Hydrogen Fuel Cells Power Spain’s First Off-Grid Ultra-Fast EV Charging Station

Ballard Power Systems just hit a major milestone in Zaragoza, Spain, with the launch of the country’s very first fully off-grid, ultra-fast EV charging station. It’s all part of the ECOASIS project, and let’s just say—it’s a big step forward for zero-emission technology.

A Powerhouse of Clean Tech

This isn’t your typical EV charging site. The station runs completely off-grid, thanks to an impressive mix of clean tech: Ballard’s FCmove®-HD+ hydrogen fuel cell, solar PV, hydrogen storage, and battery systems. That means it doesn’t need to rely on the local electric grid at all—making it a game changer for areas with limited grid access or in need of more resilient energy solutions.

Real-World Demo, Real-World Impact

The project officially went live on June 17, 2025, at the El Cisne service station. It’s the result of a solid collaboration between Ballard Power Systems, Zoilo Rios Group, Circutor, and the CIRCE Technology Center. Funding came through the NextGeneration EU recovery initiative, aimed at accelerating the green transition across Europe.

Fast, Clean, and Ready for the Future

ECOASIS is equipped with two 150kW fast chargers, making it more than ready for modern EVs—and crucially, it does it all with zero emissions. That checks a lot of boxes when it comes to meeting the EU’s decarbonization targets. Beyond that, it opens up exciting possibilities for bringing sustainable energy and EV charging to rural or under-connected regions.

Paving the Way for a Hydrogen Future

By combining fuel cell technology with renewables like solar, ECOASIS is a real-world example of how hydrogen infrastructure can support the shift toward cleaner transport. As countries continue to push for sustainable energy solutions, this kind of innovation could become the blueprint for next-generation charging stations—anywhere the road takes you.