Wrightbus, Solaris line up Ballard’s new fuel cell for next-gen hydrogen buses

Ballard Power Systems has lined up new fuel cell supply agreements with UK-based Wrightbus and Poland-based Solaris Bus as it looks to capitalise on hydrogen bus fleet funding.

The past week saw the firm’s FCmoveSC fuel cell selected as the engine for both European manufacturers’ next generation of public transport vehicles.

The fuel cell – set for integration in Wrightbus’ latest Hydroliner StreetDeck double-decker bus, and Solaris’ second-generation FCEV bus – offers 75kW power and a lifetime exceeding 25,000 hours of operation.

Wrightbus’ new model is scheduled for production to begin in 2027, while Solaris has not confirmed timelines.

With both companies aiming to build fleets across Europe, its selection builds on continued momentum for the Canada-based firm, which logged revenues of $19.4m in Q1, up 26% on the same period last year.

Recently, in an , CEO, Marty Neese, told stakeholders that deliveries into the bus and rail markets drove revenue growth compared to 2025.

“Each new bus we deploy also creates a long tail of service opportunities…Our growing fleet gives us a multiyear runway for operations, maintenance and training services,” he added.

In March, Ballard also confirmed it would deliver 500 FCmoveHD fuel cells with compatriot bus manufacturer New Flyer.

Solaris recently secured a tender for for public transport operations in Krefeld, Germany, due online in 2027, while 2025 saw it deliver the first 37 of 137 hydrogen-powered buses in , Italy.

However, in February, a fleet of 25 Wrightbus Hydroliner FCEV buses in Aberdeen, Scotland, was axed by operator First Bus as delays in repairing refuelling equipment across the city saw them out of action for almost two years.

While proponents believe hydrogen can offer longer ranges and shorter refuelling times, critics say hydrogen in mobility applications is fundamentally miscast due to energy losses in the conversion of electricity to hydrogen and back again.