Defining the new fuel cell standard in heavy-duty applications: cellcentric unveils BZA375

Discover the new BZA375 system from cellcentric: 375 kW of power, 20% lower fuel consumption, and a 25,000-hour service life for emission-free heavy-duty transport.

cellcentric BZA375: Fuel Cell for Heavy-Duty Trucks

Kirchheim/Teck – BZA375 illustrates how fuel cell systems can be optimized for the demands of heavy-duty trucks and further applications with comparable requirements. In less than three years, BZA375 was developed through a combination of innovative solutions, continuous improvement and a solid understanding of customer requirements. Developed to OEM performance and quality requirements, BZA375 is engineered to compete with modern diesel engines in demanding applications.

At the heart of the BZA375 development is a clear focus on optimizing total cost of ownership (TCO) – the decisive factor influencing customers’ purchasing decisions in heavy-duty markets. BZA375 pushes the boundaries of fuel-cell technology and is optimized for this purpose.

“BZA375 is custom tailored for the needs of heavy-duty, long-haul trucks and an excellent fit in other applications with comparable requirements. At cellcentric, we are deliberately set up as an independent Tier 1 supplier and open to partnering with any OEMs that are driving the decarbonization of their portfolios,” says Nicholas Loughlan, CTO of cellcentric.

“Two key technologies will lead the way on our path to decarbonize transport: battery-electric and hydrogen. We’ve already taken important steps, and cellentric’s new fuel cell system is the next major milestone. Building on the success of its predecessor, it represents a new level of efficiency and performance,” says Karin Rådström, President and CEO of Daimler Truck AG.

“With the launch of the BZA375, cellcentric and its partners have created the blueprint for zero-emission long-haul transportation in the heavy-duty segment. This is a game changer for logistics providers and society at large, and it takes us yet another step towards the decarbonization of the industry,” says Martin Lundstedt, President and CEO of Volvo Group.

BZA375 key performance figures at a glance:

Up to 375 kW continuous net power – more than 500 horsepower – out of a single-system package

20% less fuel consumption vs. the previous cellcentric fuel cell system BZA150, enabling a fully loaded 40-ton truck to operate on less than 6 kg of hydrogen per 100 kilometers under real-world driving conditions

40% reduction of waste heat at 300 kW net power vs. BZA150, enabling significantly more compact and cost-effective cooling systems

40% higher power density vs. BZA150 – further facilitating integration into existing vehicle architectures, designed to fit into engine compartments originally developed for conventional 13-liter diesel engines

40% reduction in complexity vs. BZA150, thanks to a significant reduction in components and interfaces

Less than 500 kg weight, allowing payload levels to be maintained at levels customers expect from proven diesel technology

BZA375’s single-system design enables the transition away from the “twin-system” approach so far applied for BZA150 in the heavy-duty truck target application. This design reduces complexity, enables easy incorporation into existing vehicle platforms designed for diesel powertrains, and allows for a more compact, cost-effective integration for cellcentric’s OEM customers.

All these advancements were achieved while maintaining the high durability level that already characterized BZA150: a service life of 25,000 hours – equivalent to a 10-year service life in a heavy-duty truck, comparable to modern diesel engines.

Prototype production of BZA375 has already begun. First prototypes have been undergoing rigorous performance and durability testing for months and are now available to cellcentric’s customers for their own testing and validation activities. Prior to series production, larger volumes of mature prototype systems will already be available to customers for testing, validation and initial fleet applications. Series production is being prepared for the turn of the decade.

With the launch of BZA375, cellcentric presents its fuel cell system not only as a solution for heavy-duty long-haul trucks. While primarily designed and optimized for heavy-duty long-haul trucks, the system is also suited for a broad range of further demanding use cases with comparable requirements: coaches, stationary power generation, rail and mining.

BZA375’s competitive specifications allow cellcentric to further pursue a one-product strategy by enabling the use of a single system across this wide range of applications, creating significant economies of scale and a sizable potential for further cost reduction in fuel-cell technology.

With BZA375, cellcentric, as a Tier 1 supplier, moves from promise to advanced product reality. It is a single, powerful system built on proven cellcentric fuel cell expertise that is ready for integration into validation and industrialization programs – not just in long-haul trucks it was designed for, but wherever heavy-duty work demands zero-emission performance at scale. 

From the highway to the mine, from the rail track to the power grid: BZA375 starts now.

One product, various heavy-duty applications: BZA375 goes beyond the truck

BZA375 is designed for heavy-duty applications with comparable operational requirements – wherever high performance, long operating times and maximum efficiency are essential. While long-haul trucking is its primary use case, the system is equally suited for a broad range of demanding applications, including coaches, rail, mining and stationary power generation. As hydrogen infrastructure continues to develop, this cross-application approach enables cellcentric’s one-product strategy, unlocking economies of scale and accelerating the industrialization of fuel cell technology.

Long-haul trucking is where fuel-cell technology proves its full strength. Vehicle operators require long range, maximum flexibility and minimal downtime – all under strict cost pressure. BZA375 is engineered exactly for this reality. With BZA375, the expected fuel consumption in a fully loaded, 40-ton truck under real-world driving conditions is less than 6 kg hydrogen per 100 kilometers. This enables proven ranges beyond 1,000 kilometers, refueling times comparable to diesel and a durable 25,000-hour lifetime. Combined with significantly improved fuel efficiency, it delivers a compelling TCO case for the most demanding transport missions.

Through its predecessor organizations, cellcentric has decades of experience with bus applications. The first fuel-cell-powered bus, “Nebus”, was built as early as 1997. In subsequent projects, fuel-cell buses have demonstrated their maturity in real-world operation, with individual vehicles having traveled over one million kilometers while carrying passengers.

For long-distance coach travel, fuel cells unlock zero-emission mobility without compromise. High passenger capacity, long routes, and tight schedules require a drivetrain that combines range, comfort, and fast refueling. BZA375 enables exactly that, offering quiet operation, no payload limitations and diesel-like operational flexibility, making it a strong fit for premium long-distance travel.

Stationary fuel cells are an additional compelling use case for BZA375. While automotive-grade fuel cells are admittedly highly specified, the envisioned economies of scale and correspondingly attractive prices still make cellcentric’s systems a very attractive proposition for this market. For operators of stationary fuel cells such as data centers and industrial facilities, they offer at least the same advantages as conventional systems.

In regional and interregional rail-based transport, there is a great need to decarbonize drive units. Not all routes can commercially or technically be equipped with overhead line systems, while battery-electric trains reach their limitations on longer topographically demanding routes or when operating for long periods each day. Fuel cell systems complement existing electrification solutions where overhead line infrastructure or purely battery-electric operation reach their limits: high performance, the ability to combine multiple fuel cell systems into a powerful power unit, efficient hydrogen consumption, short refueling times, and long ranges depending on the sizing of the hydrogen tank on the rail vehicle.

Mining vehicles and machines operate continuously – often in multiple-shift, 24/7 operations – requiring high reliability and minimum downtime for refueling. As in many on-road trucking applications, payload equals profit for the operator: the fact that fuel cell electric vehicles have a comparable vehicle weight to diesel trucks is therefore very valuable. Mines are often far from habitation, meaning they seldom have high-capacity connections to the electrical grid. Many mining companies want to contribute to ESG targets and recognize that with the long investment timelines involved, they need to start early for regulations of the future. Safety, reliability, service, and support over many years are essential, and that is what a well-established fuel cell supplier can deliver.

BZA375 target applications

The successful ramp-up of fuel cell technology and, therefore, BZA375’s full market potential will depend on a comprehensive and synchronized hydrogen ecosystem. Europe is at a crossroads. Without urgent action, we risk missing the chance to build a clean, competitive transport system and losing ground to global competitors. Hydrogen and its ecosystem play a significant role not only for Europe’s economy, but also for Europe’s resilience. 

A combined battery and hydrogen strategy is how we reach net zero while safeguarding prosperity, jobs and strategic autonomy. It could save 300–500 billion euros in infrastructure costs by 2050. Scaling hydrogen mobility could create up to 500,000 high-skilled, future-proof jobs and keep value chains local.

The targeted high production volume and deployment potential of BZA375 further creates a strong positive impulse for the hydrogen ecosystem, showing the potential that lies behind hydrogen as an energy carrier. BZA375 can therefore be seen as a valuable proof point that hydrogen positively impacts Europe’s role as a technological leader and its energy resilience.

To achieve the EU CO₂ targets for 2030 – a 45% CO₂ reduction across the whole truck and bus fleet – approximately 2,000 hydrogen filling stations for heavy-duty trucks and coaches (700 bar / sLH₂) are needed in Europe. Setting up a charging and refueling infrastructure for both battery and hydrogen technologies at the required scale is faster and cheaper than a massive infrastructure upgrade for just one technology: two infrastructures are cheaper than one. 

cellcentric is actively contributing to the entire hydrogen ecosystem ramp-up on political, policymaking and industry association levels, and is part of the Sustainable Transport Forum, an initiative from the European Commission, supporting the revision of the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR).

The hydrogen ecosystem behind the technology

cellcentric develops, produces, and commercializes fuel cell systems for use in heavy-duty commercial vehicles and other applications with comparable requirements. cellcentric is a joint venture of Daimler Truck AG and the Volvo Group founded in 2021. The company leverages the know-how and extensive experience gained from decades of developing fuel cell systems by its predecessor companies. cellcentric’s goal is to become a leading global manufacturer and Tier 1 supplier of fuel cell systems and thus contribute to climate-neutral and sustainable transportation. More than 560 highly qualified employees are continuously advancing cellcentric’s state-of-the-art fuel cell technology. They work in interdisciplinary teams at sites in Kirchheim/Teck, Esslingen, Stuttgart (Germany) and Burnaby (Canada). Roughly 700 individual patents underline cellcentric’s leading role in fuel cell technology development.

About cellcentric

Joachim Ladra

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A covered fuel cell on a cart in front of the cellcentric booth

Joachim Ladra speaks to an audience at the Public Forum about the future of hydrogen

Audience members watch a presentation on hydrogen fuel cells

A view from the audience of the stage at the Public Forum at cellcentric

A speaker at the podium during a technical presentation at the Hannover Messe

Unveiling of the blue cellcentric BZA375 fuel cell by an employee

Close-up of the cellcentric BZA375 fuel cell for heavy-duty commercial vehicles

Presentation on Economies of Scale in Fuel Cell Production

The project team applauds in front of a screen bearing the “BZA375” logo

cellcentric Launch BZA375 Fuel Cell System

cellcentric, the home of advanced heavy-duty fuel cell systems, officially launches its innovative, next-generation product under its official product name: BZA375. Previously known under the project name “NextGen” and unveiled at a dedicated cellcentric event at Hannover Messe (April 20-24, 2026), BZA375 is now ready to make its mark as a product that is available for testing, validation and further industrial scale-up across a broad range of heavy-duty applications. As a Tier 1 supplier with full focus on heavy-duty trucks and similarly demanding applications, cellcentric addresses one of the key challenges in decarbonizing transport with BZA375: making zero-emission drive technology genuinely competitive, durable and broadly applicable for the world’s most demanding applications.

Toyota Motor Corporation aims to join Daimler Truck and Volvo Group as equal shareholder in the fuel cell joint venture cellcentric

Toyota plans to join cellcentric with Daimler Truck and Volvo to advance fuel cell systems for heavy-duty vehicles and accelerate zero-emission transport.

Toyota joins cellcentric: Fuel cell truck alliance

Leinfelden-Echterdingen and Kirchheim u. Teck, Germany / Gothenburg, Sweden / Tokyo, Japan - Daimler Truck AG (Daimler Truck), the Volvo Group (Volvo), cellcentric and Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) have signed a non-binding agreement to cooperate in the fuel cell system joint venture cellcentric. The three companies intend to collaborate based on an equal shareholding with Toyota as the third joint venture partner to cellcentric. The combination of the parties’ complementary experience and know-how will support and advance their joint objective to develop, produce and commercialise fuel cell systems for heavy-duty vehicles and other heavy-duty applications with comparable requirements. Additionally, Toyota and cellcentric intend to jointly manage the development and production of fuel cell unit cells – the core component of fuel cell systems – and directly linked architecture and control elements with the aim of creating competitive products based on the technologies of both companies. 

By combining Daimler Truck and Volvo’s extensive commercial vehicle expertise with Toyota’s fuel cell development, production technology, and manufacturing experience the aim is to further strengthen cellcentric’s technological advantage and market competitiveness. It is intended that cellcentric will be the joint centre of competence that develops, produces and commercialises fuel cell systems for heavy-duty on- and off-road transport and other heavy-duty applications with comparable requirements. Furthermore, through collaboration with industry associations and partners across the entire hydrogen value chain, the partners aim to actively support the development of hydrogen supply and infrastructure in the early stages.

Daimler Truck, Volvo and Toyota have positioned hydrogen as one of the key energy sources to decarbonise transport and will advance technological innovation in fuel cell systems through cellcentric thereby contributing to the realisation of a hydrogen society. 

Karin Rådström, President & CEO, Daimler Truck: “We are proud that Toyota plans to join cellcentric as a shareholder. This will enable us to strengthen development and further scale hydrogen technology, which we believe complements battery-electric drives in decarbonising transport”. 

Andreas Gorbach, Daimler Truck Board Member responsible for Truck Technology and former cellcentric CEO: “Joining forces with the world’s largest automotive manufacturer and fuel cell pioneer is a privilege for us – and a game changer in making hydrogen in transportation a reality and cellcentric the go to place for fuel cell technology in commercial vehicles worldwide.” Martin Lundstedt, President and CEO, Volvo Group: “We are thrilled to explore this collaboration with Toyota, so that we through cellcentric can accelerate and create critical mass for hydrogen applications. This is an important signal to customers, suppliers, and others in the ecosystem. Given the importance of accelerating the transformation into net-zero transportation, the need of great companies coming together and collaborating is more important than ever. Welcoming Toyota onboard will be a big leap towards realising decarbonisation of our industries.”

Koji, Sato, President and CEO, Toyota: “We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to soon be joining Daimler Truck and Volvo Group as partners in building a hydrogen society. cellcentric which possess deep expertise in commercial fields together with Toyota‘s over 30 years of fuel-cell development in the passenger car sector, can combine their strengths to deliver one of the world-leading fuel cell systems for heavy commercial vehicles. Toyota will continue to contribute to realising a hydrogen society alongside like-minded partners.” 

“We are extremely proud that Toyota intends to join as a shareholder of cellcentric - a great sign of trust in our company from one of the world‘s leading automotive companies. Together, in this new set-up, we look forward to seizing the opportunity to significantly improve our company across the entire value chain.” – Nicholas Loughlan, Managing Director and CTO, cellcentric

Daimler Truck, Volvo and Toyota aim for an equal shareholding in cellcentric, which will continue to operate as an independent and autonomous entity, serving a wide range of customers across heavy-duty on- and off- road transport as well as heavy-duty stationary applications. To achieve this equal shareholder structure, Toyota plans to participate in a capital increase in cellcentric by investing in the company. Daimler Truck, Volvo and Toyota will continue to compete independently in all other areas of their respective businesses. The collaboration brings together complementary capacities to achieve the scale and investment efficiency necessary to commercialise competitive fuel cell systems.  

In order to secure hydrogen fuel cells as one of the key technologies to support the decarbonisation of transport worldwide, cooperation has become increasingly necessary. Moreover, this step aims at contributing to the long-term vision of the European Green Deal objectives and the hydrogen society act in Japan. Since its early days, hydrogen has been advanced through collaboration among many stakeholders, and cooperation is the foundation for its growth. Together with like-minded partners, the parties intend to share technological developments and address common challenges, with the aim of achieving sustainable and effective implementation of fuel cell systems for heavy-duty applications.

The signed agreement is non-binding. The parties will continue discussions and aim to reach a legally binding agreement, which will be subject to approval by all relevant parties and by the respective boards and regulatory authorities.

Independent entity with equal partners

cellcentric develops, produces, and commercialises fuel cell systems for use in heavy-duty commercial vehicles and other applications with comparable requirements. cellcentric is a joint venture of Daimler Truck AG and the Volvo Group founded in 2021. The company leverages the know-how and extensive experience gained from decades of developing fuel cell systems by its predecessor companies. cellcentric’s goal is to become a global manufacturer and tier 1 supplier of fuel cell systems and thus make a contribution to climate-neutral and sustainable transportation. More than 560 highly qualified employees are continuously advancing cellcentric’s state-of-the-art fuel cell technology. They work in interdisciplinary teams at sites in Kirchheim/Teck, Esslingen, Stuttgart (Germany) and Burnaby (Canada). Roughly 700 individual patents underline cellcentric’s leading role in fuel cell technology development.

Daimler Truck

Volvo Group

Toyota Motor Corporation

cellcentric

Media Contacts:

Daimler Truck, the Volvo Group, cellcentric and Toyota Motor Corporation have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on fuel cell technology

Toyota intends to join Daimler Truck and the Volvo Group as an equal shareholder in cellcentric 

Upon closing, Toyota will bring its complementary know-how and expertise to the joint venture

All three shareholders intend to further strengthen cellcentric as a leading manufacturer of fuel cell systems for heavy-duty commercial applications

BRUSA HyPower AG is developing a fuel cell interface for fuel cell applications on behalf of cellcentric GmbH & Co. KG

BRUSA HyPower provides a key DC/DC converter for cellcentric’s NextGen fuel cell system – enabling sustainable and climate-neutral transportation.

BRUSA develops Fuel Cell Interface for cellcentric

Kirchheim/Teck - BRUSA HyPower AG, part of the BRUSA Group (alongside BRUSA Elektronik AG and BRUSA Technology AG), is one of the leading manufacturers of power electronics systems for electric and hydrogen mobility solutions. These include DC/DC converters for use in fuel cell systems. With its many years of expertise and innovative strength, BRUSA HyPower AG is now taking on the development of a fuel cell interface (FCI) for cellcentric.

The Fuel Cell Interface (FCI) is a central component of the NextGen fuel cell system, which is scheduled to go into series production in various applications by the turn of the decade onwards. It converts the fuel cell voltage to the high-voltage grid, monitors the fuel cell, safely disconnects from the high-voltage grid if necessary, and supplies high-voltage components within the fuel cell system with electrical energy.

"With our new generation of high-performance DC/DC converters, we are contributing our many years of expertise in power electronics to significantly advance the further development of cellcentric's fuel cell technology. Together, we are shaping the future of climate-neutral mobility," says Dr. Holger Fink, CEO of BRUSA HyPower AG.

cellcentric's goal is to become a leading global manufacturer of fuel cell systems and thus make a significant contribution to sustainable and climate-neutral transportation. As a 50:50 joint venture between Daimler Truck and the Volvo Group, cellcentric is responsible for all activities along the entire fuel cell value chain for use in heavy-duty commercial vehicles and other applications.

By working with BRUSA HyPower, cellcentric is strengthening its global supply chain, including the Asian market, which is considered a driver of growth and innovation. BRUSA HyPower is a leading international manufacturer with locations in Europe, the USA, and Asia, making it an ideal strategic partner.

Markus Siegel, Global Head of Procurement and Aftersales at cellcentric, says: "We are delighted to have gained a partner with an international presence, decades of expertise, and a high level of innovation for this project."

cellcentric develops, produces, and markets fuel cell systems for use in heavy-duty commercial vehicles as the focus as well as offroad applications. cellcentric is a joint venture founded in 2021 between Daimler Truck AG and the Volvo Group. The company utilizes the know-how and extensive experience gained from decades of developing fuel cell systems by its predecessor companies. cellcentric’s goal is to become a leading global manufacturer of fuel cells and thus making a contribution to climate-neutral and sustainable transportation by 2050. More than 560 highly qualified employees are driving our state-of-the-art fuel cell technology forward. They work in interdisciplinary teams at our sites in Kirchheim/Teck, Stuttgart, Esslingen (Germany) and Burnaby (Canada). Roughly 700 individual intellectual property rights were filed, underline the company’s leading role in technological development.

Christian Kleinert

The fuel cell interface (FCI) is the DC/DC converter for the new cellcentric NextGen fuel cell system, which is set to go into series production by the turn of the decade for use in various heavy-duty applications in freight and passenger transport as well as stationary energy generation.

cellcentric's goal is to become a leading global manufacturer of fuel cell systems and thus contribute to climate-neutral and sustainable transportation.

Discover cellcentric's innovative fuel cell systems for climate-neutral mobility. Join our mission to revolutionize sustainable transportation by 2050.

cellcentric: Sustainable Fuel Cells for Mobility

cellcentric's mission is to become a leading global manufacturer of fuel cells, enabling the world to take a major step towards climate-neutral and sustainable mobility by 2050.

We power sustainable life

Our BZA375 fuel cell system is the answer to the heavy-duty long-haul requirements. More than 30 years of experience in fuel cell system development, and optimization and production with automotive focus have culminated in this system.

The game-changer for heavy-duty fuel cell applications

The predecessor system did more than just pave the way for our next generation of fuel cell systems. It also demonstrated our focus on heavy-duty applications and showed that fuel cells can travel long distances on a single charge. This is also the fuel cell system that we produce at our Esslingen plant.

One fuel cell system for multiple use-cases

The success of future sustainability efforts will depend on more than just efficient fuel cell systems. Therefore, a growing hydrogen infrastructure is needed to enable a wider operating radius and more fuel cell trucks. Something as part of the H2 ecosystem, which cellcentric actively supports.

The future fuel for heavy-duty vehicles

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