Ballard-powered fuel cell buses helping to drive zero-emission transit in Canada

Real-world deployments of fuel cell electric bus applications are on the rise in Canada, and Ballard is playing its part by providing the fuel cell technology that is powering the zero-emission public transit vehicles now in service on the streets of Edmonton and Strathcona.

As part of the Alberta Zero-Emission Hydrogen Transit initiative, an initial proposal has been agreed to introduce one hydrogen-powered bus in each municipality, with Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) delivering $4.6m in funding which will support the purchase and overall testing of the two decarbonized vehicles.

With an existing electric bus fleet of 60, Edmonton already has considerable experience in alternative drivetrains powering public transit. By welcoming a fuel cell electric vehicle to its overall fleet, Edmonton becomes the first city in Canada to run hydrogen-powered and battery electric buses simultaneously.

The fuel cell electric buses have a maximum range of 480km before requiring a refill, with refueling supported by hydrogen produced in the Edmonton region itself. 

Both municipalities will utilize Alberta’s first hydrogen refueling station (HRS), which has been established through collaboration between Suncor Energy and the Alberta Motor Transport Association. The proposed HRS will be located near the highway connecting Edmonton and Calgary, which is an essential road link for freight transport through the area. The region will also house the province’s first ever purpose-built hydrogen maintenance facility to support operations.

Strathcona County is also exploring the possibility of establishing a station to support hydrogen refueling in the northeast region to support future expansion of hydrogen-powered zero-emission vehicles.