STRATEGIC MARKET ANALYSIS IN THE FIELD OF FUEL CELLS AND HYDROGEN VEHICLES

market studies for OEMs, suppliers and future market participants in the field of hydrogen cars and fuel cell components .

A market analysis of fuel cells by MEYER INDUSTRY RESEARCH, for example, examines expected market volume, unit numbers, competition, customer requirements and trends in the market for automotive fuel cells and hydrogen vehicles, as well as related components and manufacturing equipment.

CURRENT MARKET ANALYSIS PROJECTS IN THE FIELD OF FUEL CELLS/HYDROGEN CARS

We develop customized market analyses for our clients, tailored to their specific requirements. Click on the project examples to learn about some exemplary market analysis projects in the fuel cell and hydrogen propulsion market.

Fuel cell stacks are stacks of up to several hundred fuel cells and are therefore the core component of hydrogen-powered cars and trucks. In each of these series-connected cells, the chemical reaction energy of hydrogen and atmospheric oxygen is converted into electrical energy in a "cold combustion" process. Large Tier 1 suppliers, in particular, focus their development efforts in the fuel cell component sector on core components such as the stacks, as they expect a high level of added value in this area.

Recirculation blowers, alongside the stack, are one of the most important components in a fuel cell system and therefore offer significant market potential. In combination with a pump, this component returns unused hydrogen from the stack to the hydrogen supply. Besides Bosch, companies such as Mann+Hummel and Rheinmetall/Pierburg are also focusing on the development and production of anode recirculation blowers.

Market participants see the industrialization and further development of production technology for fuel cell systems as a key challenge. The high number of cells per stack leads to significant assembly effort and stringent quality assurance requirements as production volumes increase. Against this backdrop, automated manufacturing concepts will become increasingly important.

With the exception of individual manufacturing steps at component suppliers, the production of electrolysis plants and their components is still very poorly automated. A key lever for achieving future cost reductions is the gradual increase in the level of automation along the supply chain, starting with standardized cell components (e.g., MEA) and extending to stack assembly.

MARKET FORECASTS ON FUEL CELLS AND HYDROGEN VEHICLES

Opinions in the automotive industry currently differ significantly on whether the fuel cell will play a significant role as a drive system in the market for passenger cars and commercial vehicles in the future.

Among the proponents of the technology are industry giants like BMW and Daimler Truck , which are continuing their intensive research and investment in hydrogen propulsion. BMW, for example, plans to launch its first mass-produced vehicle with zero-emission technology in 2028, collaborating with Toyota on the project. According to BMW management, hydrogen is seen as a second pillar of the business, complementing its activities in the field of battery-electric vehicles . Daimler Truck began customer-oriented testing of fuel cell trucks in mid-2024. Traton, the commercial vehicle division of the VW Group sees the future of mobility in battery-electric systems and, due in part to a lack of existing refueling infrastructure, does not expect significant potential for hydrogen-powered passenger cars and commercial vehicles.

Numerous players, including Tier 1 suppliers and machine manufacturers, are currently positioning themselves to benefit from a potential technology ramp-up in the coming years. For many companies, it will likely be worthwhile to keep a close eye on the industry and consider potential positioning early on.

MARKET ANALYSIS TOP 50 FUEL CELL SUPPLIERS GERMANY

The new market study "Fuel Cell Suppliers in Germany 2022" by MEYER INDUSTRY RESEARCH, published in September 2022, provides an overview of the 50 leading suppliers of hydrogen vehicles with fuel cell technology in Germany, their key figures, and the components and subsystems they manufacture. The study is available for free download on our website.

Global players and hidden champions: The analysis of the 50 leading suppliers for hydrogen cars and fuel cells in Germany reveals a dynamic structure: Global players such as the large Tier 1 automotive suppliers Bosch, ZF and Schaeffler are represented, as are medium-sized companies and start-ups that are positioning themselves in a potential future market.

Download our free FUEL CELL SUPPLIERS market analysis 2022 as a PDF

Download Top 50 Fuel Cell Suppliers

OPPORTUNITIES IN THE FUEL CELL + HYDROGEN PROPOSE FOR MEDIUM-SIZED SUPPLIERS

In their market analysis of fuel cells and hydrogen vehicles, the major automotive suppliers reveal the industry trend:

These large companies are positioning themselves early on with solutions for fuel cell propulsion, such as fuel cell stacks and recirculation fans. At the same time, a growing number of medium-sized suppliers and specialists are seeking their place in the industry, for example with valves, filters, thermal management solutions, or electronic components/controllers. Tier 2/3 supplier relationships for the main components, such as stacks and recirculation fans, are also conceivable as potential entry points for medium-sized businesses.

Companies that have primarily generated their revenue from components for transmissions, combustion engines, exhaust systems, or hydraulic functions in vehicles are facing the crucial question of how to position themselves for the next generation of vehicles in the medium term. Fuel cell drives, as complex systems, can be seen as an opportunity for suppliers, since many components require similar development and manufacturing capacities to the combustion engine.

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