Ballard Power Systems has received follow-on purchase orders from Wrightbus for a total of 50 fuel cell modules to power its fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs), which are planned for deployment in a number of UK cities as part of the JIVE (Joint Initiative For Hydrogen Vehicles Across Europe) programme.
The orders for the 50 fuel cell modules follow previous orders for 50 modules delivered in 2020, and four of the second batch have already been shipped. Rob Campbell, Ballard Chief Commercial Operator said: “The orders announced today from Wrightbus for 50 fuel cell modules, in combination with the 50 modules noted in June 2020, underpins the value we place on our long-standing partnership with Wrightbus.
“The Fuel Cell Electric Bus market is now gaining momentum and is expected to continue on an aggressive growth path in Europe and globally. Ballard intends to continue leading with proven and reliable fuel cell products that offer superior total cost of ownership for bus fleet operators along with the benefits of fuel cell buses that deliver route flexibility, rapid refuelling and long range zero-emission performance.”
The JIVE program provides partial funding for a total of 295 FCEBs, of which 120 are currently operating in the UK, Germany, France, Latvia, and The Netherlands. The remaining 175 FCEBs are expected to be deployed in various European cities by mid-2022. Ballard is supplying fuel cell modules for more than 85% of the FCEBs deployed and ordered to date under the JIVE program.
