Together with Hamburg's Senator for Economic Affairs, Dr. Melanie Leonhard, and Professor Dr. Klaus Bonhoff, Head of Department at the Federal Ministry of Transport, Dr. Florian Heydenreich from Still pressed the start button at 12 noon to officially open the production facility for 24-volt fuel cell systems at the Hamburg plant.

Fuel cells for storage technology

In future, high-performance fuel cell systems for storage technology devices will be mass-produced here - from the manufacture of individual components in the mechatronics center to the production of fuel cell systems in the production line and the final quality check in a specially designed test bench. Particular attention is paid to the complex testing process, as it ensures that the system functions properly, can withstand the highest pressure and that no gases can escape.

Still has been involved in various projects and initiatives for the expansion of hydrogen technology for many years and has gained extensive experience and expertise in the production and use of fuel cell systems. With the launch of its own production line, the company is now able to offer the first 24-volt storage technology vehicles ex works as fuel cell versions.

Own production

Still is the only manufacturer in the intralogistics industry to date to produce its own fuel cell systems and integrate them into its vehicles as an option. "As a pioneer in the intralogistics industry, we feel it is our responsibility to boldly and consistently drive forward the energy transition. The expansion of green hydrogen technology as an emission-free and resource-saving drive system plays a decisive role in this," explains Heydenreich. "Today, we are taking a big step forward on this important path and making the use of fuel cell systems possible and feasible for our customers."

The fuel cell system was developed within the Group and funded with a total of 1,914,687 euros as part of the National Innovation Program for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology. The funding guideline is coordinated by NOW GmbH and implemented by Project Management Jülich (PtJ).

Still cooperates with infrastructure partners

To ensure that the use of hydrogen-powered industrial trucks is really feasible for customers and that they receive comprehensive advice on the subject of fuel cell technology, Still is working with various experts for hydrogen projects, including Hydrogentle. The Hamburg-based engineering firm specializes in the planning, design and implementation of green hydrogen projects. This means that Still customers receive everything from a single source - from high-quality industrial trucks including fuel cell systems to advice, planning, service and the entire hydrogen infrastructure.

In order to provide customers with small fleets with an attractive introduction to fuel cell technology, Still will also be offering a mobile hydrogen filling station for refueling hydrogen-powered vehicles and fuel cell vehicles as a rental solution from the first quarter of 2024. This will give customers the opportunity to test fuel cell technology for around four weeks without restrictions and in real-life usage scenarios. They benefit from a comprehensive solution: fuel cell vehicles with a corresponding refueling system including approval and installation.

Expansion of the portfolio and production capacities

Still is also continuing to invest in the expansion of hydrogen technology in intralogistics. On the one hand, the Group is already working on the development of a 48-volt fuel cell system, which will also be produced at the Hamburg plant in the future. On the other hand, Still is planning to expand its production capacities over the next few years. The existing production line is already designed for this.