Cellcentric

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.

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

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

• Fuel cell systems
• Hydrogen mobility
• Heavy-duty trucks
• PEM fuel cells
• Commercial vehicle power

Headquarters

HQ city

Kirchheim Unter Teck

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Operations, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. 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.
2. 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

Core 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

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, strategic and supporting.

• Toyota Motor CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 March 2026Toyota 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 AGstrategicTechnology or Integration · 21 January 2026BRUSA 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 AGcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 202150:50 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 GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 202150:50 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)supportingStrategic or Co-development Partnercellcentric 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 CouncilsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partnercellcentric 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)supportingStrategic or Co-development Partnercellcentric member of VDMA, Germany's Mechanical Engineering Industry Association, providing industry representation and networking within the German manufacturing ecosystem.
• Hydrogen EuropesupportingStrategic or Co-development Partnercellcentric member of Hydrogen Europe, the European association dedicated to promoting hydrogen technologies and supporting the development of a European hydrogen ecosystem.
• Sustainable Transport ForumsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partnercellcentric 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

Direct 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

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@cellcentric
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cellcentric-gmbh-co-kg

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cellcentric