Under the terms of the development agreement, Ballard will develop a 200kW fuel cell engine for the Mireo, with the first main line trials planned for 2021.

The deal is worth around $US 9m to Ballard.

“Our cooperation with Ballard is a decisive step towards replacing diesel-powered rail vehicles with emissions-free vehicles in the long-term interests of sustainable and climate-friendly mobility,” says Siemens Mobility CEO Mrs Sabrina Soussan.

Ballard is also working with CRRC Tangshan on a hydrogen-powered LRV. Trials began on a 14km light rail line in Tangshan last month.