Ballard fuel cells to power SunLine buses

Ballard Power Systems entered into contracts for the supply of fuel cell power modules to power two different transit bus configurations at SunLine Transit Agency in Thousand Oaks, Calif.

Under the Advanced Technology (AT) program, Ballard, ISE Corp. and New Flyer Industries have struck a deal that will provide SunLine Transit with a 40-foot fuel-cell hybrid bus powered by Ballard's FCvelocity-HD6 power module, similar to the 20 buses currently being operated in Whistler, British Columbia. This bus has been delivered and will be entering regular transit service in 2010.

Under the National Fuel Cell Bus Program, Ballard will also supply an FCvelocity-HD6 power module for an El Dorado fuel-cell hybrid bus featuring a series hybrid-electric drive from BAE Systems, lead integrator for the bus. The fuel-cell power module will be delivered this quarter and the bus will be delivered and operational in 2011.

Ballard's power module is a "plug-and-play" fuel-cell-based product that incorporates sub-system components addressing humidification, hydrogen pressure regulation, hydrogen recirculation, water management, ventilation and controls.

Ballard has a long history of working with SunLine Transit Agency, having powered a prototype New Flyer Industries fuel-cell bus in the Palm Springs region between 1999 and 2002.