Fuel cell engines integration, Ballard to acquire UK-based Arcola Energy
Arcola Energy is one of the fastest-growing hydrogen companies in the UK, working with some of the most progressive local authorities, fleet operators and OEMs to meet their zero-emission targets.
Ballard has announced the acquisition of 100 percent of UK-based Arcola Energy, a systems engineering company specializing in hydrogen fuel cell powertrain and vehicle systems integration. With more than 10 years of experience integrating Ballard fuel cell engines into powertrains and heavy-duty vehicles, including buses, refuse trucks and trains, Arcola currently has approximately 90 employees based in the UK. It is one of the fastest-growing hydrogen companies in the UK, working with some of the most progressive local authorities, fleet operators and OEMs to meet their zero-emission targets.
Statements from Ballard and Arcola Energy managers
«We continue to focus on simplifying the fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) experience and ease implementation friction points for OEM customers and end-users», said Randy MacEwen, Ballard’s President and Chief Executive Officer. «We are putting the customer at the heart of our strategy and investments. With the acquisition of Arcola, we will make it easier for existing and new OEM customers globally to offer FCEVs by providing stronger support for the integration of our fuel cell engines into their vehicle platforms, including powertrain integration, vehicle integration and application engineering».
«The entire Arcola team is thrilled to combine our shared passion for decarbonizing mobility and our unique expertise in fuel cell powertrain integration with Ballard’s world leading PEM fuel cell technology and market position in heavy-duty mobility. Together, we will improve and optimize FCEV powertrain and vehicle performance, lower lifecycle costs, and simplify powertrain and vehicle systems integration and service for customers», added Ben Todd, Founder and CEO of Arcola.
The economic details of the agreement
Ballard acquired Arcola for total consideration of up to US$40 million, including 337,353 Ballard shares (with a current approximate value of US$6 million) that vest over two years, and up to US$34 million in upfront and earn-out cash consideration based on the achievement of certain performance conditions over a two-year period. The Canadian company has recently enhanced if FCmove power module portfolio, besides signing MoUs and partnership with some primary players such as Eaton or Quantron. The very last MoU announced was with Forsee Power, specializing in battery systems and battery management systems.
