Wrightbus selects Ballard's FCmove®-SC engine to power its next-generation fuel cell bus

Ballard Power Systems has announced that Wrightbus, a leading UK‑based bus manufacturer and long‑standing Ballard partner, has formally nominated Ballard as the fuel cell supplier for its next‑generation StreetDeck Hydroliner Gen 3.0 hydrogen bus platform.

This nomination covers the integration of Ballard’s FCmove^®‑SC hydrogen fuel cell engine -Ballard’s newest, high‑efficiency platform launched in late 2025 - into Wrightbus’ Gen 3.0 double‑decker FCEV bus, with series production scheduled to begin in 2027.

The FCmove^®‑SC engine delivers higher efficiency, extended durability, and a simplified system architecture designed to reduce total cost of ownership (TCO) for transit operators. These improvements are particularly impactful for long‑range, high‑utilization duty cycles where hydrogen fuel cell buses offer operational advantages over battery‑electric alternatives.

“Wrightbus’ nomination of Ballard for the StreetDeck Hydroliner Gen 3.0 platform represents a major milestone for our next‑generation FCmove^®‑SC engine. This decision reflects our decades‑long collaboration and Wrightbus’ confidence in Ballard’s ability to deliver performance, reliability, and lifecycle economics at scale. The FCmove^®‑SC was made for the mature bus market, and OEM nominations like this validate the value proposition for customers.”

Oben Uluc Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Ballard

Building on Ballard’s market-leading FCmove^® family, the FCmove^®-SC delivers greater sustained power and improved in-service performance, targeting a peak power capability of at least 75kW, optimized for consistent in-service output and higher thermal margins for improved efficiency. 

The fuel cell engine is a compact, efficient, hydrogen-powered module optimized for public transit, and designed to improve power density, simplify vehicle integration, and reduce lifecycle cost. 

“Our Gen 3.0 hydrogen bus has been in development for some time, ready for launch next year, and we are looking for partners who can help generate greater efficiency, improved lifecycle economics, and robust performance for demanding transit operations. Our next generation hydrogen bus is all about creating a TCO that is comparable to battery-electric and there are plenty of examples where electric doesn’t provide the range needed for efficient daily operation or where the cost of infrastructure is prohibitive. We are delighted to be able to extend our partnership with Ballard, using their next-generation fuel cells, as we accelerate the roll-out of hydrogen mobility across our key markets.”

Paul King Chief Procurement Officer, Wrightbus

Today, Ballard‑powered fleets have grown to more than 2,200 fuel cell buses worldwide, collectively logging over 300 million kilometers with 98% availability and zero reported safety incidents.

Through Ballard Fleet Services, including training, technical support, parts supply, operational monitoring, digital insights, and ongoing stack servicing, Ballard and its customers unlock additional value that strengthens fleet performance and supports long‑term operational success.