Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Landau, Germany, the company tests engines and drive systems from all vehicle series on more than 320 modern test rigs. Today, around 1,800 employees ensure successful development services at the SME. As part of the decarbonization of the mobility sector, fuel cell drives are also increasingly being put to the test at APL. For this, the company now requires hydrogen. "Fuel cell drives are subject to endurance testing as part of their development - just like all other conventional drives. Among other things, this involves consumption values and system performance," explains Björn Bredlo, customer consultant for specialty gases at Westfalen.
During the ramp-up phase, two trailers will initially supply the test rigs with hydrogen. The specially equipped H2 logistics area can hold up to four trailers at a time.
Westfalen has secured the full hydrogen supply for APL with a supply contract for at least three years. The target is 3.5 million m³ of hydrogen per year.
Cooperation on equal terms
Bredlo continues: "We are very pleased to be able to support APL with hydrogen and thus further promote the development of environmentally friendly technologies in the field of mobility. What's particularly nice about this collaboration is that two medium-sized companies are meeting at eye level and showing how sustainable progress can be shaped together."
"I am proud of how we as a team here at the Landau site have successfully set up this infrastructure measure in such a short time. Many colleagues from APL and Westfalen worked together and achieved this milestone through their dedication and technical expertise. We are pleased to have a scalable and reliable supply that lays the foundation for our hydrogen activities so that we can contribute to the development of future drive systems together with our customers," emphasizes Alexander Neber, Project Manager Hydrogen Supply at APL.
