Ballard Customer Demonstrates World's First Hydrogen Fuel Cell Tram

Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQ: BLDP; TSX: BLD) today announced that the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell powered fixed rail electric tram was successfully demonstrated at a ceremonial event held in March at the head office, production and testing facility of CSR Qingdao Sifang Company (CSR Sifang), a Chinese rolling stock manufacturer based in Qingdao, Shandong province.

“This is an exciting demonstration of our world leading fuel cell power modules in a new application,” said Randy MacEwen, Ballard’s President and CEO. “Clean urban transportation is a high priority in China and this zero-emission prototype fuel cell tram is an important step in demonstrating one solution.”

The event was attended by senior officials of the City of Foshan, a tram customer of CSR Sifang, and invited guests took a ride on the prototype fuel cell powered tram. Ballard’s FCvelocity® fuel cell module is integrated into the low floor tram design.

Mr. MacEwen added, “We are proud to partner with CSR Sifang, which has a rich history of innovation in Chinese rail transit. In just a few short months since signing a Memorandum of Understanding and receiving CSR Sifang’s initial purchase order, we were able to enjoy a clean, quiet and smooth tram experience at this ground-breaking event.”

Established more than 100-years ago, in 1900, CSR Sifang has a yearly production capacity of 200 high-speed electric multiple units (EMUs), 1,000 mass transit vehicles and 300 high-grade passenger cars. Additional testing of the fuel cell-powered tram is being completed at CSR Sifang’s facility in Qingdao.