Bosch Powertrain Solutions China signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Wuxi National High-tech Industrial Development Zone Administrative Committee. The agreement aims to accelerate the localization and commercialization of hydrogen fuel cells for mobile application and commercial vehicle electrification.

In recent years, the demand for climate-neutral technology in the automotive market is increasing rapidly. To support sustainable development and carbon neutral transportation, Bosch provides diversified powertrain solutions. According to Bosch forecasts, by 2035, half of all new commercial vehicles globally will be powered either by battery or hydrogen.

“We are accelerating the development of fuel cell, hydrogen, and electromobility technologies,” said Dr. Stefan Hartung, chairman of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH. “Bosch will further strengthen the layout and development of new energy vehicle related products in China for the local market, and provide advanced and competitive technologies for local customers.”

Bosch and Wuxi sign strategic cooperation agreement to accelerate localization and commercialization of hydrogen fuel cells and commercial vehicle electrification.

Localization of hydrogen fuel cell products

Bosch has inaugurated its first fuel cell center in Wuxi in early 2021. The center has been working on the localization of development, production, and delivery of key components, including hydrogen fuel cell stacks, electric air compressors, hydrogen gas injectors and anode recirculation blowers.

For instance, in the stack, Bosch is gradually realizing a comprehensive transformation from product import and assembly to the localized production of key components such as the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and bipolar plates. The MEA is the core of the stack, where the electrochemical reaction takes place.

The bipolar plate, on the other hand, distributes reaction gases, conducts heat and electricity, and supports the MEA. As key components of the stack, they require a very high level of technical specification and capability for industrialization.

To better serve the Chinese market and meet local customers' demands, Bosch launched the first high-volume MEA production line globally in Wuxi earlier this year. Additionally, a bipolar plate production line is expected to start operations in 2025.

Innovation of electric drive systems

China is one of the world's largest markets for new energy vehicles. To satisfy the growing local demands for commercial vehicle electrification, Bosch offers innovative electric drive systems and has obtained successful practices.

In 2022, engineered with high torque, high efficiency, lightweight design, and high reliability and safety, the technology excellence is exemplified by the “Grand Slam” victory of a customer vehicle equipped with Bosch bar-winding electric machine and power electronic control unit in the “2022 New Energy Vehicle Challenge”.

In June of this year, Bosch's bar-winding electric machine and power electronic control unit for light-duty electric vehicles will go into local production. Additionally, series production of electric machine and inverters for medium-duty and heavy-duty commercial vehicles is scheduled for 2024.