Canadian fuel cell supplier Ballard Power Systems will supply fuel cell modules for the next generation of hydrogen-powered buses from Polish bus maker Solaris, extending a partnership between the two companies that began seven years ago.
The future Solaris hydrogen buses will use Ballard’s FCmove-SC fuel cell module, which the Canadian company introduced in 2025. The system delivers a peak output of 75 kilowatts and is designed to improve efficiency, durability and operating costs for transport operators.
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Solaris launched its first hydrogen-powered city bus, the Solaris Urbino 12 Hydrogen, in 2019. The articulated Solaris Urbino 18 Hydrogen model followed in 2022.
The 12-metre Urbino model uses Ballard’s FCmove-HD fuel cell module with 70 kW output, while the longer articulated version is equipped with the FCmove-HD+ module producing 100 kW. The hydrogen buses also use electric portal axles supplied by German automotive technology company ZF.
Ballard previously received an order from Solaris for 1,000 fuel cell modules in 2024 under an agreement initially scheduled through 2027 and later extended until 2029.
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Neither company disclosed further technical details about Solaris’ next-generation hydrogen bus platform.
According to Ballard, the FCmove-SC module incorporates a simplified system architecture intended to lower total cost of ownership while improving operational reliability and fuel efficiency.
“Solaris’ selection of Ballard for its next-generation hydrogen bus platform marks a significant milestone for the continued evolution of our FCmove-SC engine,” Marty Neese, CEO and president of Ballard Power Systems, said in a statement.
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“Our long-standing collaboration with Solaris has been built on trust, technical excellence, and a shared commitment to zero-emission mobility,” Neese added. “With this selection, supported by newly adjusted commercial terms that strengthen long-term alignment, Solaris reinforces its confidence in Ballard’s ability to deliver performance, reliability, and lifecycle value at scale.”
Solaris said it has delivered more than 800 hydrogen buses to customers so far, with over half of the vehicles operating in Germany. The buses are currently in service in 18 cities.
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Among the operators using Solaris hydrogen buses are Rhein-Erft-Verkehrsgesellschaft, which operates 26 hydrogen buses, and Duisburger Verkehrsgesellschaft, which operates a fleet of 25 vehicles.