Ballard Expands HFC Agreement with Caltrans, Stadler US

Vancouver, B.C.-based Ballard Power Systems has signed a multi-year supply agreement with Stadler US to supply 8 mW (megawatts) of FCmove^®-HD+ HFC (hydrogen fuel cell engines) to power California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) equipment. Supply of these engines will be integrated into Stadler’s line of ZEMUs (Zero-Emission Multiple Units), the FLIRT H₂.

The order builds on more than three years of collaboration, including integration of Ballard HFC engines into the FLIRT H₂, which became the first Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) compliant HFC-powered passenger train demonstrated in the U.S. The order supports Caltrans’ purchase of 10 FLIRT H₂ ZEMUs, with an option for an additional 19, “to strengthen the state’s zero-emission passenger rail capabilities.”

Caltrans on Feb. 14 exercised an option with Stadler US for six additional zero-emission HFC (hydrogen fuel cell) FLIRT H₂trainsets, valued at $127 million. The $80 million base contract, signed in October 2023, included an order for four trainsets and the option for 25 more. The first four-car trainsets are expected to enter revenue service in 2027. They are to run between Merced and Sacramento on the future Valley Rail service, an expansion of the existing Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) regional/commuter rail and Amtrak San Joaquins services that will eventually connect with the first section of California High-Speed Rail, which will stretch 171 miles between Merced and Bakersfield. 

‘We are thrilled to deepen our partnership with Stadler and support their work with Caltrans to decarbonize commuter rail transportation in California,” said Ballard CEO Randy MacEwen. “This order grows our footprint in the rail market and validates the value proposition for Ballard fuel cell engines to power passenger rail in regions lacking catenary infrastructure. Fuel cells offer a zero-emission replacement for diesel engines, with comparable payload, range, reliability and refueling times.”

“Stadler is looking forward to working with Ballard and Caltrans to provide leading zero-emission trains to California and support the advancement of their zero-emission goals,” said Stadler US CEO Martin Ritter. ”The FLIRT H₂ can replace diesel trains on non-electrified or partially electrified lines for emission-free passenger transport, avoiding the investment in costly catenary electrification would otherwise require.”