FTXT signs MoU outlining fuel cell CV plans in Middle East

Launched in June 2024, the Changzheng 1 fuel cell tractor features tech from FTXT (Photo: FTXT)

GWM Hydrogen FTXT, a China-headquartered producer of hydrogen fuel cell technology, and Synergy Investments, a part of the Sultanate of Oman concerned with the energy industry, have signed a memorandum of understanding covering strategic cooperation on development of fuel cell commercial vehicles.

The partners intend to jointly explore establishment of R&D, production, sales and related services (including technical support) for fuel cell CVs in Oman and other Middle Eastern countries.

The goal is to develop a market for fuel cell electric vehicles in the region, while promoting ‘internationalization’ of the hydrogen energy industry.

FTXT is a subsidiary of Great Wall Motor, reported to be China’s largest SUV and pickup manufacturer. The company operates five R&D centres around the world in Shanghai, Baoding, Canada, Japan and Germany. It produces fuel cells, stacks, onboard hydrogen storage systems, plus tank valves and pressure regulators.

The partnership will see FTXT deliver these technologies, together with completed H2-fuel vehicles. Synergy Investments will be responsible for market development and localisation operations.

FTXT put forward that the partners will be set to present hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in the Sultanate of Oman within the next two to three years.

This will be supported by construction and development of a hydrogen energy infrastructure, which will likely be expanded to support ‘diversified applications of hydrogen energy scenarios’ which will support development of the hydrogen industry in the Middle East.

Another MoU

The signing of the MoU with the Sultanate of Oman follows the signing of a similar agreement between FTXT/GWM and a series of groups representing Brazil’s State of Minas Gerais. Again, the partners will look to arrange demonstrations of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, while planning to develop the regional hydrogen energy industry.

Delegations from FTXT and Minas Gerais state at signing of MoU (Photo: FTXT)

GWM Hydrogen FTXT was present for the first time at IAA 2024 in Hanover, Germany. The company unveiled its 255 kW high-power hydrogen fuel cell system for commercial vehicles, a 300 kW+ expanded graphite plate stack, a second-gen high-performance MEA, and an 80 kg Type 4 (plastic inner, CF outer) onboard liquid hydrogen storage system.

It is reported that the company has solutions ready to support a wide range of fuel cell-power transport applications, ranging from 300 – 500 km local to 500 – 1000 km long-distance powertrains.