Ballard Is Growing in Europe: Here's What You Need to Know

Europe is home to a number of global automotive and heavy duty vehicle manufacturers. In 2015, these manufacturers produced 18.4 million motor vehicles, which accounted for 23% of annual global motor vehicle production. 20,000 new buses and coaches are also produced in Europe every year, most of which are internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

The Ballard Europe Service Team in Hobro, Denmark

Inspiring Commitments are Driving Change in Europe

With the adoption of new regulations, Europe is shifting away from fossil fuel-powered vehicles, and toward zero-emission transportation. Increased incentives and government funding are also supporting the transition to clean technologies.

Here are some examples:

• Europe has committed to the COP21 (21st Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) agreement and has recognized the health impact of air pollution.

• Many policy leaders have called for the banning of diesel cars all over Europe, and key countries have already started the process of phasing out diesel vehicles. Several cities have introduced low-emission zones to restrict dirty vehicles from accessing the city centers.

• Cities and transit agencies have openly committed to a complete move to zero-emission buses by 2025 and 2030 at the latest.

Over the years, Europe has developed a strong ecosystem for hydrogen and fuel cell technology support governments including the FCH-JU (Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking) program.

One of the most successful projects has paved the way for the development of a European fuel cell bus industry.

To learn why hydrogen is the best fuel to power Europe’s clean energy transition, see: Advantages of Hydrogen Energy for Europe: 5 Compelling Arguments.

Ballard Europe’s Key Role in the Zero-Emission Revolution

Ballard has a long and active presence in Europe, contributing significantly to the position of the European fuel cell industry today. We have invested over 25 million Euro during the past 10 years. We have also participated actively in industrial association activities in order to:

• promote hydrogen technologies, and

• shape the framework for deployment of hydrogen products in Europe.

In the process, we have developed strong relationships with:

• major European automotive companies like Audi

• bus manufacturers like Van Hool, Solaris and Wrightbus, and

• and train manufacturers like Siemens.

Learn more about our relationship with Van Hool and what they say about our product and service in this interview with Geert Van Hecke: 

We are one of Europe’s leading fuel cell companies, with 50 employees in Denmark mainly focused on R&D, engineering, manufacturing and service, plus a commercial presence in Germany, the UK, and France. Our plans are for continued growth of this essential footprint in Europe.

Ballard Europe prides itself on having a complete value chain. Our European Competence Center is located in Hobro, Denmark.

Ballard European Competence Center in Hobro, Denmark

Here, we are active in fuel cell system development, production, applications engineering, and business development. In addition, we conduct after-sales service support for all Ballard products in Europe. Currently, these products include:

• 40 Ballard-powered fuel cell buses in service all across Europe, and  

• 450 stationary systems to backup critical communication infrastructure.

Finally, in preparation for the next generation of fuel cell users, Ballard Europe has partnered with Van Hool, Aberdeen City Council, Mercantec and CEMTEC/Hydrogen Valley and developed a Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Training Programme for mechanics and bus technicians.

Increased Capability and Service Mean More Up-Time for Operators

Because the demand for reliable, affordable and robust heavy duty fuel cell solutions is growing, the Ballard Europe team also continues to grow.

Our competencies and capabilities within heavy duty application engineering, system development and service are stronger than ever. Good after-sales service is our pride, enabled by our expanded repair center, spare part center, training center and fleet monitoring center in Denmark. Because of this, our fuel cell heavy-duty vehicles and backup power systems keep running and doing their jobs even better.

To learn more about service for transit buses, read this interview with our after-sales expert: The Facts on Fuel Cell Bus Maintenance and Support.

Guided By Our Bold Vision for the Future

We have an ambitious plan for growing in Europe. We will leverage our experience developed in the bus sector to continue to enhance market adoption in other similar heavy-duty markets, including truck, rail and marine.

Ballard will continue to grow revenue generated in Europe and in the process, increase local employment opportunities. We have realistic goals to deliver more than 500 units of heavy-duty power modules per year by 2022.

To learn why fuel cell technology is good for local European economies, read: EU Energy Policy and Hydrogen: The Path to Local Economic Prosperity.

The Next Steps: Putting our Commitment into Action

We have clear goals that will move us toward our vision. In the coming year, we will:

• Set up the first production of our next generation heavy-duty motive module in Denmark.

• Continue to identify and validate European suppliers in order to increase European content in our products. This will further support the European value chain.

• Work with industries and institutions in Europe to address the growing demand for fuel cell buses, trucks, trains and ships through relevant alliances with OEMs and hydrogen solution providers.

• Foster regional deployment projects with European partners to accelerate commercialization of heavy duty fuel cell vehicles and reach cost parity with other zero emission technologies.

• Continue to provide technology solutions to leading automotive OEMs in Europe.

• Grow our local service offering and local presence to support new heavy-duty vehicle deployments.

Conclusion

Ballard Europe is growing and will continue to invest in providing sustainable mobility solutions made and serviced locally.

We look forward to work with industry, communities, and policymakers to accelerate the shift to zero-emission transportation in Europe. Together we can create cleaner, more livable communities, a robust clean energy economy, and inspire other regions to do the same.

For more information on our commitments to Europe, download Ballard's European Vision Brochure below.

This blog was originally published on November 23rd, 2017.

We are Ballard Europe.  

Download Ballard's European Vision Brochure to learn more about our exciting upcoming commitments to Europe.