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Ballard, XCELLSIS and the CTA Announce Successful Fuel Cell Bus Demo

March 22, 2000 by Jeff Shepard

Ballard Power Systems (Chicago, IL), XCELLSIS Fuel Cell Engines Inc. (Vancouver, BC) and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) announced the successful conclusion of what they claim is the world's first fuel cell bus demonstration and testing program after two years of operation.

During the past two years, three buses powered by Ballard fuel cells have clocked more than 5,000 hours in revenue service, covered over 30,000 miles, carried more than 100,000 passengers and emitted nothing more than water vapor. Later this year, XCELLSIS and Ballard will complete a second two-year program involving another three buses in revenue service in Vancouver, BC. The demonstration programs were initiated by Ballard with XCELLSIS assuming responsibility for them following the formation of XCELLSIS as part of the fuel cell engine alliance between DaimlerChrysler, Ford and Ballard.

"As a pioneer in the use of fuel cell technology, the Chicago Transit Authority has contributed directly to advancements in fuel cell engines now being used in both cars and buses," said XCELLSIS President Ferdinand Panik. "Our experience in Chicago enabled the design and construction of the next-generation fuel cell engine that is simpler in design, easier to maintain and half the weight of the engines used in the Chicago buses."