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Ballard to be Exclusive Supplier of Fuel Cell Modules for New Flyer Shuttle Buses

13 February, 2008 08:00:00

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Ballard Power Systems announced that it has signed a five-year agreement with New Flyer Industries Inc., the leading manufacturer of heavy-duty transit vehicles in Canada and the United States, to supply fuel cell modules for use in New Flyer shuttle buses.

As part of this agreement, the companies will also combine efforts toward the joint preparation of bids for transit agency shuttle bus programs, with an initial focus on publicly-funded programs in Canada.

Shuttle buses are smaller and lighter than full-size buses - typically less than thirty-two feet in length - and are intended for use in a range of growing applications, such as community feeder routes, where their reduced noise profile and emission-free operation is highly valued. The partnership will focus on jointly pursuing procurement opportunities for these new fuel cell buses. Under the agreement, New Flyer will develop and manufacture a shuttle bus specifically suited for Ballard's fuel cell technology and Ballard's existing fuel cell module will be integrated into the New Flyer shuttle bus chassis.

John Sheridan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ballard said, "New Flyer has demonstrated its leadership through successful commercialization of hybrid-electric buses across Canada and the United States. We have worked very closely together in the past and are working with New Flyer now toward delivery of twenty 40-foot heavy-duty fuel cell buses to BC Transit. This new agreement will enable both companies to address what could be an important emerging market opportunity."

New Flyer hybrid buses have been on
the road since 1997, longer than any
other manufacturer in the US or Canada.

New Flyer hybrid buses offer reduced
emissions (compared with standard diesel
buses) to meet or exceed local emissions
standards.

Independent testing has shown reductions
in particulate matter, CO2 and NOx emissions
of up to 90%.

New Flyer hybrid engines are EPA Certified
to 2.5 NOx and 0.05 PM, g/BHP-H.

New Flyer's commercial relationship with Ballard began in 1993, when the two companies developed the world's first hydrogen fuel cell bus. In 2007, New Flyer was awarded a contract by BC Transit for the world's largest fleet of hydrogen fuel cell buses, and Ballard was named as the fuel cell technology provider.

"New Flyer is excited to team once again with Ballard to leverage its hydrogen fuel cell technology in the bus industry," added John Marinucci, President and Chief Executive Officer of New Flyer. "The market demands that we find and utilize innovative technology to advance the development of zero-emission buses that are both environmentally-friendly and fuel efficient. Ballard is the leader in fuel cells so we look forward to a very productive relationship."

[source: Ballard]

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