Ballard Power Systems has taken over Arcola Energy, a UK-based systems engineering company specializing in hydrogen fuel cell powertrain and vehicle systems integration.

Ballard acquired 100% of Arcola for total upfront and earn-out cash and share consideration of up to US$40 million, based on the achievement of certain performance milestones.

With more than 10 years of experience integrating Ballard fuel cell engines into powertrains and heavy-duty vehicles, including buses, refuse trucks and trains, Arcola currently has approximately 90 employees based in the UK.

Ballard Power Systems – Arcola Energy

“We continue to focus on simplifying the fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) experience and ease implementation friction points for OEM customers and end-users,” said Randy MacEwen, Ballard’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are putting the customer at the heart of our strategy and investments. With the acquisition of Arcola, we will make it easier for existing and new OEM customers globally to offer FCEVs by providing stronger support for the integration of our fuel cell engines into their vehicle platforms, including powertrain integration, vehicle integration and application engineering. With COP26 as a contextual backdrop for the urgent need to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors, we are seeing growing global interest in the adoption of hydrogen-powered fuel cell engines into zero-emission buses, commercial trucks, trains and marine vessels. We welcome the Arcola team to Ballard, where our purpose is to deliver fuel cell power for a sustainable planet. With this acquisition, we significantly strengthen our global systems integration capabilities to further support our growth plan, while deepening our UK presence.”

Ben Todd, Founder and CEO of Arcola, stated, “The entire Arcola team is thrilled to combine our shared passion for decarbonizing mobility and our unique expertise in fuel cell powertrain integration with Ballard’s world leading PEM fuel cell technology and market position in heavy-duty mobility. Together, we will improve and optimize FCEV powertrain and vehicle performance, lower lifecycle costs, and simplify powertrain and vehicle systems integration and service for customers.” 

Highlights

Ventura Systems introduces Technology Lab experience at Busworld

As part of its presence at Busworld 2025, Ventura Systems is presenting the Technology Lab: an interactive space where visitors can explore the latest product developments. Specialists will be available to explain innovations, guide demonstrations, and share previews of upcoming door system technolo...

Related articles

Busworld Europe 2025: what we have seen in Brussels

Busworld Europe 2025 has just closed its doors in Brussels! In the weeks and months heading to the show, as previews about products to be on launch at the expo in Brussels in October 2025 were being announced, we began collecting an overview of the major releases visitors might expect from the large...

MG enters the electric bus arena with the iEV12 debut at Busworld

MG — yes, that MG, the historic British marque known for its sporty cars — has officially stepped into the bus segment. At Busworld, the company unveiled MG Commercial, a new brand dedicated to commercial vehicles, marking its debut with an all-electric city bus concept and a matching electric chass...