AFC Energy (AIM: AFC) [https://www.afcenergy.com/], a leading provider of 
hydrogen power generation technologies, today announces a strategic partnership 
with ABB [https://global.abb/group/en], a world leader in electrification and 
digitalisation technologies, operating in over 100 countries, to develop the 
next generation of high power electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions. 

With the global EV charging market expected to exceed US$140bn by 2030, this 
collaboration will support the worldwide delivery of the charging 
infrastructure required to meet such a demand. It will also create a new 
solution that will provide secure, efficient, flexible and reliable local power 
supplies, with zero emissions. The joint system will be ready for deployment 
initially in the UK, Europe, United States and elsewhere, by the second half of 
2021.   

Frank Muehlon, Head of ABB's global business for E-mobility Infrastructure 
Solutions, said: "ABB has led the way in e-mobility solutions and is proud to 
have played a key role in driving EV adoption rates across the world. This 
partnership with AFC Energy allows us to continue to push the boundaries of 
e-mobility, specifically targeting off-grid applications and thus enabling a 
much wider reach of e-mobility based on clean energy.

"At ABB we believe that sustainable development means progress towards a 
healthier and more prosperous world today and for future generations. It is 
through innovative applications of technology such as this partnership with AFC 
Energy that we can enable a low-carbon society. AFC Energy is uniquely 
positioned with their cost- effective alkaline-based fuel cell technology, 
which makes it a perfect match."

Both companies will jointly market the integrated product and will 
collaboratively develop a communications strategy for system branding and 
deployment.  

The partnership will focus efforts on the joint deployment of integrated high 
power EV charging systems across key ABB markets, including private and 
logistics vehicle hubs, charge point operators, and urban transportation. The 
charging systems could also be used to power marine and vertical take-off and 
landing (VTOL) craft as electrification continues to permeate the aviation and 
marine industries.  

Adam Bond, Chief Executive Officer at AFC Energy, said: "Today marks an 
historic milestone in the commercialisation of our proprietary hydrogen fuel 
cell as we commence a long-term relationship with ABB. This strategic 
partnership is fully aligned with AFC Energy's go-to-market strategy, with ABB 
providing strong and credible access to key customer channels in Europe and 
overseas.  

"It will bring to market a unique, zero emission solution powered by world 
leaders in electrification and alkaline fuel cell technologies, to enable 
deployment of future high power EV charging infrastructure. This is a key step 
on the journey to full decarbonisation of mobility and transport across the 
globe, as we continue to drive down costs and further increase manufacturing 
scale, underwritten by emerging global market opportunities."

Muehlon concluded: "Our partnership with AFC Energy offers potential beyond the 
traditional EV market. The DC fast charging system will have applications for 
commercial and logistics carriers, marine and urban transport. Sustainable 
solutions are also being developed for other growing segments like data centres 
and utilities to enable optimised carbon footprint."

ABB entered the EV-charging market in 2010, and to date has sold more than 
17,000 ABB DC fast chargers across 80 countries. 


SOURCE: AFC Energy and ABB