Ballard Power Systems has confirmed multiple purchase orders for a total of 177 hydrogen fuel cell engines from long-standing customer Solaris Bus & Coach, a leading European bus manufacturer that is deploying hydrogen-powered buses across the continent. Ballard expects limited initial deliveries of the fuel cell engines to start in late 2023, with the majority being delivered from 2024 through 2026.
The purchase orders include the largest single order to-date that Ballard has received from Solaris – and the largest announced deployment of fuel cell city buses in Europe - with 127 buses set for operation in Bologna, Italy.
An order for 50 fuel cell engines will also power Solaris Urbino hydrogen buses for deployment by public transport operator Rebus Regionalbus Rostock, based in Güstrow, Germany. Rebus is building two hydrogen refueling stations at depots in Güstrow and Bad Doberan to support the planned and future growth of hydrogen powered local public transportation.
The fuel cell modules ordered by Solaris in 2023 represents substantial growth for the manufacturer, whose year-to-date orders now exceed 270. This number is contributed significantly to by Ballard-powered fuel cell electric city buses deployed across Europe, demonstrating the growing interest for larger deployments of zero-emission buses that offer range, short refueling time and operating rhythm consistent with diesel alternatives.
