Van Pool requests 40 Ballad fuel-cell engines for buses in Germany

Ballad Power Systems (Ballad) has received a letter of intent from original equipment manufacturer partner Van Hool, for 40 FCveloCity-HD 85-kilowatt fuel cell engines to power buses in Germany under the first Joint Initiative For Hydrogen Vehicles Across Europe (JIVE) program. These projects aim to commercialise fuel cell electric buses, reduce costs and support the development of hydrogen refuelling stations. Van Hool plans to deploy 30 of these buses with the Regionalverkehr Köln transit agency in
March 6, 2018 Read time: 2 mins

Ballad Power Systems (Ballad) has received a letter of intent from original equipment manufacturer partner Van Hool, for 40 FCveloCity-HD 85-kilowatt fuel cell engines to power buses in Germany under the first Joint Initiative For Hydrogen Vehicles Across Europe (JIVE) program. These projects aim to commercialise fuel cell electric buses, reduce costs and support the development of hydrogen refuelling stations.

Van Hool plans to deploy 30 of these buses with the Regionalverkehr Köln transit agency in Cologne. It also intends to run the other 10 models with Wsw mobil transit agency in Wuppertal, with deliveries expected to begin in 2019.

JIVE programs are supported by grants valued €57m (£50m) from the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking. The first initiative targets deployment of 139 fuel cell buses in nine locations while the second one aims to launch 152 models in 14 locations.

The results of these schemes are expected to demonstrate the technical readiness of fuel cell buses to operators and the economic viability of hydrogen as a zero-emission fuel to policy makers.

Rob Campbell, Ballard chief commercial officer, said: "There is momentum in the growing global deployments of fuel cell technology for heavy duty transportation applications. Where transit buses and other heavy vehicles are typically characterized by high utilization rates together with the need for rapid refueling, fuel cell electric platforms are an especially attractive zero-emission alternative. We are very pleased with this progress and expect to begin work soon with Van Hool in fulfilling initial buses under the JIVE I program, in addition to the engines we announced last September for use in Van Hool tram-buses planned for deployment in Pau, France."

Related Content

  • ViaVan deploy ride sharing service to reduce London congestion
    April 6, 2018
    ViaVan, the joint venture between Via and Mercedes-Benz Vans, has launched a ride-sharing service in London that aims to reduce congestion and emissions by grouping app-users travelling in the same direction into one vehicle. Additionally, the company intends to offer a more affordable alternative than private car services between the capital’s zones one and two. It is now offering trips costing £3 ($2.14) for a limited period. Through the app, users select their pick up and drop off location and
    Read More
  • Windsor is first North American city to launch BYD all-electric buses
    May 8, 2012
    Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis has signed a letter of intent to purchase up to 10, BYD 40-foot electric buses for city transit services in 2012, the first city in North America to launch long-range, all-electric buses. The agreement also opens talks to bring manufacturing of BYD buses to the Ontario region in the near future. Transit Windsor has the unique distinction of running in Canada as well as in Detroit, making this launch one that serves on both Canadian and United States’ roads.
    Read More
  • €7.2bn 'green' upgrade for Italian motorway
    November 21, 2022
    The A22 between Modena and Bolzano will offer hydrogen filling and EV charging
    Read More
  • Russian researchers to unveil revolutionary fuel cell project
    April 23, 2012
    A state-of-the-art joint project spearheaded by the Tomsk Polytechnic Research University and Icelandic professor, Horsteinn I. Sigfusson, who was awarded the Global Energy International prize in 2007, will be showcased at Russia Day as part of the international exhibition Hannover Messe-2012, which is to be held from 23 to 27 of May, 2012 in Germany.
    Read More

Highlighted Content