Follow-on fuel cell order for Ballard

Ballard Power Systems announced that it has received a follow-on purchase order from New Flyer for 20 fuel cell modules to power 20 New Flyer Xcelsior model fuel cell electric buses planned for deployment with Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) in Oakland, Calif. Ballard plans to deliver all the modules to New Flyer this year and deployment of the New Flyer buses will bring the total number of Ballard-powered buses operated by AC Transit to 31.

Ballard Power Systems has received a follow-on purchase order from New Flyer for 20 fuel cell modules to power 20 New Flyer Xcelsior model fuel cell electric buses for California.

“The orders announced today from New Flyer for 20 fuel cell modules brings the number of New Flyer FCEBs that Ballard is powering in California to 45 and underpins the importance of our long-standing partnership with North America’s leading bus manufacturer,” said Rob Campbell, Ballard chief commercial officer. “The FCEB market is gaining momentum and is expected to continue on a positive growth path in the U.S. and globally. Ballard intends to continue leading with proven and reliable fuel cell products that offer superior total cost of ownership for bus fleet operators along with the benefits of fuel cell buses that deliver route flexibility, rapid refueling and long range zero-emission performance.”

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has passed an Innovative Clean Transit (ICT) regulation requiring a growing proportion of buses purchased by transit agencies in the state to be zero-emissions. The goal of the ICT regulation is for 100% of all transit buses operating in the state to be zero-emissions by 2040. To accomplish this, 25% of buses purchased by California transit agencies must be zero-emission beginning in 2023, rising to 50% by 2026 and 100% by 2029.

Ballard said it is seeing increased market interest from California transit authorities as they move to adopt zero-emission buses in compliance with ICT requirements.