Wrightbus will use the latest-generation Ballard FCmove-SC hydrogen fuel cell in its third-generation StreetDeck Hydroliner Gen 3.0 platform, with series production of the vehicle to start in 2027.
That will continue a long reliance on Ballard fuel cells in Wrightbus hydrogen-powered buses. Ballard says that the FCmove-SC unit delivers enhanced efficiency, extended durability and a simplified system architecture to reduce total cost of ownership (TCO).
In addition, it delivers greater sustained power and improved in-service performance, Ballard notes. That will target a peak power capacity of at least 75kW, optimised for consistent in-service output, and higher thermal margins for an efficiency uplift.
The latest fuel cell is optimised for public transport applications and has been designed to improve power density, simplify integration into the vehicle, and reduce lifecycle cost, the supplier continues.
Speaking about the Gen 3.0 hydrogen bus platform, Wrightbus Chief Procurement Officer Paul King says it has been in development “for some time” ahead of launch next year.
“We are looking for partners that can help to generate greater efficiency, improved lifecycle economics, and robust performance for demanding transit operations,” he adds.
“Our next-generation hydrogen bus is all about creating a TCO that is comparable to battery-electric… [There] are plenty of examples where electric does not provide the range needed for efficient daily operation or where the cost of infrastructure is prohibitive.
“We are delighted to be able to extend our partnership with Ballard, using its next-generation fuel cells, as we accelerate the rollout of hydrogen mobility across our key markets.”
The FCmove-SC is the ninth-generation hydrogen fuel cell from Ballard. It says the product will have an operational lifetime of above 25,000 hours, with remote diagnostics to monitor performance data to anticipate preventative maintenance. A peak fuel efficiency of 57% is given by the manufacturer.
Ballard Vice-President, Sales and Marketing, Oben Uluc describes the choice by Wrightbus to use the FCmove-SC in the StreetDeck Hydroliner Gen 3.0 as “a major milestone” for the fuel cell.
“This decision reflects out decades-long collaboration and Wrightbus’s confidence in Ballard’s availability to deliver performance, reliability, and lifecycle economics at scale,” he adds. “The FCmove-SC was made for the mature bus market, and OEM nominations like this validate the value proposition for customers.”
