Share

Fuel Cell Revolution Gains Steam as Ballard Powers Ford and Solaris Towards Hydrogen-Powered Future

  • 9. August 2023

August 9, 2023 [crocon media – msch] In a groundbreaking move towards a sustainable automotive future, Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQ: BLDP) (TSX: BLDP) has joined hands with Ford Trucks, setting the stage for the development of a hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicle prototype. The signing of a letter of intent (LOI) has paved the way for Ballard to supply a fuel cell system, marking a significant stride towards a cleaner transportation landscape.

Under this strategic partnership, Ballard will initially deliver 2 FCmove™-XD 120 kW fuel cell engines to Ford Trucks in 2023. Ford Trucks, the global brand of Ford Otosan, envisions a Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) F-MAX as a key milestone in their ambitious journey towards eco-friendly mobility. The integration of the 120 kW FCmove-XDTM fuel cell engines into the F-MAX 44-ton long-haul tractor truck stands as a testament to their commitment to sustainable transportation.

Ford Trucks plans to establish the assembly of the fuel cell-powered F-MAX in Turkey, with a keen focus on European Ten-T corridor demonstrations by 2025. These demonstrations are part of the European Union’s Horizon Europe ZEFES (Zero Emission Freight EcoSystem) project goals. The successful completion of this development program could lead to Ballard being named as the preferred supplier for the serial production of the fuel cell-powered F-MAX.

The ZEFES project is set to catalyze the integration of Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) for long-distance heavy transport. This collaborative initiative, involving multiple truck OEMs, trailer OEMs, logistic operators, and research partners, aims to enhance efficiency, streamline mass production capabilities, and validate technology adoption in real-world operations. By 2025, the project anticipates running nine different vehicle concepts across EU corridors in actual daily operations, a step towards widespread adoption of ZEVs in the freight transport ecosystem.

Fuel cell technology specialist at Ballard Power Systems lauds the partnership, highlighting that “Our FCmove-XDTM is an outstanding match for the range, refueling, payload, and packaging requirements of long-haul tractor customers.” This strategic collaboration not only reflects Ballard’s commitment to greener transport solutions but also positions it as a pivotal player in the evolving fuel cell landscape.

Meanwhile, experts also underline the pivotal role of this partnership in fostering a paradigm shift towards decarbonization. Fuel cell technology, which enables zero-emission transport, is increasingly finding its footing in the commercial vehicle sector. The integration of Ballard’s fuel cell systems into Ford Trucks’ F-MAX paves the way for scalable deployments of fuel cell-powered trucks, heralding a future where green mobility is more than a concept—it’s a reality.

Fast forward to August 8, 2023, and Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQ: BLDP) (TSX: BLDP) again takes center stage, this time partnering with Solaris Bus & Coach, a leading European bus manufacturer. Ballard’s hydrogen fuel cell engines are set to power 96 hydrogen-powered buses deployed across the continent. With initial deliveries slated to begin in late 2023 and continue through 2024, the shift towards hydrogen-powered transportation gains momentum.

The largest single order received from Solaris for 52 fuel cell engines underscores the rising acceptance of fuel cell buses. These engines are destined to power Solaris Urbino hydrogen buses, set to revolutionize public transport. The buses, slated for deployment by public transport operator Rebus Regionalbus Rostock, mark a significant leap towards decarbonized city buses.

Hydrogen-powered transport is rapidly gaining traction as a solution to address environmental concerns and fuel efficiency. The adoption of Ballard’s fuel cell technology in both the commercial truck and bus segments exemplifies the convergence of innovation and sustainability in the automotive landscape.

As the world hurtles towards a greener and more sustainable future, Ballard Power Systems remains at the forefront of the fuel cell revolution, propelling not just vehicles, but an entire industry towards a hydrogen-powered era.

 

About Ballard Power Systems

Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQ: BLDP; TSX: BLDP) aims to deliver fuel cell power for a sustainable planet. The company’s zero-emission PEM fuel cells are driving the electrification of mobility in various sectors, including buses, commercial trucks, trains, marine vessels, and stationary power.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements regarding the anticipated performance and environmental impact of Ballard’s products. These statements are based on Ballard’s assumptions concerning its financial forecasts, product development efforts, manufacturing capacity, and market demand. However, actual results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements due to various factors, including economic and regulatory changes, reliance on third parties, successful implementation of business plans, and achievement of profitability.

Read the press release : https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/ballard-announces-partnership-with-ford-trucks-for-fuel-cell-powered-heavy-duty-trucks-amp-initial-order-814876444.html

and https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/ballard-announces-orders-from-solaris-for-nearly-100-hydrogen-fuel-cell-engines-to-power-buses-in-europe-819953874.html



Editorial Disclosure: The editorial content on this page is not provided by any entity mentioned herein. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Disclaimer: The author(s) of this article may or may not hold a position in the mentioned stock. None of the companies discussed in the above article have paid for this content. The information provided in this article should not be considered financial advice, and readers should always do their own research before making investment decisions. However, as with any investment, there are potential risks and uncertainties to consider, such as potential regulatory changes, market volatility, and competition from other players in the industry. It is important for investors to carefully monitor this stock and its performance over time to make informed decisions about their investments. crocon media is a project of The SiLLC Assembly. This site is for entertainment purposes only. The owner of this site is not an investment advisor, financial planner, nor legal or tax professional and articles here are of an opinion and general nature and should not be relied upon for individual circumstances. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Investing in stocks involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Follow Us