Fontaine Modification Leads Supplier Consortium to Develop and Deploy Fuel-Cell-Electric Class 6 Truck
MWN-AI** Summary
Fontaine Modification is spearheading an innovative project to develop a Class 6 fuel-cell-electric truck, targeting the growing demand for middle-mile delivery logistics. The consortium, which includes prominent partners such as Ballard Power Systems, Forsee Power, and Linamar Corporation, aims to create a sustainable solution for commercial fleets. Fontaine serves as the vehicle and systems integrator for this project, set to be based on a 26,000-pound GVWR straight truck chassis, modified at its flagship center in Charlotte, N.C.
The pilot model is slated for completion in summer 2025, thereafter undergoing independent track testing before being placed with a large U.S. commercial fleet for a six-month operational trial. This vehicle will feature a lift-gated dry freight body constructed by Kentucky Trailer, a Fontaine sister company. Given that the middle-mile segment typically encompasses routes of 300 to 500 miles between warehouses, using a fuel cell system provides an emissions-free option with adequate range.
Ballard, a key partner, will supply its latest fuel cell system, FCmove®-XD, which enhances fuel efficiency and operational longevity. Forsee Power will provide a high-voltage battery system, crucial for optimizing power delivery. Linamar will contribute the eAxle, which complements the overall design for efficient propulsion. As these technologies converge, the truck aims to minimize operational costs through a low-maintenance design and confidentiality noise features for a smoother driving experience.
Should the pilot phase prove successful, mass production of this sustainable Class 6 FCEV might commence as early as late 2026, promising significant advancements in commercial vehicle efficiency and sustainability.
MWN-AI** Analysis
As Fontaine Modification leads a consortium in developing a Class 6 fuel-cell-electric truck targeting the "middle mile" delivery sector, there are notable implications for investors and stakeholders within the transportation and clean energy markets. The partnership includes key players such as Ballard Power Systems, Forsee Power, and Linamar Corporation, which collectively represent a robust technological foundation for this innovative vehicle.
The "middle mile" logistics segment encompasses critical routes, typically spanning 300 to 500 miles, that connect distribution centers. This growing demand for clean, efficient logistics solutions aligns perfectly with increasing regulatory pressure for reduced emissions and the broader transition toward sustainable mobility. The anticipated completion of a pilot unit, followed by a six-month field trial with a large U.S. fleet, offers a material opportunity for stakeholders to scrutinize real-world performance and operational economics.
Investors should consider the potential uplift for consortium members, particularly those like Ballard Power Systems, whose innovative fuel cell technology promises up to 60% fuel efficiency and long operational life. Forsee Power's advanced battery systems will also play a crucial role in optimizing vehicle performance, showcasing their integrated solution within this consortium.
Long-term, successful trial results could catalyze demand for these FCEVs, propelling production as soon as late 2026. As transportation shifts gears towards sustainability, established players and new entrants in the supply chain could see significant growth opportunities.
While volatility is typical in sectors transitioning to new technologies, careful monitoring of pilot trials and production milestones will be crucial for investment strategies. Thus, aligning with companies championing clean mobility initiatives could yield favorable returns in the evolving commercial vehicle market. As such, investors should keep a keen eye on developments within this consortium and broader industry trends.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fontaine Modification is leading a consortium of companies working together to develop a Class 6 fuel-cell-electric truck to meet the demands of “middle mile” delivery logistics. The consortium includes Ballard Power Systems, Forsee Power and Linamar Corporation.
Fontaine Modification is serving as the vehicle and systems integrator. It is assembling the fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) on a 26,000-pound GVWR straight truck chassis at its flagship Charlotte, N.C., modification center. Ballard Power Systems is supplying the fuel cell system, and Forsee Power is supplying the high-voltage battery system. Linamar Corporation is providing the FCEV’s eAxle.
“Fontaine Modification is excited to lead this team of well-established companies that are committed to bringing clean mobility solutions to the commercial vehicle market,” said David Brosky, Fontaine Modification director, sales & business development – eMobility. “We are on track to complete a pilot unit this summer. The pilot unit will then undergo independent track testing before being handed over to its first customer, a large commercial fleet in the U.S., for a six-month trial during which it will be operated over regular routes.”
The pilot vehicle will be fitted with a lift-gated dry freight body built by Fontaine sister company Kentucky Trailer. The consortium anticipates that upon successful completion of the field trial, regular production of the truck will begin as early as late 2026.
“The middle-mile segment covers freight hauled between warehouses or distribution centers,” Brosky explained. “This segment is usually the longest, with runs within states or across regions of typically 300 to 500 miles. It’s that need for longer range that makes a fuel-cell system the best zero-emission option for efficiently powering a middle-mile truck.”
The project provides consortium members a unique opportunity to demonstrate their latest technology and capabilities to help fleets achieve their goals.
“Ballard is showcasing the value of its latest fuel cell system FCmove®-XD in North America for the first time,” said Nicolas Pocard, Ballard Power Systems vice president marketing & strategic partnerships. “The module provides an easy integration platform for vehicle OEMs and integrators and is designed to deliver up to 60 percent fuel efficiency with volumetric power density of 0.36kW/L while lasting over 30,000 hours in operation. Developed for volume production, this commercial and scalable fuel cell module provides a competitive total cost of ownership.”
Balancing and optimizing fuel cell and battery power is essential to achieve maximum efficiency, performance, and operational longevity.
Jeremy Hiler, Forsee Power sales manager, truck and off highway, noted, “Battery systems are critical to fuel-cell-electric vehicles. Depending on the situation, the FCEV is driven by the battery, by the fuel cell, or by both if extra power is needed. It was critical to offer a solution that can meet the technical needs of long distance (power peaks on highway) and local deliveries, optimizing the cost.”
The new FCEV offers a multitude of benefits to fleets and drivers.
“The vehicle's low-maintenance design helps fleet operators reduce operational costs, while its quiet propulsion system provides a smoother and less intrusive experience for drivers and others on the road,” said Kevin Ledford, vice president of engineered product at Linamar. “Regenerative braking recoups energy that might otherwise be lost, boosting the vehicle's overall efficiency. Separately, it reduces wear and tear on critical components, leading to lower maintenance costs and improved durability.”
Learn more about this unique Class 6 FCEV at the Ballard and Forsee exhibits in booth #4613 at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo in Anaheim, California, April 28 to 30.
About Fontaine Modification
Established in 1985, Fontaine Modification is North America’s most comprehensive, engineering-focused provider of post-production services for truck manufacturers, dealers, and fleets. Fontaine has 11 modification centers strategically located adjacent to OEM manufacturing plants in in Charlotte and Statesville, North Carolina; Chillicothe and Springfield, Ohio; Detroit, Michigan; Denton, Garland and Laredo, Texas; Dublin and Salem, Virginia; and Mineral Wells, West Virginia. The company headquarters and product development center are in Charlotte. Fontaine Modification is a Marmon Holdings / Berkshire Hathaway company. For more information about Fontaine Modification, call 800.366.8246 or visit fontainemodification.com .
About Ballard Power Systems
Ballard Power Systems’ (NASDAQ: BLDP; TSX: BLDP) vision is to deliver fuel cell power for a sustainable planet. Ballard zero-emission PEM fuel cells are enabling electrification of mobility, including buses, commercial trucks, trains, marine vessels, and stationary power. To learn more about Ballard, please visit www.ballard.com .
About Forsee Power
Forsee Power is an industrial group specializing in smart battery systems for sustainable electric transport (light vehicles, off-highway vehicles, buses, trucks, and trains). A major player in Europe, Asia and North America, the Group designs, assembles and supplies energy management systems based on cells that are among the most robust in the market and provides installation, commissioning, and maintenance on site and remotely. More than 4,500 buses and 145,000 LEVs have been equipped with Forsee Power’s batteries. The Group also offers financing solutions (battery leasing) and second-life solutions for transport batteries. Forsee Power and its 750 employees are committed to sustainable development and the Group has obtained the Gold medal from leading sustainability rating agency EcoVadis. For more information: www.forseepower.com | @ForseePower.
About Linamar Corporation
Linamar Corporation (TSX:LNR) is a diversified advanced manufacturing company where the intersection of leading-edge technology and deep manufacturing expertise is creating solutions that power vehicles, motion, work and lives for the future. Linamar’s Mobility segment is focused on propulsion systems, structural and chassis systems, energy storage and power generation for both the global electrified and traditionally powered vehicle markets. Linamar is headquartered in Guelph, Ontario, Canada with over 33,000 employees in 75 manufacturing locations, 17 R&D centres and 31 sales offices in 19 countries around the world. Learn more at www.linamar.com .
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8d216bbb-b925-4429-ab12-9c2c89d25e67
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d0b1c5de-3d43-4e06-9ff6-b21a2a643824
Media Contact:Kristen SimpsonSimpson Communications, LLC(216) 991-4297kristen@simpsoncomm.com
FAQ**
How does the collaboration between Fontaine Modification and Ballard Power Systems Inc. BLDP enhance the technological capabilities of the Class 6 fuel-cell-electric truck being developed for middle-mile delivery logistics?
What are the projected operational efficiencies and reduced costs that fleet operators can expect from using the Class 6 FCEV powered by Ballard Power Systems Inc. BLDP’s fuel cell technology?
Can you elaborate on the specific features of the FCmove®-XD fuel cell system from Ballard Power Systems Inc. BLDP that optimize fuel efficiency for middle-mile logistics applications?
What milestones does Fontaine Modification foresee before the official production launch of the FCEV in late 2026, particularly in relation to the testing phase with a large commercial fleet using Ballard Power Systems Inc. BLDP technology?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Ballard Power Systems Inc. (TSXC: BLDP:CC).
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