Ballard FCmove-SC Fuel Cell Engine Enters Bus Production

On November 5, Ballard Power Systems announced that its FCmove-SC fuel cell engine will make its series-production debut in the new-generation Solaris Urbino 12 hydrogen transit bus. The integration represents the first series-production application of the FCmove-SC engine in the Solaris bus platform, bringing Ballard's latest fuel cell technology into a vehicle designed for urban public transportation operations.

The announcement follows an extension of the companies' long-term supply agreement, which also broadens the scope of their cooperation. Developed specifically for city transit duty cycles, the FCmove-SC combines efficient power generation with a compact architecture. Its design is intended to simplify vehicle integration and servicing during operation, addressing practical requirements associated with deploying hydrogen-powered buses in everyday transit services.

The FCmove-SC delivers up to 80kW of rated power and achieves peak efficiency of 57%. Its specified operating lifetime exceeds 25,000 hours. The fuel cell engine also supports freeze-start operation at temperatures as low as −30°C and incorporates remote diagnostics capabilities to help identify maintenance requirements. These specifications form part of the system's technical offering for the new-generation Solaris Urbino 12 hydrogen bus.

"The FCmove-SC's first integration into series production brings our latest fuel cell technology into Solaris's new bus platform designed around everyday operational needs," said Oben Uluc, Chief Revenue Officer at Ballard Power Systems. The new-generation Solaris Urbino 12 hydrogen is built on the unified platform shared by the latest Urbino buses, providing the vehicle architecture into which Ballard's FCmove-SC engine is being integrated.

Industry Impact & Outlook

The FCmove-SC's entry into series production represents an important commercial application of Ballard's latest fuel cell technology within the urban public transportation segment. The extended supply agreement and broader cooperation with Solaris establish the commercial framework for this integration. The engine's rated power, peak efficiency, operating lifetime, low-temperature starting capability and remote diagnostics address several technical and operational requirements associated with city transit applications. Its integration into the unified Solaris Urbino platform also demonstrates the application of Ballard's fuel cell technology within the manufacturer's latest bus generation. The announced development therefore connects fuel cell system capabilities with a series-production hydrogen transit vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which bus will feature Ballard's FCmove-SC fuel cell engine?
Ballard's FCmove-SC fuel cell engine will make its series-production debut in the new-generation Solaris Urbino 12 hydrogen transit bus. The vehicle is designed for urban public transportation and is built on the unified platform shared by the latest Urbino buses. This integration represents the first series-production application of the FCmove-SC in the Solaris bus platform.

What is the rated power and efficiency of the FCmove-SC?
The FCmove-SC fuel cell engine delivers up to 80kW of rated power and achieves a peak efficiency of 57%. These specifications describe its power output and peak energy-conversion efficiency. The engine has been designed for city transit duty cycles, combining power generation capabilities with a compact architecture intended to simplify vehicle integration and servicing during operation.

What is the operating lifetime of Ballard's FCmove-SC engine?
The FCmove-SC has a specified operating lifetime exceeding 25,000 hours, according to Ballard Power Systems. The engine also incorporates remote diagnostics to help identify maintenance needs. These features form part of its technical offering for urban transit applications, where the system is intended to support the operational requirements of the new-generation Solaris Urbino 12 hydrogen bus.

Can the FCmove-SC operate in freezing temperatures?
Yes. Ballard's FCmove-SC fuel cell engine supports freeze-start operation at temperatures as low as −30°C. This capability is among the technical specifications announced alongside its integration into the Solaris Urbino 12 hydrogen transit bus. The system also provides remote diagnostics to help identify maintenance requirements, complementing its low-temperature starting capability and specified operating lifetime of more than 25,000 hours.

What does the extended Ballard-Solaris agreement cover?
The announcement follows an extension of the long-term supply agreement between Ballard Power Systems and Solaris, broadening the scope of their cooperation. The development includes the FCmove-SC engine's first integration into series production in the new-generation Solaris Urbino 12 hydrogen bus. Ballard's announcement confirms the production application but does not specify additional contractual terms, supply volumes or production schedules.