Powercell is to deliver fuel cell systems for two ferries between Bodø and Lofoten in Northern Norway, with the contract worth over 200 million kronor for Powercell. 5 billion Swedish kronor. However, SVT's review alleges that the product does not come close to meeting the lifespan promised by Powercell, and in tests, the systems lose power much faster than stated in the procurement.
' Torghatten Nord, the ferry owner, was not informed about the documents SVT has seen, according to its CEO Marius Hansen. The Norwegian state was also unaware of the documents or tests, according to Dag Hole, director at Statens vegvesen. Powercell declines an interview but responds in email that the tests and documents SVT has seen are not representative of today's products, as systems have been updated with a key component from Bosch.
Powercell states that the products have undergone extensive testing and validation, will be delivered as expected and according to contract, and that lifespan is linked to correct operation and maintenance. Powercell dismisses the criticism and claims about lies from the sources. In a related case, Sweden's first two hydrogen-powered garbage trucks were launched in 2021 in Gothenburg, using technology from Powercell.
The garbage truck project faced a long series of technical problems, with the hydrogen trucks covering about a tenth of the expected annual mileage of a regular garbage truck. Mats Pervik, development strategist at Renova, says, 'As a driver, you want a car that starts and runs and that you can rely on. ' Powercell states in a written response that several projects had the character of demonstration projects to test the technology, and that it has developed since then.
Powercell acknowledges that some projects have involved challenges but emphasizes that previous demonstration projects are not representative of the technical level of today's products. Information from sources indicates that lifespan problems with Powercell's hydrogen systems still persist, which Powercell denies.