Ballard Power Systems says it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Van Hool NV, one of Europe's largest bus manufacturers, to jointly respond to a recent request for proposals related to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
The EU Hydrogen Fuel Cell Joint Undertaking will provide funding to help deploy Ballard-powered Van Hool buses in various European cities. As it stands, there will already be 27 Van Hool fuel cell buses in public transit operation in Europe by next year – all of which incorporate Ballard fuel cell power modules.
For the newly funded buses, Ballard will deliver its next-generation modules to Van Hool. The new FCvelocity-HD7 product will offer ‘improved durability and reliability, along with significant cost reduction,’ according to the company.
The organizations note that their MOU also provides for the establishment of a dedicated service and parts center at Van Hool facilities in Belgium to support all buses powered by Ballard fuel cells in Europe.
