Latest Ballard fuel cell for Wrightbus StreetDeck Hydroliner Gen 3.0
Wrightbus will use the latest-generation Ballard FCmove-SC hydrogen fuel cell in its third-generation StreetDeck Hydroliner Gen 3.0 platform, with series production of the vehicle to start in 2027.
That will continue a long reliance on Ballard fuel cells in Wrightbus hydrogen-powered buses. Ballard says that the FCmove-SC unit delivers enhanced efficiency, extended durability and a simplified system architecture to reduce total cost of ownership (TCO).
In addition, it delivers greater sustained power and improved in-service performance, Ballard notes. That will target a peak power capacity of at least 75kW, optimised for consistent in-service output, and higher thermal margins for an efficiency uplift.
The latest fuel cell is optimised for public transport applications and has been designed to improve power density, simplify integration into the vehicle, and reduce lifecycle cost, the supplier continues.
Speaking about the Gen 3.0 hydrogen bus platform, Wrightbus Chief Procurement Officer Paul King says it has been in development “for some time” ahead of launch next year.
“We are looking for partners that can help to generate greater efficiency, improved lifecycle economics, and robust performance for demanding transit operations,” he adds.
“Our next-generation hydrogen bus is all about creating a TCO that is comparable to battery-electric… [There] are plenty of examples where electric does not provide the range needed for efficient daily operation or where the cost of infrastructure is prohibitive.
“We are delighted to be able to extend our partnership with Ballard, using its next-generation fuel cells, as we accelerate the rollout of hydrogen mobility across our key markets.”
The FCmove-SC is the ninth-generation hydrogen fuel cell from Ballard. It says the product will have an operational lifetime of above 25,000 hours, with remote diagnostics to monitor performance data to anticipate preventative maintenance. A peak fuel efficiency of 57% is given by the manufacturer.
Ballard Vice-President, Sales and Marketing, Oben Uluc describes the choice by Wrightbus to use the FCmove-SC in the StreetDeck Hydroliner Gen 3.0 as “a major milestone” for the fuel cell.
“This decision reflects out decades-long collaboration and Wrightbus’s confidence in Ballard’s availability to deliver performance, reliability, and lifecycle economics at scale,” he adds. “The FCmove-SC was made for the mature bus market, and OEM nominations like this validate the value proposition for customers.”
Andrew Dickinson promoted to Marketing Director by Harris Group
Harris Group, parent of the Harris Bus and Coach business that is bringing Higer vehicles to the UK and Ireland, has appointed Andrew Dickinson (pictured) as Marketing Director.
Mr Dickinson joined Harris in 2025 as Head of Marketing. His expanded remit will see him join the senior leadership team as Harris Group continues to pursue new brand partnerships and expand across multiple transport sectors.
He will continue to oversee the business’s marketing strategy across its brands – which beyond Higer include Maxus light commercial vehicles and (in Ireland) Isuzu models – while also taking on a strategic role to support future growth initiatives.
Elevation of Mr Dickinson is a further reshuffle of the Harris senior management team. Denise Harris recently took up the position of Executive Chairperson, while Brian Patterson has been appointed CEO. The changes reflect “both the company’s ambitious growth plans and its commitment to developing the next generation of leadership talent,” Harris Group says.
Mr Dickinson has over two decades’ automotive marketing experience and has worked in multiple segments of the industry to support over 25 manufacturers, including commercial vehicle and premium passenger car brands.
Speaking about his promotion, he says: “Harris Group is a business with huge ambition, incredible momentum, and some of the strongest brands in the industry, so stepping into the role of Marketing Director at this point in the company’s journey is a fantastic opportunity.
“We are building real traction across multiple markets, growing our dealer network, and pushing the profile of the business to new levels. I am excited to work with the team to keep driving that momentum forward and help share the next phase of growth for Harris Group.”
Mr Patterson has congratulated Mr Dickinson on his move, noting: “Andrew has made a significant impact on the business in a short space of time, strengthening the profile of our brands and Harris Group as a whole.
“He brings a clear and strategic focus, strong commercial understanding, and a proven ability to deliver results across multiple areas of the business.”
Harris Bus and Coach UK now has each of the V-10, V-12 and V-14 diesel coaches on the ground here. The Azure battery-electric bus is also part of its range, with further bus models in diesel and battery-electric promised.
[adrotate banner="37"]
Further NCT battery-electric order will lift zero-emission fleet to 93
Nottingham City Transport (NCT) has ordered a further 12 Yutong battery-electric buses from Pelican Bus and Coach. Five will be U11DD double-deck examples and seven are E12 single-deck models, complementing a large number of the latter already in use.
The further order was confirmed at the 2026 ALBUM conference on 12/13 May in Blackpool. It complements an earlier deal for 19 battery-electric double-decks that are in hand, of which 13 will be U11DD models. The other six will be Wrightbus StreetDeck Electroliners.
When all 31 buses on order are in service, they will run alongside an existing pool of 62 Yutong battery-electrics to give the municipal operator a total zero-emission fleet of 93, or one-third of its vehicles.
The earlier 19 double-decks are due to arrive in late 2026. The 12 further buses are expected in April 2027. Both investments are being supported through funding from the Mayor of the East Midlands and the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), awarded by Nottinghamshire County Council.
Pelican says that 40% of the value of the NCT buses will be added through completion at its facilities in Castleford. Head of Yutong UK Ian Downie has thanked the operator for its further business.
Adds NCT Finance Director Rob Hicklin: “We are delighted to announce our order for an additional 12 Yutong electric buses from Pelican Bus and Coach. Since the first single-deck started operating with NCT two years ago, our electric bus fleet has proven to be extremely reliable, clocking up over five million kilometres in service.”
Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward says that EMCCA is “on the case” in helping the region’s bus fleet to move away from diesel.
“These buses bring everything that our residents have told us they need from their journeys, with air-conditioning, extra leg room, and full colour destination displays,” she adds. “And this is vital; the more people that use the bus, the closer we get to building a city that is clean, well connected, and climate resilient.”