Ballard Power Systems Inc. (USA) (NASDAQ:BLDP) has revealed that it has signed a letter of intent regarding a contract through which it will provide FCveloCity-HD 100-kilowatt fuel cell engines to power buses in Pau, France.
Ballard will provide the FCveloCity-HD 100-kilowatt fuel cell engines which will be used to power 8 ExquiCity tram-buses that are built by its partner Van Hool in France. The buses will be delivered to STAP (Société de Transport de l’Agglomération Paloise) and SMTU-PPP (Syndicat Mixte de Transports urbains – Pau Portes des Pyrénées) within the second half of 2019.
The above will be the first hydrogen bus routes in France and they will also make a mark as the first hydrogen tram-buses designed for a full BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system in the world. The hybrid tram-buses will primarily be powered by fuel cells but they will also be fitted with a lithium battery for extra power when necessary. The buses will thus completely rely on clean energy and the only emission from them will be water vapor.
“This Letter of Intent from Van Hool to use our Heavy Duty power module in its tram-buses for deployment in Pau, France is a further testament to our strong partnership and Van Hool’s confidence in Ballard’s fuel cell technology and products,” stated Rob Campbell, the Chief Commercial Officer at Ballard.
Campbell further pointed out that Ballard was pleased to witness and participate in the expansion of fuel cell-powered mass transit vehicles in the European market. He also noted that it was a sign of the growing global need for zero-emission fuel cell alternatives. Van Hool also released a statement saying that it looks forward to implementing its technical know-how in the field of hydrogen-powered vehicles in Pau’s new tram-bus system.
In addition to the good news regarding the letter of intent, Ballard has also announced a $263.5 million order backlog as of June 30 this year. This highlights the growing demand for the company’s products.
Ballard stock closed the latest trading session on Tuesday at $4.72 after a 27.22 percent gain compared to the value of the stock during the previous close.
