VANCOUVER, British
Columbia and FOSHAN, China,
Sept. 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/
-- Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQ: BLDP; TSX: BLD) today
announced the commissioning and deployment of an initial 12 fuel
cell-powered buses in the District of Sanshui, in the City of
Foshan, in the Province of Guangdong,
China. The buses will be operated by Foshan Sanshui Guohong
Public Transit Co. Ltd., on demonstration route #682 from
Gaofeng Park Station to Shuidu
Industrial Park Station.
The buses are 11 meters in length and feature advanced safety
systems, 80 person capacity, anticipated driving range in excess of
300 kilometers, expected hydrogen gas consumption of less than 6.5
kilograms per 100 kilometers, zero tailpipe emissions and remote
monitoring. Unlike many battery electric bus routes, the transit
route in Foshan will not require any catenary wires or on-route
recharging.
Randy MacEwen, Ballard's
President & CEO said, "In September
2015 we announced the planned deployment of 300 fuel
cell-powered buses in Foshan/Yunfu. Our program consortium has made
considerable progress over the past year, including localization of
Ballard-designed fuel cell engines, establishment of a fuel cell
bus manufacturing facility, local procurement activities,
development of systems integration capabilities, national
permitting of a fuel cell bus platform, preparations for hydrogen
refueling infrastructure and development of our China service team."
Mr. MacEwen continued, "Now the first installment of
zero-emission fuel cell buses is hitting the roads in Foshan, with
the commissioning of an initial 12 buses in passenger service. This
marks the largest deployment of fuel cell buses in China's history. The Foshan and Yunfu
governments are demonstrating strong vision and leadership by
solving a growing need for mass urban transit while responsibly
addressing local air quality and stimulating local economic
development."
Ballard's program partners include:
- Guangdong Nation Synergy Hydrogen Power Technology Co. Ltd.
("Synergy"), providing 85 kilowatt fuel cell engines designed by
Ballard;
- Foshan Feichi Bus ("Feichi"), manufacturer of the buses;
- Shanghai Reinventing Fire Technology Company Limited
("Re-Fire"), a leading Chinese fuel cell vehicle systems integrator
that has integrated the fuel cell engines into the Feichi buses;
and
- Zhangjiagang Furui Special Equipment Co., Ltd. ("Furuise"), a
Chinese leader in liquefying, storage, transit and application of
liquefied natural gas, including LNG and CNG vehicle gas filling
stations and is expected to be the provider of hydrogen refueling
infrastructure.
Mr. Xu Guo, Vice Mayor of the
City of Foshan/Yunfu said, "We are moving the Cities of Foshan and
Yunfu into the future by adopting zero-emission fuel cell buses
that have long range, fast refueling and outstanding passenger
comfort. We expect additional routes to be commissioned in the
coming months."
Mr. Frank Ma, Chairman of Synergy
stated, "In the past year we have localized Ballard-designed fuel
cell modules in Foshan/Yunfu to meet the fast growing demand for
clean energy buses in China. Our
program for 300 fuel cell buses will now enter the next phase of
rapid scaling."
Mr. Jiang Yong, General Manager
of Feichi added, "We are thrilled with the progress made with
Feichi fuel cell buses. Our 11 meter fuel cell bus platform has
been permitted. Our new fuel cell bus manufacturing facility in
Yunfu has been completed. And, we are first-to-market in
China with a leading fuel cell bus
offering."
About Ballard Power Systems
Ballard Power Systems
(NASDAQ: BLDP; TSX: BLD) provides clean energy products that reduce
customer costs and risks, and helps customers solve difficult
technical and business challenges in their fuel cell programs. To
learn more about Ballard, please visit www.ballard.com.
This release contains forward-looking statements concerning
market demand for our products. These forward-looking statements
reflect Ballard's current expectations as contemplated under
section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section
21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Any such
forward-looking statements are based on Ballard's assumptions
relating to its financial forecasts and expectations regarding its
product development efforts, manufacturing capacity, and market
demand.
These statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause
Ballard's actual results to be materially different, including
general economic and regulatory changes, detrimental reliance on
third parties, successfully achieving our business plans and
achieving and sustaining profitability. For a detailed discussion
of these and other risk factors that could affect Ballard's future
performance, please refer to Ballard's most recent Annual
Information Form. Readers should not place undue reliance on
Ballard's forward-looking statements and Ballard assumes no
obligation to update or release any revisions to these forward
looking statements, other than as required under applicable
legislation.
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the
solicitation of an offer to buy securities. The Ballard Common
Shares have not been registered under the United States Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, or the securities laws of any other
jurisdiction and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an
applicable exemption from registration requirements.
For further information: Guy
McAree, +1.604.412.7919, media@ballard.com or
investors@ballard.com
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SOURCE Ballard Power Systems Inc.