Powercell Sweden AB

Their core work

PowerCell Sweden is a Gothenburg-based SME that develops and manufactures hydrogen fuel cell systems for heavy-duty transport, marine, and stationary power applications. Their core business centers on PEM fuel cell stacks and complete fuel cell systems designed for commercial vehicles, refuse trucks, and portable generator sets. They contribute fuel cell stack technology and system integration expertise to EU demonstration projects, helping bridge the gap between laboratory-proven fuel cell components and real-world deployment in demanding operating environments.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

PowerCell's early H2020 work (2017–2018) centered on improving fuel cell components and reducing manufacturing costs for automotive applications, as seen in INN-BALANCE's focus on balance-of-plant components. From 2019 onward, their focus shifted decisively toward deploying complete fuel cell systems in specific end-use cases: heavy-duty trucks (H2Haul), portable generator sets (EVERYWH2ERE), and deeper scientific understanding of fuel cell performance (CAMELOT). This trajectory shows a company moving from component-level R&D toward system-level demonstration and real-world validation.

PowerCell is moving from component supplier toward integrated system provider for heavy transport and off-grid power, making them an increasingly relevant partner for large-scale hydrogen vehicle demonstrations.

How they like to work

PowerCell participates exclusively as a consortium partner, never as coordinator — consistent with an SME that contributes specialized fuel cell hardware and expertise rather than managing large projects. With 85 unique partners across 12 countries, they maintain a broad European network, suggesting they are a sought-after technology provider that different consortia recruit for their fuel cell capabilities. Their involvement in both Innovation Actions (3) and Research Actions (4) indicates they are comfortable operating across the TRL spectrum from fundamental research to near-market demonstration.

PowerCell has collaborated with 85 distinct partners across 12 countries, indicating a well-connected position in the European hydrogen and fuel cell community. Their network spans Northern and Western Europe, with strong ties to automotive OEMs, research institutes, and hydrogen infrastructure companies.

What sets them apart

PowerCell is one of very few European SMEs that both develops and manufactures commercial hydrogen fuel cell stacks, giving them a rare combination of R&D depth and production capability. Their project portfolio covers an unusually wide range of fuel cell applications — trucks, refuse vehicles, marine vessels, and portable generators — demonstrating versatility that most fuel cell companies lack. For consortium builders, they bring actual hardware to the table, not just research papers.

Highlights from their portfolio

• H2Haul
  Largest funding (EUR 1.49M) and longest duration (2019–2026), targeting hydrogen trucks for zero-emission logistics — PowerCell's flagship demonstration project.
• EVERYWH2ERE
  Represents PowerCell's expansion beyond vehicles into containerized fuel cell generator sets for urban use, with substantial funding (EUR 1.19M).
• MARANDA
  Unusual application of fuel cell technology in marine environments under arctic conditions — demonstrates PowerCell's versatility beyond road transport.