VANCOUVER, Nov. 14, 2011 /CNW/ - Ballard Power Systems (TSX: BLD)
(NASDAQ: BLDP) today announced that it has, together with consortium
partners BAE Systems and ElDorado National (California) Inc.,
successfully deployed a "Buy America"-compliant, zero-emission fuel
cell bus for SunLine Transit Agency in Palm Springs, CA. The "Buy
America" regulation requires the manufacturing of the bus and key
components in the United States, in alignment with objectives set out
by the Federal Government.
This bus was developed under the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA)
National Fuel Cell Bus Program, which facilitates the development of
commercially viable fuel cell bus technologies and related
infrastructure for deployment in revenue service. The FTA has played a
key role in accelerating fuel cell bus deployments and providing
greater public exposure to the safe operation of zero emission
vehicles, which is leading to a broader acceptance of this technology.
FTA Deputy Administrator Therese McMillan spoke at today's unveiling
event in Palm Springs.
CALSTART, the nation's leading nonprofit consortium of clean
transportation technology companies, administered the FTA project.
Cost share funds were also provided by BAE Systems, the California Air
Resources Board, the South Coast Air Quality Management District
(SCAQMD), ElDorado National and SunLine Transit Agency.
The bus that has been delivered to SunLine uses a Ballard
FC-velocity®-HD6 fuel cell module built in Lowell, Massachusetts to
provide primary power in combination with BAE Systems propulsion and
power management systems to propel the Eldorado 40-foot transit bus.
SunLine Transit Agency will operate the bus, providing public transit
and community services to California's Coachella Valley. Over the
years, SunLine has pursued an aggressive strategy for implementing
clean technologies into their fleet evidenced by what is now the
seventh generation of hydrogen bus deployed by SunLine.
"The National Fuel Cell Bus Program was the basis for our decision to
expand fuel cell operations at our Lowell, Massachusetts facility,"
stated William Foulds, President, US Operations, Ballard Power
Corporation. "We have the workforce in place at Lowell that will allow
us to meet Buy America requirements and thereby facilitate our
customers' access to related funding. This will expand our set of
addressable business opportunities in the U.S."
Ballard's Lowell, MA facility will continue to manufacture the Company's
FCvelocity®-HD6 fuel cell power modules for the U.S. market. The module
delivers enhanced durability at a reduced cost, with improved
efficiency and an industry leading 12,000 hour/five year warranty.
Highly-innovative, zero-emission fuel cell buses will play a critical
role in the future of transit - preserving non-renewable energy
sources, substantially reducing our environmental footprint and
improving our quality of life.
About Ballard Power Systems
Ballard Power Systems (TSX: BLD) (NASDAQ: BLDP) provides clean energy
fuel cell products enabling optimized power systems for a range of
applications. Products are based on proprietary esencia™ technology,
ensuring incomparable performance, durability and versatility.
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is a global defense, security, and aerospace company with
approximately 107,000 employees worldwide. The company delivers a full
range of products and services for air, land, and naval forces, as well
as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions,
and customer support services. In 2009, BAE Systems reported sales of
£22.4 billion (US $36.2 billion).
About Eldorado National
ElDorado National, a U.S. owned and operated company with over 450,000
square feet of bus manufacturing space, is a subsidiary of Thor
Industries, Inc., a New York Stock Exchange listed company. Thor is the
largest manufacturer of recreational vehicles and a leading builder of
commercial buses. Thor has achieved an outstanding performance in its
30-year history. It is the only company in its two industries that has
been profitable every year since its inception, has substantial cash
and no debt. Annual sales are over $2.7 billion.
About SunLine Transit Agency
SunLine Transit Agency is a joint powers authority formed in 1977 to
operate the Coachella Valley's public transportation system. Its
vehicles travel more than 21 million passenger miles per year, covering
536 bus stops located throughout a 1,120 mile-service area. SunLine
offers fixed route bus service and curb-to-curb paratransit for the
mobility impaired.
About CALSTART
CALSTART, the nation's leading nonprofit consortium of clean
transportation technology companies, is a unique member organization
dedicated to the growth of a clean transportation technologies industry
that will create high-quality jobs, clean the air, reduce dependence on
foreign oil, and reduce global warming emissions.
This release contains forward-looking statements concerning eligibility
for government funding, business opportunities and product
performance. 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.
Additional web links:
Video with caption: "Video: Ballard Modules are Buy America Compliant". Video available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/cgi-bin/playback.cgi?file=20111114_C4939_VIDEO_EN_6514.mp4&posterurl=http://photos.newswire.ca/images/20111114_C4939_PHOTO_EN_6514.jpg&clientName=Ballard%20Power%20Systems%20Inc%2E&caption=Video%3A%20Ballard%20Modules%20are%20Buy%20America%20Compliant&title=Ballard%20Modules%20are%20Buy%20America%20Compliant
Image with caption: "SunLine Transit Agency Fuel Cell Bus (CNW Group/Ballard Power Systems Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20111114_C4939_PHOTO_EN_6513.jpg
Image with caption: "Ballard's FCvelocity®-HD6 Fuel Cell Module (CNW Group/Ballard Power Systems Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20111114_C4939_PHOTO_EN_6512.jpg
<p> To learn more about Ballard, please visit <a href="http://www.ballard.com">www.ballard.com</a>. </p>