New hydrogen bus platform and transit fuel cell engine combine compact design, improved performance and tailored service support to lower lifecycle cost
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Ballard Power Systems has announced that its FCmove®-SC fuel cell engine will make its series-production debut in the new-generation Solaris Urbino 12 hydrogen transit bus. This milestone follows the extension of the companies’ long-term supply agreement, broadens the scope of cooperation and reflects their continued commitment to advancing hydrogen bus technology.
Designed for city transit duty cycles, the FCmove®-SC combines efficient power generation with a compact architecture that simplifies vehicle integration and servicing when in operation. Its design draws on Ballard’s extensive operating experience to help manufacturers and operators improve performance and reduce lifecycle costs.
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“The FCmove®-SC’s first integration into series production brings our latest fuel cell technology into Solaris’s new bus platform designed around everyday operational needs. For manufacturers, that means simpler integration and greater design flexibility. For operators, it means efficiency, serviceability and long-term value - making hydrogen buses an increasingly competitive option for zero-emission public transport.”
Oben Uluc
Chief Revenue Officer, Ballard
A new vehicle architecture for hydrogen-powered transit
The new-generation Solaris Urbino 12 hydrogen is built on the unified platform shared by the latest Urbino buses. Removing the conventional engine tower creates space for additional rear seating, while the flexible positioning of roof-mounted components improves service access.
The fuel cell serves as the bus’s primary energy source, generating electricity for a centrally mounted traction motor. A supporting traction battery supplies additional power during peak demand and stores energy recovered through regenerative braking.
Fuel cell innovation focused on lifecycle value
The FCmove®-SC introduces several improvements for bus manufacturers and operators:
- More power in a compact package: A 57% increase in volumetric power density through integrated DC/DC packaging.
- Simpler vehicle integration: An internal DC/DC converter and power controller reduce external interfaces and consolidate functionality.
- Improved thermal management: Maximum radiator outlet temperature increases from 60°C to 75°C, supporting reduced cooling requirements and greater use of waste heat for cabin heating.
- Easier servicing: A 40% reduction in total part count simplifies the system and helps reduce maintenance requirements.
- Enhanced safety: Revised internal stack-enclosure geometry provides passive protection against hydrogen-related risks.
The FCmove®-SC delivers up to 80kW of rated power and 57% peak efficiency, with a specified lifetime exceeding 25,000 operating hours. It also supports freeze-start operation down to −30°C and remote diagnostics to help identify maintenance needs.
Building on hydrogen bus leadership
As the leading supplier of fuel cell engines for transit vehicles, Ballard has powered more than 2,500 fuel cell buses worldwide, collectively exceeding 300 million kilometres of operation. This experience informs product development and support for manufacturers and fleet operators.
Supporting fleets throughout their operating life
Alongside its fuel cell products, Ballard offers lifecycle support through Ballard Fleet360°. The service offering combines remote performance monitoring, data analytics, maintenance planning and service expertise to help customers anticipate service needs, reduce unplanned downtime and manage fleet performance. Fleet360° availability and coverage are agreed separately for individual fleets in coordination with the vehicle manufacturer.
Ballard’s capabilities extend beyond fuel cell engines to include hydrogen production, logistics, refuelling and integrated Energy-as-a-Service solutions. These expanded capabilities strengthen Ballard’s ability to provide the technology, services and hydrogen solutions customers need to deploy and operate zero-emission fleets at scale.