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Ballard announces largest order in company history - 1,000 engines to power Solaris buses across Europe

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Ballard Power Systems signs a Long Term Supply Agreement with Solaris Bus & Coach for 1,000 hydrogen fuel cell engines, marking the largest order in Ballard's history. The agreement aims to accelerate fuel cell bus adoption in Europe, supporting the transition to zero-emission city buses.
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The Long Term Supply Agreement (LTSA) between Ballard Power Systems and Solaris Bus & Coach represents a substantial commitment in the hydrogen fuel cell market. With the agreement covering the delivery of 1,000 engines, Ballard's largest order to date, the deal underscores the growing demand for clean energy solutions in public transportation. The inclusion of both FCmove®-HD 70 kW and FCmove®-HD+ 100 kW engines caters to different bus sizes, indicating a strategic approach to market penetration.

From a market perspective, such a significant order from a major European bus manufacturer could signal confidence in the viability of hydrogen fuel cells as a mainstream energy source for transit. The extended warranty services suggest a focus on long-term customer satisfaction and reliability, potentially enhancing Ballard's reputation for quality in the sector.

Considering the environmental policy landscape in Europe, which is increasingly supportive of zero-emission transportation, this agreement may position Ballard as a key player in the industry, potentially influencing stock performance positively as investors look for growth in sustainable technologies.

Ballard Power Systems' announcement of the LTSA with Solaris has important financial implications. The deal not only secures revenue from the sale of 1,000 fuel cell engines but also includes after-market and extended warranty services, which typically provide higher margins and recurring revenue over time. This diversified income stream can contribute to Ballard's financial stability and profitability.

The scale of the agreement suggests potential economies of scale, which could lead to cost reductions in production. As Ballard ramps up manufacturing to meet the demand from Solaris, investors should monitor gross margin trends to assess the efficiency gains. Improved economics could make Ballard's offerings more competitive, possibly affecting market share and investor sentiment.

Long-term agreements like this one may also serve as a benchmark for future contracts, potentially increasing Ballard's negotiation power and helping to secure similar deals. The impact on Ballard's stock will likely depend on how effectively the company can leverage this agreement to drive growth and margin improvement.

The transition to zero-emission buses in Europe is accelerating and Ballard's LTSA with Solaris taps into this momentum. The policy tailwinds mentioned, such as regulations to decarbonize public urban transport fleets, are important for the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell technology. The LTSA indicates that Ballard's technology is maturing to meet the operational demands of urban transit, which includes quick refueling and long-range capabilities.

The energy sector is witnessing a shift towards decarbonization and hydrogen is emerging as a key player. Ballard's success in securing the largest order in its history reflects the sector's readiness for hydrogen solutions. Stakeholders should note the potential for increased demand for hydrogen fuel infrastructure and the broader implications for the energy market.

As the hydrogen fuel cell market evolves, Ballard's partnership with Solaris could serve as a case study for scalability and cost-effectiveness in the sector. The long-term nature of the agreement provides a stable platform for Ballard to refine its technology and potentially drive down costs, which is essential for widespread market adoption.

VANCOUVER, BC and BOLECHOWO, Poland, April 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQ: BLDP) (TSX: BLDP) today announced the signing of a Long Term Supply Agreement ("LTSA") with its customer Solaris Bus & Coach sp. z o.o. ("Solaris"; www.solarisbus.com), a leading European bus manufacturer, for the supply of 1,000 hydrogen fuel cell engines through 2027 for the European transit bus market.

The LTSA consolidates existing orders for approximately 300 fuel cell engines, while adding after-market and extended warranty services to such existing orders, with a new supply commitment for an incremental approximately 700 fuel cell engines and related after-market extended warranty services. This consolidated order represents the largest order of fuel cell engines in Ballard's history and marks a significant step forward in the relationship with Solaris. The 1,000 units will be made up of approximately 80% FCmove®-HD 70 kW and 20% FCmove®-HD+ 100 kW engines to address both the 12-metre and 18-metre bus markets, with delivery starting in 2024 and running through the end of 2027.

These engines are expected to be deployed in buses across Europe where Solaris buses powered by Ballard fuel cell engines currently operate in over 22 European cities. Supported by policy tailwinds and regulations to decarbonize public urban transport fleets, the transition to zero emission city buses has accelerated in recent years as the value proposition of hydrogen fuel cells are increasingly understood – zero emissions, quick refueling, and long range, without impact to performance or duty cycle.

"This landmark agreement embarks on the next phase of Ballard and Solaris' partnership to accelerate fuel cell bus adoption in Europe, leveraging Ballard's proven product performance, as the energy transition gains momentum," said Randy MacEwen, Ballard President and Chief Executive Officer. "This LTSA is a testament to our collaborative efforts with Solaris spanning over a decade in bringing safe, competitive, durable, zero emission solutions to transit operators across Europe. We are on the road to achieving scaled deployment of fuel cell buses, which is a critical lever to facilitate economies of scale and cost down initiatives, driving improved economics and reduced emissions for fleet operators."

"We are excited to continue our work with Ballard and further our progress in the rapidly growing European hydrogen fuel cell bus market as fuel cell vehicles become an increasingly significant share of our production mix. Solaris has become a leader in deploying hydrogen technology in public transport and an experienced partner for European operators. To date, we have delivered nearly 200 hydrogen-powered buses and another over 500 units are in our orderbook for next two years," said Javier Iriarte, Solaris Chief Executive Officer.

About Ballard Power Systems

Ballard Power Systems' (NASDAQ: BLDP; TSX: BLDP) vision is to deliver fuel cell power for a sustainable planet. Ballard zero-emission PEM fuel cells are enabling electrification of mobility, including buses, commercial trucks, trains, marine vessels, and stationary power. To learn more about Ballard, please visit www.ballard.com.

This release contains forward-looking statements concerning anticipated product deliveries, customer deployments, and market adoption. 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.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ballard-announces-largest-order-in-company-history--1-000-engines-to-power-solaris-buses-across-europe-302104255.html

SOURCE Ballard Power Systems Inc.

FAQ

How many hydrogen fuel cell engines will Ballard supply to Solaris Bus & Coach?

Ballard Power Systems will supply 1,000 hydrogen fuel cell engines to Solaris Bus & Coach.

What is the breakdown of the 1,000 units in the Long Term Supply Agreement?

Approximately 80% of the 1,000 units will be FCmove®-HD 70 kW engines, and 20% will be FCmove®-HD+ 100 kW engines.

When will the delivery of the fuel cell engines start?

Delivery of the fuel cell engines will start in 2024 and continue through the end of 2027.

How many European cities currently operate Solaris buses powered by Ballard fuel cell engines?

Solaris buses powered by Ballard fuel cell engines currently operate in over 22 European cities.

What are the key benefits of hydrogen fuel cells for public urban transport fleets?

Hydrogen fuel cells offer zero emissions, quick refueling, long range, and do not impact performance or duty cycle.

Ballard Power Systems Inc.

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