GAC Group rolls off first self-developed 140kW hydrogen fuel cell stack

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On March 20, GAC Group saw its first in-house developed 140kW hydrogen fuel cell stack roll off the production line, marking a significant breakthrough in the company's pursuit of core hydrogen energy technology.

Photo credit: GAC Group

The group said this achievement follows more than a year of intensive R&D, during which it successfully overcame key technical challenges, including the design and manufacturing of an integrated single cell and an enclosed module system.

The newly developed hydrogen fuel cell stack features a highly integrated and modular design, utilizing an advanced single-cell integration and enclosed module system. This innovation reduces the stack's volume by 30% and weight by 25%, enhancing vehicle space utilization and payload capacity while enabling adaptability across various vehicle platforms.

By incorporating ultra-thin metal bipolar plates and high-performance membrane electrode technology, GAC Group has achieved a power density exceeding 7kW/L for the fuel cell stack, placing it among the industry's leading solutions. The ultra-thin metal plates not only boost power output but also reduce material costs and overall weight. Meanwhile, the high-performance membrane electrodes enhance electrochemical efficiency, optimizing the stack's energy conversion and ensuring powerful performance even in limited space.

Safety has been a top priority in the fuel cell stack's design. It features an active-passive hydrogen exhaust system for real-time leakage monitoring and elimination, reinforced electrical isolation to prevent malfunctions, and an impact-resistant structure for stable performance under harsh road conditions. Additionally, the stack supports -30°C cold starts, meets IP67 protection standards, and has passed accelerated aging tests, demonstrating its durability and reliability in extreme environments.

GAC Group has been investing in hydrogen energy since 2008, exploring both hydrogen fuel cells and hydrogen combustion engines to support its carbon neutrality goals.