Ballard Signs Supply Agreement With A Major European OEM For Fuel Cell Bus Modules

Ballard Power Systems

announced that it has signed an equipment supply agreement with Van Hool NV, Europe's fourth largest bus manufacturer, for 21 of the company's latest-generation FCvelocityTM-HD6 fuel cell power modules. The 21 FCvelocityTM-HD6 modules will power zero-emission buses to be deployed in several European cities, which will be named following completion of the associated contracts between Van Hool and public transit authorities in these cities. It is expected that the majority of the modules will be shipped in 2012. Van Hool is a Belgian-based independent bus, coach and industrial vehicle OEM with a long history of innovation in bus manufacturing. The company previously engineered and produced five hybrid fuel cell buses, using Ballard power modules, for deployment in Oslo, Norway. Mr. Leopold Van Hool, Managing Director of the company said, "We are very pleased to be utilizing Ballard fuel cell modules, building on its proven track record of reliability and durability. These modules are compact and offer integration flexibility, while delivering the high performance required for heavy duty city buses. Ballard's commitment to the European fuel cell bus market is second to none."