Ballard Customer Demonstrates World’s First Hydrogen Fuel Cell Tram
Ballard Power Systems on April 7 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.
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.
