Ballard Stock Surges Over 20 Percent: Hydrogen Bus Fleets in Cottbus and Krefeld in Germany Drive Commercial Operations Forward – Ballard Power in Focus as Technology Partner

Vancouver – Germany’s hydrogen bus market is among the leading markets in Europe. In Cottbus and Krefeld, fuel cell systems from Ballard Power Systems are being integrated into public transport bus fleets, supporting the scaling of zero-emission bus operations in urban and regional transit across Germany.

The fuel cell company Ballard Power Systems, listed in the RENIXX World index, is further expanding its position in the European bus market through the integration of its FCmove®-HD systems into series platforms of established manufacturers such as Wrightbus and Solaris. The focus is on the growing transition from individual pilot projects to standardized fleet applications in urban and regional transport, where range, fast refueling, and high vehicle availability are key operational requirements. Overall, the emphasis is on moving from project-based deployments to near-series fleet operations.

Cottbus Launches Fuel Cell Buses into Commercial Operation

In Cottbus, initial vehicles from a larger hydrogen bus fleet are being gradually introduced into regular line service and tested under real-world operating conditions. This marks the transition from the pilot phase to continuous commercial operation in public transport.

The deployed vehicles are based on Wrightbus’s Kite Hydroliner FCEB platform and use fuel cell systems from Ballard Power Systems. The focus during ongoing operations is on evaluating range, deployment planning, and integration into existing depot and infrastructure processes.

“We are delighted that the first buses in our hydrogen fuel cell fleet are now in daily passenger service. The technology is being tested under real-world conditions, and the aim of the trial is to gain valuable insights into the vehicles’ performance in everyday service, as well as operational processes. Key focus areas include range, deployment planning, and the interaction between vehicles, infrastructure, and driving personnel,” said Ralf Thalmann, Managing Director of Cottbusverkehr.

The fleet strategy foresees a gradual expansion of operations, accompanied by a parallel build-up of hydrogen infrastructure. This is positioning Cottbus as a reference site for the rule-based deployment of fuel cell buses in German public transport.

Krefeld Focuses on Solaris Fleet Expansion Through 2027

In Krefeld, public transport operator SWK Mobil is continuing to expand its hydrogen bus fleet in cooperation with bus manufacturer Solaris Bus & Coach. The partnership is based on an existing collaboration that has already introduced initial hydrogen buses into regular service and is now being expanded with additional vehicles.

The current fleet already includes Solaris Urbino hydrogen buses, which, according to Ballard Power, are equipped with fuel cell systems from the company. The planned expansion follows this existing system architecture and continues the standardization of vehicle platforms.

The new buses will be gradually integrated into the operator’s long-term decarbonization strategy and are intended to complement services in the upcoming expansion cycle. Solaris Bus & Coach is one of the established European manufacturers of hydrogen buses that regularly integrates fuel cell systems from Ballard Power Systems into its vehicle platforms.

Unlike Cottbus, Krefeld is more focused on scaling an already established fleet. Previous operational experience serves as the basis for future expansion in regular line service. Key success factors remain vehicle availability, operational integration, and adaptation to existing public transport structures.

Ballard Power Stock: RENIXX Top Performer of the Week

The Ballard Power stock is leading the RENIXX index this week. On Thursday evening, the share is trading up 22.7% at EUR 4.65 (closing price, 21 May 2026, Stuttgart Stock Exchange). Compared to the start of the year, the stock is now up around 113%.

Source: IWR Online, 22 May 2026