Cellcentric launches BZA375 fuel cell system for heavy-duty trucks

Cellcentric, the joint venture of Daimler Truck and the Volvo, has unveiled the BZA375 fuel cell system designed to compete directly with modern diesel engines in heavy-duty operations.

Previously known as the ‘NextGen’, the new BZA375 has been engineered to meet OEM performance and quality standards, with a clear focus on total cost of ownership.

Delivering up to 375kW continuous net power, the single-system unit produces more than 500hp and eliminates the need for the twin-system architecture used in the BZA150 predecessor.

According to Cellcentric, this reduces complexity and supports easier integration into existing truck platforms, including those designed around 13-litre diesel engines.

Cellcentric claims a 20 per cent reduction in hydrogen consumption compared with its predecessor, enabling a fully loaded 40-tonne truck to operate on less than 6kg of hydrogen per 100km in real-world conditions.

Waste heat has also been cut by 40 per cent at 300kW output, allowing for more compact and cost-effective cooling systems.

Further improvements include a 40 per cebt increase in power density and a 40 per cent reduction in system complexity, while overall weight remains below 500kg to protect payload capacity.

Durability is rated at 25,000 hours, equivalent to around 10 years of operation in heavy-duty truck use, bringing it in line with diesel expectations.

Prototype production is already under way, with series production set for the end of the decade.