EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies, a joint venture between ElringKlinger and Plastic Omnium, has announced that it has secured a significant order from a global automotive manufacturer for the supply of mass-produced bipolar plates for the latter’s future fuel cell system.
The contract, which covers an initial term of five years from 2026, is valued at a total volume “in the mid-triple-digit million euro range.” While the automaker’s name has not been disclosed, the order is expected to be a significant boost to EKPO’s business prospects in the fuel cell industry.
EKPO has stated that it will invest a “high double-digit million euro” sum to manufacture the ordered bipolar plates at a new site. The company has previously received orders for fuel cell stacks and bipolar plates from major automotive OEMs, with references to BMW as a likely customer. However, given the limited number of manufacturers currently pursuing fuel cell projects, the order is expected to have come from Stellantis Group, which leads fuel cell development within the group and has previously used fuel cells in vans.
The order for bipolar plates is a significant milestone for EKPO, which has been steadily expanding its presence in the fuel cell market. With the automotive industry increasingly focused on alternative powertrains, EKPO’s technology is expected to play a vital role in the development of fuel cell systems for future passenger cars and commercial vehicles. The joint venture’s investment in new production facilities will enable it to meet growing demand for bipolar plates and other key components, further strengthening its position in the market.
