EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies GmbH (EKPO), a leading full-service supplier of fuel cell stacks and components, will debut the latest version of its high-performance NM20 fuel cell stack at IAA Transportation 2026. The new generation takes fuel cell technology a decisive step closer to industrial deployment, advancing the NM20 from a powerful technology demonstrator to a versatile platform for integration into heavy-duty applications.
Dettingen/Erms and Hanover, Germany, September 14, 2026 +++ Two years after the NM20* fuel cell stack was first unveiled at IAA Transportation 2024, EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies GmbH (EKPO) will be presenting the latest evolution of its high-performance fuel cell technology at this year’s event. The company’s development efforts focused on platform scalability, the optimization of manufacturing and system architectures, and easier integration into a range of heavy-duty applications.
“The new generation of the NM20 marks a significant milestone in the industrialization of our fuel cell technology. The NM20 stack platform combines high power density, straightforward system integration, operating temperatures of up to 95°C, and an architecture designed specifically for industrial scale-up. We are thus laying the groundwork for the widespread use of hydrogen powertrains in heavy-duty transportation,” says Dr. Stefan Dwenger, Managing Director of EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies GmbH.
This generation of the NM20 draws on insights from ongoing technology projects and the close integration of development and production. Building on this work, EKPO has systematically refined the stack, module, interfaces, and manufacturing processes as an integrated whole, establishing the conditions for cost-effective production and flexible integration within a wide range of applications. The entire architecture, from the bipolar plate to the housing, has been redesigned, standardized, and aligned with the requirements of industrial production processes. In parallel, EKPO has optimized its assembly and joining techniques to make them more amenable to automation while further strengthening quality assurance and traceability.
These advances are reflected directly in the product’s specifications: module volume has been reduced by approximately 20%, while the weight of the fully assembled module has fallen by 39 kg to 178 kg. Additionally, the Cell Row Assembly (CRA) is approximately 25% lighter.
Easier integration across a wide range of applications
To simplify integration within different vehicle and system architectures, EKPO has incorporated functions such as media distribution, water separation, media monitoring, sensor technology, cell voltage monitoring (CVM), and high-voltage connectivity directly into the stack architecture, along with interfaces for additional system components.
EKPO also takes a consistently modular approach to design. Standardized, reusable components support a range of power levels and configurations while substantially reducing the number of variants required. Greater use of common parts and standardized assembly methods further supports cost-effective scale-up.
The NM20 range includes a 323-cell single-stack module delivering more than 200 kW, a Max variant with an output of over 300 kW, and a 646-cell twin-stack module producing more than 400 kW. Despite its significantly more compact design and lower weight, performance remains high: the twin-stack module continues to deliver more than 400 kW, with a maximum continuous current of 1,000 A and operating pressures of up to 3.0 bara. The NM20 is designed for a service life of 25,000 operating hours and achieves an efficiency of 56% to 69%, depending on the operating range.
This level of performance, combined with higher operating temperatures, broadens the range of potential applications: in addition to heavy-duty road, rail, and marine transportation, the NM20 platform is also suitable for stationary power supply and backup power systems.
Extensive fuel cell portfolio on display at IAA Transportation 2026
Alongside the NM20 B-sample, EKPO will showcase other key technologies for hydrogen-powered mobility. Among them is an exceptionally lightweight fuel cell stack module with an output of over 200 kW and a weight of only 38 kg. With a power density of more than 5 kW/kg, it currently ranks among the highest-performing lightweight designs in its segment. The combination of high efficiency – over 60% – and a compact design makes the module especially suitable for weight-sensitive applications, including light commercial vehicles and aviation.
The portfolio also includes metal bipolar plates, a key component of modern PEM fuel cells. They support high power densities and provide excellent cold-start performance and reliable, durable sealing, contributing significantly to a long service life.
Fully automated manufacturing processes mean that EKPO already has the capabilities needed for cost-effective series production.
EKPO’s portfolio of fuel cell stacks and metal bipolar plates covers key stages of the value chain for modern fuel cell systems, helping customers advance high-performance hydrogen solutions from development to use in series-produced systems.
* The development and commercialization of the NM20 stack are supported through the European IPCEI funding program (Important Project of Common European Interest).
Further information can be obtained – on behalf of EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies – via ElringKlinger AG | Strategic Communications Dr. Jens Winter Phone: +49 7123 724-88335 | E-mail: press[at]ekpo-fuelcell.com
About EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies
EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies (EKPO), headquartered in Dettingen/Erms (Germany), is a leading joint venture in the development and large-scale production of fuel cell stacks for CO2-neutral mobility. The company is a full-service supplier for fuel cell stacks and components used in passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, trucks, and buses as well as in rail and marine applications. Within this context, the company is building on the industrialization expertise of two established international automotive suppliers – ElringKlinger and OPmobility.
The aim of the joint venture is to develop and mass-produce high-performance fuel cell stacks in order to further advance CO2-neutral mobility – whether on the road, rail, water, or off-road.
Hydrogen is widely regarded as a key technology for decarbonizing heavy-duty transportation. EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies (EKPO) and Akkodis have launched a collaborative project in an effort to further realize the potential of fuel cell technology in real-world operation. At the heart of this project is EKPO’s NM20 fuel cell stack, which has been integrated into a 40-ton truck and configured for deployment in logistics operations.
Dettingen/Erms, August 27, 2026 +++ EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies GmbH (EKPO) and Akkodis, a global digital engineering consulting company and part of the Adecco Group, are jointly testing the NM20 fuel cell stack under real-world driving conditions. As part of the collaboration, Akkodis is incorporating EKPO’s fuel cell technology into a hydrogen-powered truck, with responsibility for the development, integration, and assembly of its fuel cell electric powertrain. During subsequent deployment by a logistics company, the vehicle is expected to generate key operating data and help demonstrate the technology’s capabilities under real-world conditions.
“Integrating a fuel cell into real-world logistics operations is a complex undertaking. It is precisely here that Akkodis excels: we combine technology, system architecture, hardware, and software into a fully functioning system. Working alongside EKPO, we are creating new opportunities to deploy hydrogen technology in heavy-duty transportation and beyond,” says Dr. Thomas Klukas, CEO of Akkodis Germany.
Heavy-duty transportation places particularly stringent demands on the performance, efficiency, and reliability of alternative powertrain systems. The NM20-equipped truck therefore serves as a mobile development and validation platform: complementing test-bench trials, real-world driving provides insights into how fuel cell technology performs under varying load profiles, environmental conditions, and operational requirements.
The project also constitutes an important component of EKPO’s own approach to systems engineering. This involves deploying and validating the fuel cell stack at the system level early in the development process. As a result, interactions among the stack, balance of plant, control system, thermal management, and high-voltage architecture can be determined at an early stage and addressed through targeted optimization. The data collected in this way feed directly into the continued refinement of the NM20 and support the technology’s transition to deployment at scale.
“The NM20 is a fuel cell stack developed specifically to meet the demanding power and efficiency requirements of heavy-duty applications. The data generated during operation of the hydrogen-powered truck will provide valuable insights for the continued refinement of our fuel cell technology and help advance the industrialization of hydrogen powertrains,” says Dr. Stefan Dwenger, Managing Director of EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies.
Reference platform for next-generation fuel cell systems
Offering the highest power output of any fuel cell stack in EKPO’s portfolio, the NM20* is based on PEM fuel cell technology. Delivering up to 400 kW and providing a service life of more than 25,000 operating hours, the stack was designed specifically for the requirements of heavy-duty transportation. Its design is geared toward industrial-scale manufacturing and high-volume production, creating the foundation for commercially viable fuel cell solutions in long-haul transportation.
The demonstration vehicle is built around a strict one-stack, one-system architecture. Equipped with just one NM20 fuel cell stack, the hydrogen-powered truck achieves a system output of up to 360 kW at efficiencies reaching 61%. The concept demonstrates that high-performance fuel cell systems can be developed even without complex multistack architectures. At the same time, the NM20’s current-voltage characteristics enable efficient integration into modern high-voltage systems and create opportunities for megawatt-scale applications beyond road transportation.
In this context, the project extends far beyond the testing of a single vehicle. The resulting data on system architecture, operating strategies, and key system components provide a robust, validated foundation for the development of future fuel cell systems. This provides system integrators and vehicle manufacturers with a reference platform that supports the design, integration, and validation of their own applications. As a result, the resources required for development can be reduced, integration risks minimized, and new systems advanced to commercial readiness more rapidly.
The relevance of these findings extends beyond the road freight sector. They can be applied to other fields, including stationary power generation, marine applications, and off-highway machinery. In this way, the project establishes a robust foundation for future hydrogen applications across a range of markets and industries.
* The development and commercialization of the NM20 stack are supported through the European IPCEI funding program (Important Project of Common European Interest).
Further information can be obtained – on behalf of EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies – via ElringKlinger AG | Strategic Communications Dr. Jens Winter Phone: +49 7123 724-88335 | E-mail: press[at]ekpo-fuelcell.com
About EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies
EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies (EKPO), headquartered in Dettingen/Erms (Germany), is a leading joint venture in the development and large-scale production of fuel cell stacks for CO2-neutral mobility. The company is a full-service supplier for fuel cell stacks and components used in passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, trucks, and buses as well as in rail and marine applications. Within this context, the company is building on the industrialization expertise of two established international automotive suppliers – ElringKlinger and OPmobility.
The aim of the joint venture is to develop and mass-produce high-performance fuel cell stacks in order to further advance CO2-neutral mobility – whether on the road, rail, water, or off-road.
About Akkodis
Akkodisis a global digital engineering consulting company that enables organizations to innovate and accelerate by applying technology to redefine how processes and products are developed, powered and optimized. With deep expertise across AI, data, cloud, edge and software engineering, we offer best-in-class technology consultancy. Through our strong, scalable delivery models and specialized talent, we provide end-to-end solutions, from strategy and consulting through implementation. Our commitment to Akkodis Intelligence helps businesses connect the exponential power of technology with the irreplaceable strengths of human thinking and collaboration. Part of the Adecco Group and headquartered in Switzerland, Akkodis brings together 40,000 engineers and digital experts in over 30 countries, with services that span Consulting, Solutions and Academy. With deep experience across the world’s major industries, Akkodis empowers businesses to solve complex challenges and achieve sustainable impact.akkodis.com | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook
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