Ballard, New Flyer, extend supply deal for fuel cell systems

Ballard has announced an agreement with New Flyer to supply 50 MW of fuel cell drives for Xcelsior Charge FC buses.

The deal, which covers delivery of 500 Ballard FCmove HD+ zero-emission modules, represents the largest order from New Flyer since the companies partnered for development of the Xcelsior bus model.

New Flyer Xcelsior Charge FC bus (Photo: Ballard Power Systems)

Buses using Ballard zero-emission solutions are now operating in 11 states across the US and also in Canada. Vehicles in daily use total around 150 units.

“Over the last decade we’ve delivered buses powered by Ballard in multiple jurisdictions from coast to coast showing their capability to operate in different environments and routes as a 1-for-1 diesel replacement,” said David White, executive vice president, Supply Management at New Flyer.

He continued: “With growing demand for fuel cell buses, we are excited to continue this partnership as we support the transition to zero-emission transportation.”

Ballard stated that it now has a total global fleet in excess of 2,200 buses using its fuel cells. Collectively, these have covered more than 250 million kilometers with 98% availability.

Speaking about the agreement with New Flyer, Oben Uluc, vice president of Sales and Marketing at Ballard, said: “We are proud that New Flyer continues to place their trust in Ballard as their long‑term technology partner, building on a relationship that spans more than a decade.

“Our fuel cell engines, backed by additional fleet services, deliver the range, rapid refueling. With Ballard technology at the core of these vehicles, New Flyer is well positioned to accelerate zero‑emission deployments across North America.”