Mercedes-Benz to build own fuel-cell plant in Canada

Mercedes-Benz recently announced that it will set up its own production of fuel cell stacks in Burnaby, BC. The unit of Germany’s Daimler AG said construction of a facility or the production of stacks for fuel-cell vehicles will begin immediately, with completion of the production facilities scheduled for early 2012.

Following a graduated test and commissioning phase, small-series production of next-generation fuel cell stacks is expected to begin in 2013 at the Canadian plant.

"To consolidate our leading position in the field of alternative-drive systems, we are ensuring direct access to the key technologies involved,” said Herbert Kohler, head of e-Drive and future mobility for Mercedes-Benz. “Following our systematic development of battery expertise together with Accumotive GmbH in Germany, this decision is a further, major step on the road to emission-free driving."

According to the company, the new operation aims to cover the entire value chain, from materials R&D to technology for large-scale production.