VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 14, 2020 /CNW/ - Ballard Power Systems
(NASDAQ: BLDP) (TSX: BLDP) today announced the launch of its
FCgen®-HPS product, a high-performance, zero-emission,
proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell stack, to provide
propulsion for a range of Light-, Medium- and Heavy-Duty vehicles
in an industry-leading volumetric high-power density of 4.3
kilowatts per liter (4.3 kW/L). This marks another power density
milestone for Ballard over our decades of PEM fuel cell product
innovation.
The FCgen®-HPS was fully designed and developed by
Ballard to stringent automotive standards in the company's
Technology Solutions program with Audi AG ("AUDI"; www.audi.com).
Ballard currently holds the right to use the FCgen®-HPS
for a variety of applications, including bus, rail, marine, mining,
construction and aerospace vehicles, along with stationary power
applications. Today Ballard signed a non-binding Memorandum of
Understanding with AUDI to expand its right to use the
FCgen®-HPS in all applications, including commercial
trucks and passenger cars.
In addition to its leading high-power density, the
FCgen®-HPS delivers a combination of impressive
performance metrics, including:
- High power output: up to 140kW maximum power level, with
scalability to multiple power blocks;
- High operating temperature: up to 95oC
maximum operating temperature, which allows for more efficient and
smaller cooling systems; and
- Rugged cold weather capabilities: -28oC
freeze start capability with fast power ramp.
Randy MacEwen, Ballard CEO said,
"While governments across the planet are increasingly declaring
green hydrogen to play a major role in the path towards net zero
carbon, there is also a growing recognition that zero-emission fuel
cell systems are well suited to decarbonize a range of motive
applications that have historically been difficult to abate. This
is true for buses, commercial trucks, trains, and marine vessels
where there is a requirement for heavy payload, extended range and
rapid refueling. These use cases typically feature return-to-base
depot refueling, which reduces the challenge of scaling hydrogen
refueling infrastructure. The FCgen®-HPS adds an
important high-power density fuel cell stack to Ballard's current
product line-up, supporting our efforts to penetrate these large
addressable markets, while also improving our long-term positioning
for future motive applications, including passenger cars and urban
air mobility."
Dr. Kevin Colbow, Ballard CTO
noted, "The FCgen®-HPS delivers significant value
through advancements made by Ballard in membrane electrode
assemblies, or MEAs, and carbon bipolar plates. While the
FCgen®-HPS establishes a new industry standard for power
density, we continue to move the yard sticks at Ballard on stack
design, with continuous improvements on power density, durability,
operating parameters, freeze start capabilities, efficiency and
total lifecycle costs. At Ballard, we believe we have
industry-leading talent to design PEM fuel cell stacks and systems
that offer best performance and value for our target
markets."
More information regarding the FCgen®-HPS fuel cell
stack is available here.
Ballard and AUDI expect to sign definitive agreements in 2020
formalizing the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding referenced
above.
About Ballard Power Systems
Ballard Power Systems'
(NASDAQ: BLDP; TSX: BLDP) vision is to deliver fuel cell power for
a sustainable planet. The Company builds fuel cell products that
reduce customer costs and risks, and helps customers solve
difficult technical challenges or address new business
opportunities. To learn more about Ballard, please visit
www.ballard.com.
This release contains forward-looking statements concerning
anticipated product performance and other characteristics. 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.
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SOURCE Ballard Power Systems Inc.