decarbonisation of the entire global economy.
An international development partner and supplier to the automotive industry, the technology group is committed to playing an active role in transforming the mobility of the future by further optimising the combustion engine, driving forward the use of alternative fuels, and lay the foundation for the worldwide introduction of e-mobility and other alternative drives, such as fuel cells. The Group’s product portfolio addresses all the crucial aspects of the powertrain and air conditioning technology. In 2019, MAHLE generated sales of approximately Euro 12 billion and is represented in over 30 countries with more than 77,000 employees across 160 production locations and 16 research and development centres.