The company says that, over the last few years, it has implemented an “ambitious strategic roadmap” towards becoming a “leading player” in sustainable and connected mobility.

The 28,000-square-metre plant is being built in the Jiading Hydrogen Park, within the municipality of Shanghai.

Representing an investment of approximately USD170m, the 200,000-square-foot plant will produce up to 100,000 high-pressure hydrogen vessels annually when it is completed.

The two firms hold an equal share in the new company, named ‘PO-Rein’, whose aim is to manufacture high-pressure hydrogen storage systems for the Chinese commercial vehicle market.

From 2023, Plastic Omnium will supply the French bus manufacturer with hydrogen tanks and fuel cell systems for its fuel cell electric buses and retrofit kits.

Automotive component suppliers, ElringKlinger AG and Plastic Omnium are to create a joint venture to produce fuel cells called EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies.