Ballard bags 'largest order' of 1,000 fuel cell engines for Solaris buses in Europe

Fuel cell technology firm Ballard Power Systems announced the signing of a long-term supply agreement with its customer Solaris Bus & Coach for the supply of 1,000 hydrogen fuel cell engines through 2027 for the European transit bus market. 

The latest agreement consolidates the existing orders for approximately 300 fuel cell engines with a new supply commitment for about 700 fuel cell engines, along with related after-market extended warranty services, according to the company. 

Ballard claims the Solaris order as the largest order of fuel cell engines in its history. About 80 percent of the order comprises of 'FCmove-HD' 70 kW powertrain and the rest is of 'FCmove-HD+' 100 kW engines, catering to both the 12-metre and 18-metre bus markets. Deliveries are scheduled to start in 2024. 

"This landmark agreement embarks on the next phase of Ballard and Solaris' partnership to accelerate fuel cell bus adoption in Europe, leveraging Ballard's proven product performance, as the energy transition gains momentum," said Randy MacEwen, Ballard President and Chief Executive Officer. 

"This agreement is a testament to our collaborative efforts with Solaris spanning over a decade in bringing safe, competitive, durable, zero emission solutions to transit operators across Europe. We are on the road to achieving scaled deployment of fuel cell buses, which is a critical lever to facilitate economies of scale and cost down initiatives, driving improved economics and reduced emissions for fleet operators", he added.

Solaris buses powered by Ballard's hydrogen fuel cell systems are said to be currently operated in over 22 cities in Europe. Javier Iriarte, Solaris Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are excited to continue our work with Ballard and further our progress in the rapidly growing European hydrogen fuel cell bus market as fuel cell vehicles become an increasingly significant share of our production mix".

He further added, "Solaris has become a leader in deploying hydrogen technology in public transport and an experienced partner for European operators. To date, we have delivered nearly 200 hydrogen-powered buses and another over 500 units are in our orderbook for next two years".