Largest order in Ballard history - 1,000 fuel cell engines to power Solaris buses across Europe

Ballard has signed a long-term supply agreement (LTSA) with leading European bus manufacturer Solaris for the supply of 1,000 hydrogen fuel cell engines through 2027, for the European transit bus market.

The agreement represents the largest order of fuel cell engines in Ballard’s history and marks a significant milestone in the relationship with Solaris. The order will be made up of approximately 80% FCmove^®-HD 70 kW and 20% FCmove^®-HD+ 100 kW fuel cell engines to address both the 12-meter and 18-meter hydrogen-powered bus markets, with delivery starting this year and running through the end of 2027.

The engines are expected to be deployed in models across Europe where Solaris buses powered by Ballard fuel cell engines currently operate in more than 22 European cities, including Munich, Hamburg, Bratislava and Palma de Mallorca.

"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. This LTSA 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."

Randy MacEwen CEO, Ballard

The LTSA consolidates existing Solaris orders to Ballard for approximately 300 fuel cell engines, with a new supply commitment for an incremental approximately 700 fuel cell engines and related after-market extended warranty services. 

"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. 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 the next two years.”

Javier Iriarte CEO, Solaris

This announcement is the latest in a number of recent supply agreements between Ballard and Solaris in Europe, further cementing the bus manufacturer's position as the leader in hydrogen fuel cell bus sales - and Ballard's role in delivering proven fuel cell technology that is driving the zero-emission transition across the continent.