Ballard to supply fuel cell modules for new Solaris H2 bus

Canadian supplier Ballard Power Systems will supply fuel cell modules for the next generation of hydrogen buses from Polish manufacturer Solaris. Now, UK manufacturer Wrightbus has signed a similar deal with Ballard. The companies plan to use Ballard’s new FCmove-SC fuel cell module in future city bus models. (UPDATE BELOW)

Solaris urbino hydrogen — Current generation of Solaris' H2 bus
Image: Solaris

Ballard and Solaris have enjoyed a seven-year partnership: Solaris launched its hydrogen bus, the Urbino 12 hydrogen, in 2019, while the market introduction of the articulated bus variant, the Urbino 18 hydrogen, took place in September 2022. Both vehicles use fuel cell systems from Ballard: the 12-metre version is equipped with the FCmove-HD fuel cell module, which delivers 70 kW of power, while the longer version features the FCmove-HD+ module, providing 100 kW. These fuel cell modules supply energy to the electric portal axles supplied by the German manufacturer ZF.

As part of this collaboration, Ballard received an order for 1,000 fuel cell modules two years ago, initially set to run until 2027 and now extended to 2029. The Canadian company has since been commissioned to supply fuel cell modules for Solaris’s next-generation hydrogen bus. However, no further details about this new bus generation have been released yet.

The new hydrogen bus will feature the FCmove-SC fuel cell module, announced last September, which operates with a peak output of 75 kW. According to the manufacturer, the system offers higher efficiency, a longer service life, and a simplified architecture that reduces the total cost of ownership (TCO) for transport operators.

“Solaris’ selection of Ballard for its next‑generation hydrogen bus platform marks a significant milestone for the continued evolution of our FCmove‑SC engine,” said Marty Neese, Ballard’s CEO and President. “Our long‑standing collaboration with Solaris has been built on trust, technical excellence, and a shared commitment to zero‑emission mobility. With this selection, supported by newly adjusted commercial terms that strengthen long‑term alignment, Solaris reinforces its confidence in Ballard’s ability to deliver performance, reliability, and lifecycle value at scale.”

According to Solaris, the company has already delivered over 800 hydrogen buses, with more than half of these deployed in Germany. These vehicles are currently in operation across 18 cities. For example, the Rhein-Erft-Verkehrsgesellschaft (REVG) in Germany operates a fleet of 26 H2 buses from Solaris, while the Duisburger Verkehrsgesellschaft (DVG), also in Germany, runs 25 units.

Update 11 May 2026

Following in the footsteps of Solaris, Wrightbus has also selected the Canadian supplier Ballard Power Systems as the fuel cell supplier for its next-generation hydrogen bus. This involves integrating Ballard’s FCMove-SC fuel cell module into the third generation of Wrightbus’s double-decker FCEV bus, with series production scheduled to begin in 2027. However, the press release does not specify the number of units Wrightbus has secured.

“Our Gen 3.0 hydrogen bus has been in development for some time, ready for launch next year, and we are looking for partners who can help generate greater efficiency, improved lifecycle economics, and robust performance for demanding transit operations. Our next-generation hydrogen bus is all about creating a TCO that is comparable to battery-electric and there are plenty of examples where electric doesn’t provide the range needed for efficient daily operation or where the cost of infrastructure is prohibitive,” said Wrightbus’ Chief Procurement Officer Paul King. “We are delighted to be able to extend our partnership with Ballard, using their next generation fuel cells, as we accelerate the rollout of hydrogen mobility across our key markets.”

ballard.com, ballard.com (update)