Ballard Fuel Cell Engine Debuts in Solaris Hydrogen Bus
Ballard Power Systems' FCmove-SC will make its series-production debut in the Solaris Urbino 12 hydrogen bus, under an extended supply agreement.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Ballard Power Systems announced that its FCmove-SC fuel cell engine will make its series-production debut in the Solaris Urbino 12 hydrogen bus. The announcement came alongside an extension of the long-term supply agreement between Ballard and Solaris and a broadened scope of their cooperation.
Why it matters
The move brings a fuel cell powertrain into series production for a commercial bus, a segment where battery-electric and hydrogen options are both being evaluated. The partnership extends Ballard's supply relationship with Solaris and signals continued commercial deployment of its fuel cell technology.
The FCmove-SC is rated at up to 80kW with 57% peak efficiency, a specified lifetime above 25,000 operating hours, and freeze-start operation down to -30°C. Ballard reports more than 2,500 fuel cell buses powered worldwide, collectively exceeding 300 million kilometres, though independent verification of these figures is not stated.
The players
Ballard Power Systems
Ballard Power Systems is a Vancouver-based fuel cell company that develops hydrogen fuel cell engines for buses, trucks, and other heavy vehicles.
Solaris
Solaris is a Polish bus manufacturer and a major European supplier of electric and hydrogen buses, including the Urbino line.
The details
The Solaris Urbino 12 hydrogen is built on the unified platform shared by the latest Urbino buses, and removing the conventional engine tower creates space for additional rear seating. The fuel cell serves as the primary energy source for a centrally mounted traction motor, with a supporting traction battery supplying peak power and storing energy from regenerative braking.
Timeline
- November 5, 2026: Ballard announces the FCmove-SC series-production debut in the Solaris Urbino 12.
Roadmap
Ballard's FCmove-SC extends its FCmove fuel cell platform from development into series production in a commercial bus, a step that places hydrogen powertrains alongside battery-electric buses in European fleets. The 57% gain in volumetric power density and 40% reduction in part count continue the platform's packaging trajectory.
Transit agencies evaluating zero-emission buses gain another hydrogen option, though the source gives no pricing or delivery timelines for the Urbino 12. Riders would see the change only as fleets are procured and deployed, and the source does not specify when that will occur.
The takeaway
Hydrogen fuel cells are moving from demonstration into series production in commercial buses, giving transit operators a zero-emission option alongside battery-electric models. Operators weighing fleet choices should track published specifications and delivery schedules as they become available.
Further reading
For broader context on alternative powertrains, see Electric Vehicles coverage on Wisevoter.
More information
Visit the Ballard Power Systems company website for product and company information.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fuelcellsworks.
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