British Columbia, Canada-based BC Transit introduced the first bus in its fleet of 20 hydrogen fuel cell buses powered by Ballard Power Systems' heavy-duty fuel cell module, the FCvelocity-HD6 on Friday.

BC Transit's fleet will become the largest single deployment of zero-emission fuel cell buses worldwide.

"All of us at Ballard are proud of to be partners in helping BC lead the way in adopting new technologies that support sustainable practices and reduce greenhouse gas emissions," said John Sheridan, Ballard's president/CEO. "The BC Transit fuel cell bus fleet is an important proof point for the level of robustness and durability offered by Ballard clean energy products - not only in buses but also in material handling and stationary power."

Fuel cell buses are zero-emission vehicles, with no greenhouse gases, particulates, or harmful emissions released during operation. Water is the only byproduct. BC Transit's fleet of fuel cell buses is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around 1,800 tons per year in British Columbia.

Ballard's FCvelocity(TM)-HD6 is ideal for integration into bus applications, according to a company statement. It is designed to be a plug-and-play solution for any fuel cell or hybrid fuel cell bus platform and to be robust and durable in harsh motive conditions. The BC Transit fleet is the first that incorporates Ballard's heavy-duty fuel cell module into a hybrid fuel cell/battery architecture with an electric drive, which enables higher vehicle efficiency and improved fuel cell durability.

BC Transit's fleet of fuel cell buses will operate in revenue service in the Resort Municipality of Whistler, British Columbia during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and beyond.