BURNABY – Burnaby’s AVL Fuel Cell Canada will receive $147,000 to further develop B.C.’s clean energy vehicle (CEV) sector, create good jobs and support low-carbon innovation.

“Under our CleanBC plan, we are building a low-carbon economy that will reduce climate pollution and create good jobs across our province,” said Michelle Mungall, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. “To get there faster, we are supporting innovative companies like AVL Fuel Cell Canada to develop made-in-B.C. technology that will put us on the path to a cleaner, better future.”

AVL Fuel Cell Canada will develop an advanced fuel cell model for research and series development applications in the automotive sector. AVL Fuel Cell Canada is one of five B.C. companies receiving a total of $1,190,856 through the Province’s Advanced Research and Commercialization (ARC) Program for the CEV sector.

“Not only does zero-emission vehicle research lead to cleaner air and quieter streets, it also brings long-term advanced technology jobs to Burnaby,” said Katrina Chen, MLA for Burnaby-Lougheed. “We’re very proud of the work AVL Fuel Cell Canada is doing.”

Chen made the announcement while touring AVL Fuel Cell Canada’s facility in Burnaby.

“The performance, durability and cost of fuel cells are linked, and improving any one of them will impact the other two,” said Jose Rubio, managing director, AVL Fuel Cell Canada. “That’s why it is so important to develop a comprehensive fuel cell model capable of simultaneously providing accurate measures of performance, degradation and cost. The financial support of the ARC program will help realize our ambitious fuel cell project.”

The ARC Program is part of the government’s CleanBC plan. CleanBC is a pathway to a more prosperous, balanced and sustainable future. CleanBC was developed in collaboration with the BC Green Party caucus and supports the commitment in the Confidence and Supply Agreement to implement climate action to meet B.C.’s emission targets.

Quick Facts:

• The Clean Energy Vehicle (CEV) sector includes battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. The sector includes companies and organizations involved in all aspects of the CEV supply chain – from raw materials to final consumer products – related to vehicles or vehicle components, fuel and infrastructure, and transferable technologies and services.
• British Columbia’s CEV sector is already delivering jobs and significant economic opportunities in the province, including:
  • an estimated 198 companies and organizations involved in all aspects of the sector;
  • 3,850 full-time equivalent jobs in total direct employment associated with CEV-related activities;
  • $702 million in total economic output; and
  • $373 million direct contribution to provincial gross domestic product.
• The ARC Program provides funding to eligible companies operating across all aspects of the clean energy vehicle supply chain. The funding is provided to:
  • showcase B.C. CEV technologies with export potential;
  • support pre-commercial CEV technologies that are made or designed in B.C.;
  • demonstrate commercial success for B.C.-based CEV technologies; and
  • support companies in the CEV sector that wish to locate or invest in B.C.

Learn More:

Advanced Research and Commercialization Program: https://arcbc.ca

A backgrounder follows with detailed information on the successful funding applicant.

AVL Fuel Cell Canada is one of five British Columbian companies receiving a total of $1,190,856 aimed at developing advanced technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells, batteries and other hydrogen fuelling equipment.

This funding will help the Province move toward the ultimate goal of zero-emission vehicles – cars, trucks and other transportation machines that produce no pollution at all.

AVL is the world’s largest independent company for the development, simulation and testing of powertrain systems.

AVL Fuel Cell Canada’s application includes local partner Greenlight Innovation, a manufacturer of testing and assembly equipment for fuel cells, and two B.C. universities.

AVL Fuel Cell Canada will develop and validate an advanced fuel cell model for research and series development applications with automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier 1 suppliers, which sell directly to the OEMs. The project is expected to be completed by December 2021.

Amount funded: $146,750

Total project cost: $767,000