Cellcentric
Cellcentric is a Daimler Truck, Volvo Group, and Toyota-backed German fuel cell systems manufacturer developing PEM powertrains for heavy-duty trucks, coaches, rail, mining, and stationary power, supplying complete systems as a Tier-1 to commercial-vehicle OEMs for zero-emission long-haul transport.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2021
- HeadquartersKirchheim Unter Teck, Germany
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Cellcentric does
Cellcentric GmbH & Co. KG is a German fuel cell systems manufacturer founded in March 2021 as a 50:50 joint venture between Daimler Truck AG and Volvo Group, with Toyota Motor Corporation joining as a third equal shareholder in 2026. The company develops, produces, and commercializes Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell systems purpose-built for heavy-duty commercial vehicles, where diesel-engine replacement requires high continuous power output, long range, fast refueling, and 24/7 operability that battery-electric drivetrains struggle to deliver. Cellcentric employs more than 560 people across engineering and pilot manufacturing sites in Kirchheim/Teck-Nabern (HQ), Esslingen-Pliensauvorstadt, Stuttgart-Untertürkheim (Germany), and Burnaby (Canada), with a planned KLIMA|WERK gigafactory in Weilheim/Teck targeted for series production around 2030.
The company's product portfolio centers on two fuel cell system generations: the BZA150 (~150 kW per unit, designed for twin-installation at ~300 kW combined) currently powering Daimler Truck's GenH2 Mercedes-Benz prototypes and IPCEI-funded 100-truck small-series; and the BZA375 next-generation single-system platform (up to 375 kW continuous net power, 40% higher power density, 20% lower hydrogen consumption, 25,000-hour service life, under 500 kg) officially launched at Hannover Messe in April 2026. A Fuel Cell Interface (FCI) DC/DC converter co-developed with BRUSA HyPower handles power conversion and high-voltage network integration. Cellcentric supports these products with approximately 700 granted patents and more than 30 years of inherited fuel cell R&D from Daimler Truck, Volvo Group, and Toyota predecessor programs.
The business model is an OEM-embedded Tier-1 supplier model: Cellcentric does not sell to end fleets but delivers complete fuel cell systems (stack, BoP, and FCI) to Daimler Truck, Volvo Group, and other commercial-vehicle OEMs for integration into hydrogen truck, coach, rail, mining, and stationary power platforms. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed. Revenue is currently pre-commercial, with pilot-scale production in Esslingen, prototype fleet trials with operators such as Air Products, Amazon, Holcim, INEOS Inovyn, and Wiedmann & Winz having accumulated over 225,000 real-world kilometers since July 2024, and the first small-series of 100 trucks scheduled for end of 2026. The company is also building a circular services layer (maintenance, refurbishment, remanufacturing, recycling) planned for the post-series-production phase, alongside active participation in hydrogen infrastructure policy via the Global Hydrogen Mobility Alliance, Hydrogen Council, Hydrogen Europe, and the EU Sustainable Transport Forum.
Cellcentric firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Cellcentric
- Legal name
- cellcentric GmbH & Co. KG
- Website
- https://cellcentric.net
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2021
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- Cellcentric is a Daimler Truck, Volvo Group, and Toyota-backed German fuel cell systems manufacturer developing PEM powertrains for heavy-duty trucks, coaches, rail, mining, and stationary power, supplying complete systems as a Tier-1 to commercial-vehicle OEMs for zero-emission long-haul transport.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Cellcentric industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Fuel Cell Systems for Heavy-Duty Vehicles
- NAICS
- Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing (3363), Motor Vehicle Transmission and Power Train Parts Manufacturing (33635)
- SIC
- Motors & Generators (3621), Engines & Turbines (3510)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Truck & Commercial Vehicle Electrification Manufacturing (eAxles/Battery Packs/Fuel Cells) (IMACABAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Fuel Cell Distributed Generation (Hydrogen/Natural Gas SOFC/PEM) (EUACALAK), Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) Manufacturing (IMACACAJ), Hydrogen Energy Storage & Power-to-X Equipment (electrolyzers, storage, fuel cell systems) (IMAGAHAM)
Keywords
Where Cellcentric is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Kirchheim Unter Teck
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices5 records
Markets served
Cellcentric business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Operations, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Fuel Cell System Sales to OEMs: cellcentric develops, produces, and markets fuel cell systems for heavy commercial vehicles and other heavy-duty applications. Revenue is generated through the sale of complete fuel cell systems including BZA150 and BZA375 to vehicle manufacturers such as Daimler Truck and Volvo Group, with series production targeted for end of decade.
- Complete Hydrogen Ecosystem Services: Beyond fuel cell systems, cellcentric plans to offer comprehensive ecosystem services including product integration into vehicle management, full maintenance and service packages, and end-of-life circular economy solutions (reuse, refurbishment, remanufacturing, recycling).
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels4 records
Cellcentric product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Cellcentric develops, produces, and markets PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) fuel cell systems purpose-built for heavy-duty commercial vehicles and comparable demanding applications. Its core products are the BZA150 (~150 kW per unit, twin-system capable to ~300 kW) and the next-generation BZA375 (up to 375 kW continuous net power from a single-system package), sold as complete Tier-1 systems to vehicle OEMs such as Daimler Truck, Volvo Group, and Toyota for integration into hydrogen fuel cell trucks.
Product overview
Cellcentric develops, produces, and commercializes PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) fuel cell systems specifically engineered for heavy-duty commercial vehicle applications and other demanding use cases requiring high power, long range, and minimal refueling time. The company offers two generations of fuel cell systems: the current BZA150 (~150 kW per unit, suitable for twin-system configurations achieving ~300 kW) and the newer BZA375 (up to 375 kW from a single system, representing significant advances in power density, efficiency, and reduced complexity). A Fuel Cell Interface (FCI) component developed with partner BRUSA HyPower handles power conversion within the system. The company is transitioning from pilot production in Esslingen to planned large-scale manufacturing at the KLIMA|WERK facility in Weilheim (targeting ~2030). cellcentric's product strategy centers on single-system packaging to replace previous twin-system approaches, enabling easier integration into vehicle platforms designed for conventional 13-liter diesel engines.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- BZA375 Fuel Cell System Next-generation PEM fuel cell system delivering up to 375 kW continuous net power (>500 HP) from a single-system package. Designed for heavy-duty long-haul trucks, coaches, rail, mining, and stationary power generation applications, enabling 1,000+ km range and diesel-comparable refueling times.
- BZA150 Fuel Cell System Current-generation PEM fuel cell system delivering approximately 150 kW power output at 800 VDC, with short refueling times and geometry designed to fit standard diesel engine compartments. Two units can be combined for approximately 300 kW total power in heavy-duty vehicle applications. Already in customer field trials with proven performance.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 225,000 km completed in real-world customer operations with Mercedes-Benz GenH2 trucks
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Cellcentric
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Cellcentric technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Cellcentric partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, strategic and supporting.
- Toyota Motor CorporationcoreToyota signed non-binding MOU to join Daimler Truck and Volvo Group as equal shareholder in cellcentric, pending regulatory and board approvals. Toyota brings over 30 years of fuel cell development experience from the Mirai sedan and passenger vehicle applications, complementing cellcentric's commercial vehicle focus. Toyota will contribute fuel cell technology and manufacturing expertise through capital increase for equal ownership.
- BRUSA HyPower AGstrategicBRUSA HyPower AG developing Fuel Cell Interface (FCI) for cellcentric's NextGen fuel cell system. The FCI is a DC/DC converter that converts fuel cell voltage to high-voltage network, monitors fuel cell operation, safely disconnects from high-voltage network, and supplies high-voltage components within the fuel cell system. BRUSA is a leading manufacturer of power electronics systems for electric and hydrogen mobility solutions.
- Daimler Truck AGcore50:50 joint venture founding partner contributing commercial vehicle expertise, manufacturing capabilities, and customer relationships. Daimler Truck's legacy fuel cell development experience spanning decades is incorporated into cellcentric's technology portfolio. Daimler Truck is one of the world's largest commercial vehicle manufacturers with over 40 main sites and more than 100,000 employees globally.
- Volvo Groupcore50:50 joint venture founding partner contributing commercial vehicle expertise, manufacturing capabilities, and customer networks. Volvo Group net sales reached approximately 527 billion SEK (46 billion euros) in 2024, with operations spanning trucks, buses, construction equipment, and marine/inland marine engines across 14 brands in 19 markets.
- Global Hydrogen Mobility Alliance (GHMA)supportingcellcentric active member of Global Hydrogen Mobility Alliance since summer 2025, collaborating with 30+ leading companies from vehicle industry, accessories sector, and hydrogen supply chain to advocate for rapid H2 ecosystem and infrastructure build-out in Germany and Europe.
- Hydrogen Councilsupportingcellcentric member of Hydrogen Council, a global CEO-led initiative bringing together leading companies committed to accelerating the hydrogen energy transition. Provides platform for policy engagement and industry coordination.
- VDMA (Verband Deutscher Maschinen- und Anlagenbau)supportingcellcentric member of VDMA, Germany's Mechanical Engineering Industry Association, providing industry representation and networking within the German manufacturing ecosystem.
- Hydrogen Europesupportingcellcentric member of Hydrogen Europe, the European association dedicated to promoting hydrogen technologies and supporting the development of a European hydrogen ecosystem.
- Sustainable Transport Forumsupportingcellcentric member of the Sustainable Transport Forum, an initiative of the European Commission, supporting the revision of the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulations (AFIR). Active engagement in policy and regulatory development for hydrogen infrastructure.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves10 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Cellcentric competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Accelera by Cummins: Accelera is Cummins' zero-emission powertrain brand offering PEM fuel cell systems (including for heavy-duty trucks via the Accelera-Hydrogenics integration) as well as battery and electric drivetrain solutions. It is a direct competitor in the heavy-duty commercial vehicle FCEV space with global reach and a major OEM (Cummins) behind it.
- Plug Power: Plug Power designs and manufactures PEM fuel cell systems and hydrogen solutions, including for heavy-duty mobility applications (trucks, forklifts, stationary). It is a direct competitor in PEM fuel cell stack and system production for commercial vehicles, although with a broader vertical into hydrogen production and refueling.
- Hyzon Motors: Hyzon is a US-based hydrogen fuel cell truck developer and PEM fuel cell system producer focused on heavy-duty Class 8 trucks. It is a direct competitor in the heavy-duty FCEV truck market, similar to cellcentric's customer base and application focus.
- Ballard Power Systems: Ballard is a leading PEM fuel cell system manufacturer that produces heavy-duty modules (e.g., FCmove) for trucks, buses, rail, and stationary applications. It is one of the most direct competitors to cellcentric in commercial-vehicle fuel cell systems, with similar customer profiles including truck OEMs and transit operators.
- Nikola Corporation: Nikola is a developer of hydrogen fuel cell and battery-electric heavy-duty trucks (Class 8), competing directly in the same zero-emission long-haul segment cellcentric supplies. Both target truck OEMs/fleet operators with hydrogen-powered powertrain solutions.
- Hyundai Motor Group (XCIENT Fuel Cell): Hyundai is both a heavy-duty FCEV truck OEM (XCIENT Fuel Cell) and an integrated fuel cell system developer with its own stack technology. ~200 XCIENT units are already operating in Europe, making it a direct competitor to cellcentric's Daimler/Volvo truck OEM customers.
Others
- Toyota Motor Corporation (Fuel Cell Division): Toyota is both a parent/shareholder of cellcentric (joining as equal partner in 2026) and a parallel fuel cell developer through the Mirai passenger car program. As a related party and technology partner, Toyota is thematically comparable in PEM fuel cell system commercialization, though it focuses primarily on passenger vehicles rather than heavy-duty.
Emerging players
- Loop Energy: Loop Energy (now part of the H2 Portable Power / TECO 2030 group) developed PEM fuel cell systems and stacks for medium- and heavy-duty mobility applications including trucks and buses. It is an emerging peer with overlapping target customers in commercial vehicle FCEV applications.
- Weichai Power: Weichai Power is one of China's largest diesel and powertrain manufacturers that has developed hydrogen fuel cell systems for heavy-duty trucks and buses. It is an emerging global competitor, particularly relevant for cost-competitive fuel cell systems targeting commercial vehicle OEMs.
Broad incumbents
- Robert Bosch (Mobility / Powertrain Solutions): Bosch is a major Tier-1 automotive supplier with hydrogen and fuel cell system development programs for commercial vehicles. As cellcentric's incoming COO Kai Wörner is a Bosch alumnus, the company is well-positioned to compete across heavy-duty fuel cell system integration.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Cellcentric social profiles
Digital presenceCellcentric financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Cellcentric leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Cellcentric subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Cellcentric funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Cellcentric M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Cellcentric
What does Cellcentric do?
Cellcentric develops, produces, and markets PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) fuel cell systems purpose-built for heavy-duty commercial vehicles and comparable demanding applications. Its core products are the BZA150 (~150 kW per unit, twin-system capable to ~300 kW) and the next-generation BZA375 (up to 375 kW continuous net power from a single-system package), sold as complete Tier-1 systems to vehicle OEMs such as Daimler Truck, Volvo Group, and Toyota for integration into hydrogen fuel cell trucks.
Is Cellcentric a public or private company?
Cellcentric is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Cellcentric founded?
Cellcentric was founded in 2021. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is Cellcentric based?
Cellcentric is headquartered in Kirchheim Unter Teck, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does Cellcentric make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Fuel Cell System Sales to OEMs are the primary driver. The others are complete Hydrogen Ecosystem Services.
Who are Cellcentric's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Accelera by Cummins, Plug Power, Hyzon Motors, Ballard Power Systems, Nikola Corporation and Hyundai Motor Group (XCIENT Fuel Cell). Toyota Motor Corporation (Fuel Cell Division) is listed as an others. Emerging players are Loop Energy and Weichai Power. Robert Bosch (Mobility / Powertrain Solutions) is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Cellcentric have an API?
No public API is recorded for Cellcentric.
What industry is Cellcentric in?
Cellcentric's product category is Fuel Cell Systems for Heavy-Duty Vehicles. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMACABAK, Truck & Commercial Vehicle Electrification Manufacturing (eAxles/Battery Packs/Fuel Cells), with a secondary code of EUACALAK, Fuel Cell Distributed Generation (Hydrogen/Natural Gas SOFC/PEM). Its NAICS code is 3363 and its SIC code is 3621.