Ballard Power Systems (BLDP) 40-F 11 Mar 21 2020 FY Annual report (Canada) Financial data

Cover Page

Cover Page	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020shares
Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Type	40-F
Document Registration Statement	false
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2020
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Central Index Key	0001453015
Entity Primary SIC Number	3620
Entity Registrant Name	Ballard Power Systems Inc.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	A1
Entity Address, Address Line One	9000 Glenlyon Parkway
Entity Address, City or Town	Burnaby
Entity Address, State or Province	BC
Entity Address, Country	CA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	V5J 5J8
City Area Code	604
Local Phone Number	454-0900
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Shares
Trading Symbol	BLDP
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Security Reporting Obligation	15(d)
Annual Information Form	true
Audited Annual Financial Statements	true
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	282,078,177
Entity File Number	000-53543
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag	true
Business Contact
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Address, Address Line One	28 Liberty St.
Entity Address, City or Town	New York
Entity Address, State or Province	NY
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	10005
City Area Code	212
Local Phone Number	894-8940
Contact Personnel Name	C T Corporation System

Consolidated Statement of Finan

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 763,430	$ 147,792
Short-term investments	2,000	0
Trade and other receivables	56,795	49,316
Inventories	28,522	30,098
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	3,568	2,320
Total current assets	854,315	229,526
Non-current assets:
Property, plant and equipment	49,334	42,836
Intangible assets	3,764	5,687
Goodwill	40,277	40,287
Investments	27,566	21,647
Other non-current assets	343	336
Total assets	975,599	340,319
Current liabilities:
Trade and other payables	29,877	31,427
Deferred revenue	9,888	20,156
Provisions and other current liabilities	9,635	10,488
Current lease liabilities	2,691	2,445
Total current liabilities	52,091	64,516
Non-current liabilities:
Non-current lease liability	15,182	17,306
Deferred gain on finance lease liability	1,734	2,150
Provisions and other non-current liabilities	1,764	1,688
Employee future benefits	3,941	4,396
Total liabilities	74,712	90,056
Equity:
Share capital	1,884,735	1,182,660
Contributed surplus	290,761	290,640
Accumulated deficit	(1,275,516)	(1,223,850)
Foreign currency reserve	907	813
Total equity	900,887	250,263
Total liabilities and equity	$ 975,599	$ 340,319

Consolidated Statement of Loss

Consolidated Statement of Loss and Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenues:
Product and service revenues	$ 103,877	$ 105,723
Cost of product and service revenues	82,893	83,385
Gross margin	20,984	22,338
Operating expenses:
Research and product development	35,519	25,259
General and administrative	16,234	12,868
Sales and marketing	8,616	7,769
Other expense	376	1,888
Total operating expenses	60,745	47,784
Results from operating activities	(39,761)	(25,446)
Finance income and other	4,282	2,663
Finance expense	(1,303)	(1,434)
Net finance income	2,979	1,229
Gain on sale of assets	0	5
Equity in loss of investment in joint venture and associates	(12,557)	(11,059)
Loss before income taxes	(49,339)	(35,271)
Income tax expense	(130)	(20)
Net loss from continuing operations	(49,469)	(35,291)
Net loss from discontinued operations	(1,908)	(3,759)
Net loss	(51,377)	(39,050)
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:
Actuarial loss on defined benefit plans	(289)	(400)
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss	(289)	(400)
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
Foreign currency translation differences	94	(38)
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss	94	(38)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(195)	(438)
Total comprehensive loss	$ (51,572)	$ (39,488)
Basic and diluted loss per share
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ (0.20)	$ (0.15)
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	(0.01)	(0.02)
Basic and diluted loss per share (in USD per share)	$ (0.21)	$ (0.17)
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding (shares)	248,481,027	232,820,675

Consolidated Statement of Chang

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity	USD ($)shares	Share capitalUSD ($)shares	Contributed surplusUSD ($)	Accumulated deficitUSD ($)	Foreign currency reserveUSD ($)	DSUsUSD ($)	DSUsShare capitalUSD ($)shares	DSUsContributed surplusUSD ($)	RSUsUSD ($)shares	RSUsShare capitalUSD ($)shares	RSUsContributed surplusUSD ($)
Equity (in shares) | shares		231,891,643
Equity at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 282,600,000	$ 1,174,889,000	$ 291,260,000	$ (1,184,400,000)	$ 851,000
Equity (in shares) | shares		234,514,326
Net loss	$ (39,050,000)			(39,050,000)
Redeemed/exercised (in shares) | shares	2,234,997	2,234,997							387,686	387,686
Redeemed/exercised	$ 4,624,000	$ 7,223,000	(2,599,000)						$ (1,034,000)	$ 548,000	$ (1,582,000)
Share-based compensation (note 20)	3,561,000		3,561,000			$ 0			$ 1,034,000
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Defined benefit plan actuarial gain (loss)	(400,000)			(400,000)
Foreign currency translation for foreign operations	(38,000)				(38,000)
Equity at Dec. 31, 2019	250,263,000	$ 1,182,660,000	290,640,000	(1,223,850,000)	813,000
Equity (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019 | shares		234,514,326
Equity (in shares) | shares		234,514,326
Equity (in shares) | shares		282,078,177
Net loss	(51,377,000)			(51,377,000)
Number Of Shares Issued, Equity | shares		45,557,548
Equity offerings (note 20)	$ 694,608,000	$ 694,608,000
Redeemed/exercised (in shares) | shares	1,693,466	1,693,466					7,608		305,229	305,229
Redeemed/exercised	$ 4,438,000	$ 6,820,000	(2,382,000)			(64,000)	$ 14,000	$ (78,000)	$ (3,023,000)	$ 633,000	$ (3,656,000)
Share-based compensation (note 20)	6,237,000		6,237,000			$ 64,000			$ 3,023,000
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Defined benefit plan actuarial gain (loss)	(289,000)			(289,000)
Foreign currency translation for foreign operations	94,000				94,000
Equity at Dec. 31, 2020	$ 900,887,000	$ 1,884,735,000	$ 290,761,000	$ (1,275,516,000)	$ 907,000
Equity (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2020 | shares		282,078,177
Equity (in shares) | shares		282,078,177

Consolidated Statement of Cash

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Operating activities:
Net loss for the year	$ (51,377)	$ (39,050)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation and amortization	7,558	7,514
Impairment loss on trade receivables	310	1,787
Unrealized gain on forward contracts	(259)	(805)
Equity in loss of investment in joint venture and associates	12,557	11,059
(Gain) loss on sale of assets	(168)	1,995
Accretion on decommissioning liabilities	76	119
Employee future benefits	164	208
Employee future benefits plan contributions	(908)	(511)
Share-based compensation	6,237	3,561
Total Adjustments	(25,810)	(14,123)
Changes in non-cash working capital:
Trade and other receivables	(2,093)	(14,494)
Inventories	1,355	(787)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(1,026)	(812)
Trade and other payables	(4,238)	11,083
Deferred revenue	(10,268)	3,475
Warranty provision	(854)	1,428
Changes in non-cash working capital:	(17,124)	(107)
Cash used in operating activities	(42,934)	(14,230)
Investing activities:
Net change in short-term investments	(2,000)	0
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(12,620)	(13,934)
Proceeds on sale of assets	988	2,137
Investment in other intangible assets	(246)	0
Investment in joint venture and associates	(22,515)	(20,949)
Cash used in investing activities	(36,393)	(32,746)
Financing activities:
Principal payments of lease liabilities	(2,517)	(2,053)
Net proceeds on issuance of share capital from share option exercises	4,438	4,624
Net proceeds on issuance of share capital from equity offerings	694,608	0
Cash provided by financing activities	696,529	2,571
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents held	(1,564)	(38)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	615,638	(44,443)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	147,792	192,235
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	$ 763,430	$ 147,792

Reporting entity

Reporting entity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Corporate Information And Statement Of IFRS Compliance [Abstract]
Reporting entity	Reporting entity: The principal business of Ballard Power Systems Inc. (the “Corporation”) is the design, development, manufacture, sale and service of proton exchange membrane (“PEM”) fuel cell products for a variety of applications, focusing on the power product markets of Heavy-Duty Motive (consisting of bus, truck, rail and marine applications), Material Handling and Backup Power, as well as the delivery of Technology Solutions, including engineering services, technology transfer and the license and sale of the Corporation’s extensive intellectual property portfolio and fundamental knowledge for a variety of PEM fuel cell applications. A fuel cell is an environmentally clean electrochemical device that combines hydrogen fuel with oxygen (from the air) to produce electricity. The Corporation is a company domiciled in Canada and its registered office is located at 9000 Glenlyon Parkway, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, V5J 5J8. The consolidated financial statements of the Corporation as at and for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 comprise the Corporation and its subsidiaries (note 4(a)). On October 14, 2020, the Corporation completed the sale of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle ("UAV") business assets of its subsidiary, Ballard Unmanned Systems. As such, the UAV business has been classified and accounted for as a discontinued operation (note 7). The historic operating results of the UAV business for both 2020 and 2019 have been removed from continued operating results and are instead presented separately in the statement of comprehensive loss as loss from discontinued operations.

Basis of preparation

Basis of preparation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Corporate Information And Statement Of IFRS Compliance [Abstract]
Basis of preparation	Basis of preparation: (a) Statement of compliance: These consolidated financial statements of the Corporation have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). The consolidated financial statements were authorized for issue by the Board of Directors on March 10, 2021. Details of the Corporation's significant accounting policies are included in note 4. (b) Basis of measurement: The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except for the following material items in the statement of financial position: • Financial assets classified as measured at: amortized cost; fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI) or fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL); and • Employee future benefits liability is recognized as the net of the present value of the defined benefit obligation, less the fair value of plan assets. (c) Functional and presentation currency: These consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars, which is the Corporation’s functional currency. 2. Basis of preparation (cont'd): (d) Use of estimates: The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the Corporation’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any future periods affected. Significant areas having estimation uncertainty include revenue recognition, asset impairment, warranty provision, inventory provision, impairment loss (recoveries) on trade receivables, and employee future benefits. These estimates and judgments are discussed further in note 5. (e) Future operations: The Corporation is required to assess its ability to continue as a going concern or whether substantial doubt exists as to the Corporation’s ability to continue as a going concern into the foreseeable future. The Corporation has forecast its cash flows for the foreseeable future and despite the ongoing volatility and uncertainties inherent in the business, the Corporation believes it has adequate liquidity in cash and working capital to finance its operations. The Corporation’s ability to continue as a going concern and realize its assets and discharge its liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business is dependent upon the Corporation having adequate liquidity and achieving profitable operations that are sustainable. The Corporation’s strategy to mitigate this uncertainty is to continue its drive to attain profitable operations that are sustainable by executing a business plan that continues to focus on revenue growth, improving overall gross margins, maintaining discipline over operating expenses, managing working capital requirements, and securing additional financing to fund operations as needed until the Corporation does achieve profitable operations that are sustainable. Failure to implement this plan could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial condition and or results of operations.

Changes in accounting policies

Changes in accounting policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Corporate Information And Statement Of IFRS Compliance [Abstract]
Changes in accounting policies	Changes in accounting policies: The Corporation has consistently applied the accounting policies set out in note 4 to all periods presented in these consolidated financial statements, except as described below. Effective January 1, 2020, the Corporation has adopted Amendments to References to the Conceptual Framework in IFRS Standards, Definition of a Business (Amendments to IFRS 3) and Definition of Material (Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8) . The effect of initially applying A mendments to References to the Conceptual Framework in IFRS Standards, Definition of a Business (Amendments to IFRS 3) and Definition of Material (Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8) did not have a material impact on the Corporation's financial statements. A number of other new standards and interpretations were also effective from January 1, 2020 but they also did not have a material impact on the Corporation's consolidated financial statements. (a) Amendments to References to the Conceptual Framework in IFRS Standards On March 29, 2018 the IASB issued a revised version of its Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting (“the Framework”) that underpins IFRS Standards. The IASB also issued Amendments to References to the Conceptual Framework in IFRS Standards (“the Amendments”) to update references in IFRS Standards to previous versions of the Conceptual Framework. Some Standards include references to the 1989 and 2010 versions of the Framework. The IASB has published a separate document which contains consequential amendments to affected Standards so that they refer to the new Framework, with the exception of IFRS 3 Business Combinations which continues to refer to both the 1989 and 2010 Frameworks. 3. Changes in accounting policies (cont'd): (a) Amendments to References to the Conceptual Framework in IFRS Standards (cont'd) Both documents are effective from January 1, 2020. The adoption of the Amendments did not have a material impact on the Corporation's consolidated financial statements. (b) Definition of a Business (Amendments to IFRS 3 Business Combinations) On October 22, 2018 the IASB issued amendments to IFRS 3 Business Combinations , that seek to clarify whether a transaction results in an asset or a business combination. The amendments include an election to use a concentration test. This is a simplified assessment that results in an asset acquisition if substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets. If a preparer chooses not to apply the concentration test, or the test is failed, then the assessment focuses on the existence of a substantive process. The amendments apply to businesses acquired in annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2020. The adoption of the Amendments did not have a material impact on the Corporation's consolidated financial statements. (c) Definition of Material (Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8) On October 31, 2018 the IASB refined its definition of material and removed the definition of material omissions or misstatements from IAS 8 . The definition of material has been aligned across IFRS Standards and the Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting . The amendments provide a definition and explanatory paragraphs in one place. Pursuant to the amendments, information is material if omitting, misstating or obscuring it could reasonably be expected to influence decisions that the primary users of general purpose financial statements make on the basis of those financial statements, which provide financial information about a specific reporting entity. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2020. The adoption of the Amendments did not have a material impact on the Corporation's consolidated financial statements.

Significant accounting policies

Significant accounting policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Corporate Information And Statement Of IFRS Compliance [Abstract]
Significant accounting policies	Significant accounting policies: The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all periods presented in these consolidated financial statements, unless otherwise indicated. Certain prior year comparative figures have been reclassified to comply with current year presentation. (a) Basis of consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Corporation and its principal subsidiaries as follows: Percentage ownership 2020 2019 Guangzhou Ballard Power Systems Co., Ltd. 100% 100% Ballard Hong Kong Ltd. 100% 100% Ballard Unmanned Systems (formerly named Protonex Technology Corporation) (note 7) 100% 100% Ballard Services Inc. 100% 100% Ballard Fuel Cell Systems Inc. 100% 100% Ballard Power Systems Europe A/S 100% 100% Ballard Power Corporation 100% 100% 4. Significant accounting policies (cont'd): (a) Basis of consolidation (cont'd): The Corporation also has a non-controlling, 49% interest, in Weichai Ballard Hy-Energy Technologies Co., Ltd ("Weichai Ballard JV") and a non-controlling, 10% interest, in Guangdong Synergy Ballard Hydrogen Power Co., Ltd (“Synergy Ballard JVCo”). Both of these associated companies are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Corporation. The Corporation controls an entity when it is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns though its power over the entity. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases. Intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in the consolidated financial statements. (i) Weichai Ballard JV On November 13, 2018, the Corporation, through Ballard Hong Kong Ltd. ("BHKL"), entered into an agreement with Weichai Power Co., Ltd ("Weichai Power") to create a new limited liability company based in China called Weichai Ballard Hy-Energy Technologies Co., Ltd ("Weichai Ballard JV"). The purpose of Weichai Ballard JV is to manufacture the Corporation's next-generation liquid-cooled fuel cell stack ("LCS") and LCS-based power modules for bus, commercial truck and forklift applications with certain exclusive rights in China. Under the agreement, Weichai is to contribute RMB 561,000,000 ($85,833,000 equivalent at December 31, 2020 exchange rate) and the Corporation is to contribute RMB 539,000,000 ($79,487,000 equivalent at December 31, 2020 exchange rate) representing 51% and 49% of the registered capital in Weichai Ballard JV, respectively. The parties will make these contributions in cash over a four year period and are not obligated to contribute any additional capital in excess of the amounts noted above. During 2018, the Corporation made an initial capital contribution of $14,286,000 (RMB 98,000,000 equivalent). During 2019, the Corporation made two additional capital contributions totaling $20,944,000 (RMB 143,325,000 equivalent). During 2020, the Corporation made four additional capital contributions totaling $22,515,000 (RMB 155,575,000 equivalent). Weichai Power and the Corporation are committed to fund pro rata shares of Weichai Ballard JV based on an agreed business plan. Weichai Power holds three of five Weichai Ballard JV board seats and the Corporation holds two, with the Corporation having certain shareholder protection provisions. Weichai Ballard JV is not controlled by the Corporation and therefore is not consolidated. The Corporation's 49% investment in Weichai Ballard JV is accounted for using the equity method of accounting. (ii) Guangzhou Ballard Power Systems On January 10, 2017, the Corporation incorporated Guangzhou Ballard Power Systems Co., Ltd. ("GBPS"), a 100% wholly foreign-owned enterprise ("WFOE") in China to serve as the Corporation's operations entity for all of China. (iii) Ballard Power Systems Europe A/S On January 5, 2017, the Corporation purchased the remaining 43% interest in its European subsidiary, Ballard Power Systems Europe A/S ("BPSE"), held by Dansk Industri Invest A/S for a nominal value, thus resulting in the Corporation now owning 100% of BPSE. (iv) Synergy Ballard JVCo On September 26, 2016, the Corporation, through BHKL, entered into a joint venture agreement with Guangdong Nation Synergy Hydrogen Power Technology Co., Ltd (“Synergy”) to create a new limited liability company based in China called Guangdong Synergy Ballard Hydrogen Power Co., Ltd (“Synergy Ballard JVCo”). The purpose of Synergy Ballard JVCo is to manufacture fuel cell stacks utilizing the Corporation's FCvelocity®-9SSL fuel cell stack technology for use primarily in fuel cell engines assembled in China to provide propulsion power for zero-emission fuel cell electric buses and commercial vehicles with certain exclusive rights in China. 4. Significant accounting policies (cont'd): (iv) Synergy Ballard JVCo (cont'd): In setting up the joint venture, as specified in the Equity Joint Venture Agreement (“EJV”) dated September 26, 2016, Synergy contributed RMB 60,300,000 ($9,000,000) and the Corporation contributed RMB 6,700,000, ($971,000) in March 2017 representing 90% and 10% of the registered capital in Synergy Ballard JVCo, respectively. The parties made their contributions in cash and the Corporation is not obligated to contribute any additional capital in excess of the amounts noted above. Synergy Ballard JVCo is not controlled by the Corporation and therefore is not consolidated. The Corporation’s 10% investment in Synergy Ballard JVCo is accounted for using the equity method of accounting. (v) Ballard Hong Kong Ltd. On July 19, 2016, the Corporation incorporated Ballard Hong Kong Ltd. (“BHKL”), a 100% owned holding company in Hong Kong, China. (vi) Ballard Unmanned Systems On October 1, 2015, the Corporation acquired Ballard Unmanned Systems (formerly named Protonex Technology Corporation ("Protonex") prior to January 1, 2019), a designer and manufacturer of advanced power management products and portable fuel cell solutions. On October 14, 2020, the Corporation completed an agreement to sell the remaining business assets of its subsidiary, Ballard Unmanned Systems. The entity will remain held by the Corporation (note 7). (b) Foreign currency: (i) Foreign currency transactions Transactions in foreign currencies are translated to the respective functional currencies of the Corporation and its subsidiaries at the exchange rate in effect at the transaction date. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in other than the functional currency are translated at the exchange rates in effect at the statement of financial position date. The resulting exchange gains and losses are recognized in earnings. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in other than the functional currency that are measured at fair value are translated to the functional currency at the exchange rate at the date that the fair value was determined. Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in other than the functional currency are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction. (ii) Foreign operations The assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated to the presentation currency using exchange rates at the reporting date. The income and expenses of foreign operations are translated to the presentation currency using exchange rates at the dates of the transactions. Foreign currency differences are recognized in other comprehensive income. (c) Financial instruments: (i) Financial assets The Corporation initially recognizes loans and receivables and deposits on the date that they originated and all other financial assets on the trade date at which the Corporation becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. The Corporation derecognizes a financial asset when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire, or when it transfers substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset. 4. Significant accounting policies (cont'd): (c) Financial instruments (cont'd): (i) Financial assets (cont'd) Financial assets are classified as measured at: amortized cost; fair value through other comprehensive income ("FVOCI") or fair value through profit or loss ("FVTPL"). The classification of financial assets is generally based on the business model in which a financial asset is managed and its contractual cash flow characteristics. Derivatives embedded in contracts where the host is a financial asset in the scope of the standard are never separated. Instead, the hybrid financial instrument as a whole is assessed for classification. The Corporation's financial assets which consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, trade and other receivables, and contract assets are classified at amortized cost. The Corporation also periodically enters into foreign exchange forward contracts to limit its exposure to foreign currency rate fluctuations. These derivatives are recognized initially at fair value and are recorded as either assets or liabilities based on their fair value. Subsequent to initial recognition, these derivatives are measured at fair value and changes to their value are recorded through profit or loss. (ii) Financial liabilities Financial liabilities comprise the Corporation’s trade and other payables. The financial liabilities are initially recognized on the date they are originated and are derecognized when the contractual obligations are discharged or cancelled or expire. These financial liabilities are recognized initially at fair value and subsequently are measured at amortized costs using the effective interest method, when materially different from the initial amount. Fair value is determined based on the present value of future cash flows, discounted at the market rate of interest. (iii) Share capital Share capital is classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of shares and share options are recognized as a deduction from equity. When share capital is repurchased, the amount of the consideration paid, including directly attributable costs, is recognized as a deduction from equity. Repurchased shares are classified as treasury shares and are presented as a deduction from equity. When treasury shares are subsequently reissued, the amount received is recognized as an increase in equity, and the resulting surplus or deficit on the transaction is transferred to or from retained earnings (deficit). (d) Inventories: Inventories are recorded at the lower of cost and net realizable value. The cost of inventories is based on the first-in first-out principle, and includes expenditures incurred in acquiring the inventories, production or conversion costs and other costs incurred in bringing them to their existing location and condition. In the case of manufactured inventories and work in progress, cost includes materials, labor and appropriate share of production overhead based on normal operating capacity. Costs of materials are determined on an average per unit basis. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less the estimated costs of completion and selling expenses. In establishing any impairment of inventory, management estimates the likelihood that inventory carrying values will be affected by changes in market demand, technology and design, which would impair the value of inventory on hand. 4. Significant accounting policies (cont'd): (e) Property, plant and equipment: (i) Recognition and measurement Items of property, plant and equipment are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. The cost of self-constructed assets includes the cost of materials, costs directly attributable to bringing the assets to a working condition for their intended use, and the costs of dismantling and removing items and restoring the site on which they are located. If significant parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, then they are accounted for as separate items (major components) of property, plant and equipment. Any gain or loss on disposal of an item of property, plant and equipment is recognized in profit or loss. (ii) Subsequent expenditures Subsequent expenditures are capitalized only if it is probable that the future economic benefits associated with the expenditures will flow to the Corporation. (iii) Depreciation Depreciation is calculated to write-off the cost of items of property, plant and equipment less their estimated residual values using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, and is generally recognized in profit or loss. The estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment for current and comparative periods are as follows: Computer equipment 3 to 10 years Furniture and fixtures 5 to 10 years Leasehold improvements The shorter of initial term of the respective lease and estimated useful life Production and test equipment 4 to 15 years Leased assets are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term or their useful lives unless it is reasonably certain that the Corporation will obtain ownership by the end of the lease term. Right-of-use asset - Property 1 to 7 years Right-of-use asset - Office equipment 4 to 5 years Right-of-use asset - Vehicles 1 to 5 years Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at each reporting date and adjusted if appropriate. (f) Leases: IFRS 16 Leases introduced a single, on-balance sheet accounting model for lessees. As a result, the Corporation, as a lessee, has recognized right-of-use assets representing its rights to use the underlying assets, and lease liabilities representing its obligation to make lease payments. Lessor accounting remains similar to previous accounting policies. 4. Significant accounting policies (cont'd): (f) Leases (cont'd): At inception of a contract, the Corporation assesses whether a contract is, or contains, a lease. A contract is, or contains, a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. To assess whether a contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset, the Corporation assesses whether: • the contract involves the use of an identified asset - this may be specified explicitly or implicitly, and should be physically distinct or represent substantially all of the capacity of a physically distinct asset. If the supplier has a substantive substitution right, then the asset is not identified; • the Corporation has the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from use of the asset throughout the period of use; and • the Corporation has the right to direct the use of the asset. The Corporation has this right when it has the decision-making rights that are most relevant to changing how and for what purpose the asset is used. In rare cases where all the decisions about how and for what purpose the asset is used are predetermined, the Corporation has the right to direct the use of the asset if either: ◦ the Corporation has the right to operate the asset; or ◦ the Corporation designed the asset in a way that predetermines how and for what purpose it will be used. This policy is applied to contracts entered into, or changed, on or after January 1, 2019. i. As a Lessee The Corporation recognizes a right-of-use asset and a lease liability at the lease commencement date. The right-of-use asset is initially measured at cost, which comprises the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, plus any initial direct costs incurred and an estimate of costs to dismantle and remove the underlying asset or to restore the underlying asset or the site on which it is located, less any lease incentives received. The right-of-use asset is subsequently depreciated using the straight-line method from the commencement date to the earlier of the end of the useful life of the right-of-use asset or the end of the lease term. The estimated useful lives of right-of-use assets are determined on the same basis as those of property and equipment. In addition, the right-of-use asset is periodically reduced by impairment losses, if any, and adjusted for certain remeasurements of the lease liability. The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, the Corporation’s incremental borrowing rate. Generally, the Corporation uses its incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate. Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability comprise: • Fixed payments, including in-substance fixed payments; • Variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate, initially measured using the index or rate at the commencement date; • Amounts expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee; and • The exercise price under a purchase option that the Corporation is reasonably certain to exercise, lease payments in an optional renewal period if the Corporation is reasonably certain to exercise an extension option, and penalties for early termination of a lease unless the Corporation is reasonably certain not to terminate early. 4. Significant accounting policies (cont'd): (f) Leases (cont'd): The lease liability is subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. It is remeasured when there is a change in future lease payments arising from a change in an index or rate, if there is a change in the Corporation’s estimate of the amount expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee or if the Corporation changes its assessment of whether it will exercise a purchase, extension or termination option. When the lease liability is remeasured in this way, a corresponding adjustment is made to the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset, or is recorded in profit or loss if the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset has been reduced to zero. The Corporation presents right-of-use assets in ‘Property, plant and equipment’ and lease liabilities in ‘Lease liability’ in the statement of financial position. The Corporation has elected not to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for short-term leases of properties, equipment and vehicles that have a lease term of 12 months or less. The Corporation has elected not to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for low value leases that have initial values of less than $5,000. The Corporation recognizes the lease payments associated with these leases as an operating expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. ii. As a Lessor When the Corporation is an intermediate lessor, it accounts for its interests in the head lease and the sub-lease separately. It assesses the lease classification of a sub-lease with reference to the right-of-use asset arising from the head lease, not with reference to the underlying asset, and makes an overall assessment of whether the lease transfers to the lessee substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership incidental to ownership of the underlying asset. If this is the case, then the lease is a finance lease; if not, then it is an operating lease. As part of this assessment, the Corporation considers certain indicators such as whether the lease is for the major part of the economic life of the asset. The Corporation recognizes lease payments received under operating leases as income on a straight-line basis over the lease term in operating expense. The accounting policies applicable to the Corporation as a lessor in the comparative period were not different from IFRS 16 Leases . However, when the Corporation was an intermediate lessor the sub-leases were classified with reference to the underlying asset. (g) Goodwill and intangible assets: (i) Recognition and measurement Goodwill Goodwill arising on the acquisition of subsidiaries is measured at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Research and development Expenditure on research activities is recognized in profit or loss as incurred. Development expenditure is capitalized only if the expenditure can be measured reliably, the product or process is technically and commercially feasible, future economic benefits are probable and the Corporation intends to and has sufficient resources to complete development and to use or sell the asset. Otherwise, it is recognized in profit or loss as incurred. Subsequent to initial recognition, development expenditure is measured at cost less accumulated amortization and any accumulated impairment losses. Intangible assets Intangible assets, including patents, know-how, in-process research and development, trademarks and service marks and software systems that are acquired or developed by the Corporation and have finite useful lives are measured at cost less accumulated amortization and any accumulated impairment losses. 4. Significant accounting policies (cont'd): (g) Goodwill and intangible assets (cont'd): (ii) Subsequent expenditure Subsequent expenditure is capitalized only when it increases the future economic benefits embodied in the specific asset to which it relates. All other expenditures, including expenditures on internally generated goodwill, are recognized in profit or loss as incurred. (iii) Amortization Amortization is calculated to write-off the cost of intangible assets less their estimated residual values using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, and is recognized in profit or loss. Goodwill is not amortized. The estimated useful lives for current and comparative periods are as follows: Internally generated fuel cell intangible assets 3 to 5 years Patents, know-how and in-process research & development 5 to 20 years ERP management reporting software system 5 to 10 years Trademarks and service marks 15 years Domain names 15 years Customer base and relationships 10 years Acquired non-compete agreements 1 year Amortization methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at each reporting date and adjusted if appropriate. (h) Impairment: (i) Financial assets An ‘expected credit loss’ ("ECL") model applies to financial assets measured at amortized cost and debt investments at FVOCI, but not to investments in equity instruments. The Corporation's financial assets measured at amortized cost and subject to the ECL model consist primarily of trade receivables and contract assets. In applying the ECL model, loss allowances are measured on either of the following bases: • 12-month ECLs: these are ECLs that result from possible default events within the 12 months after the reporting date; and • lifetime ECLs: these are ECLs that result from all possible default events over the expected life of a financial instrument. The Corporation has elected to measure loss allowances for trade receivables and contract assets at an amount equal to lifetime ECLs. When determining whether the credit risk of a financial asset has increased significantly since initial recognition and when estimating ECLs, the Corporation considers reasonable and supportable information that is relevant and available without undue cost or effort. This includes both quantitative and qualitative information and analysis, based on historical experience and informed credit assessment and including forward-looking information. 4. Significant accounting policies (cont'd): (h) Impairment (cont'd): (i) Financial assets (cont'd) ECLs are a probability-weighted estimate of credit losses. Credit losses are measured as the present value of all cash shortfalls (i.e. the difference between the cash flows due to the entity in accordance with the contract and the cash flows that the Corporation expects to receive). ECLs are discounted at the effective interest rate of the financial asset. At each reporting date, we assess whether financial assets carried at amortized cost are credit-impaired. A financial asset is ‘credit-impaired’ when one or more events that have a detrimental impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset have occurred. Loss allowances for financial assets measured at amortized cost are deducted from the gross carrying amount of the assets. Impairment (losses) recoveries related to trade receivables and contract assets are presented separately in the statement of profit or loss. (ii) Non-financial assets The carrying amounts of the Corporation’s non-financial assets other than inventories are reviewed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, then the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated. For goodwill and intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives, the recoverable amount is estimated annually. The recoverable amount of an asset or cash-generating unit is the greater of its value in use and its fair value less costs to sell. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. Fair value less costs to sell is defined as the estimated price that would be received on the sale of the asset in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. For the purposes of impairment testing, assets that cannot be tested individually are grouped together into the smallest group of assets that generates cash inflows from continuing use that are largely independent of the cash inflows of other groups of assets. The allocation of goodwill to cash-generating units reflects the lowest level at which goodwill is monitored for internal reporting purposes. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of an asset or its cash-generating unit exceeds its estimated recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognized in profit or loss. Impairment losses recognized in respect of the cash generating units are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the units, and then to reduce the carrying amounts of the other assets in the unit on a pro-rata basis. An impairment loss in respect of goodwill is not reversed. In respect of other assets, impairment losses recognized in prior periods are assessed at each reporting date for any indications that the loss has decreased or no longer exists. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortization, if no impairment loss had been recognized. (i) Provisions: A provision is recognized if, as a result of a past event, the Corporation has a present legal or constructive obligation that can be estimated reliably, and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. Provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risk specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognized as a finance expense. 4. Significant accounting policies (cont'd): (i) Provisions (cont'd): Warranty provision A provision for warranty costs is recorded on product sales at the time the sale is recognized. In establishing the warranty provision, management estimates the likelihood that products sold will experience warranty claims and the estimated cost to resolve claims received, taking into account the nature of the contract and past and projected experience with the products. Decommissioning liabilities Legal obligations to retire tangible long-lived assets are recorded at the net present value of the expected costs of settlement at acquisition with a corresponding increase in asset value. These include assets leased under operating leases. The liability is accreted over the life of the asset to the ultimate settlement amount and the increase in asset value is depreciated over the remaining useful life of the asset. (j) Revenue recognition: The Corporation generates revenues primarily from product sales, the license and sale of intellectual property and fundamental knowledge, and the provision of engineering services and technology transfer services. Product revenues are derived primarily from standard product sales contracts and from long-term fixed price contracts. Intellectual property and fundamental knowledge license revenues are derived primarily from standard licensing and technology transfer agreements. Engineering service and technology transfer services revenues are derived primarily from cost-plus reimbursable contracts and from long-term fixed price contracts. Revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of the goods or services. Determining the timing of the transfer of control, at a point in time or over time, requires judgment. On standard product sales contracts, revenues are recognized when customers obtain control of the product, that is when transfer of title and risks and rewards of ownership of goods have passed and when obligation to pay is considered certain. Invoices are generated and revenue is recognized at that point in time. Provisions for warranties are made at the time of sale. On standard licensing and technology transfer agreements, revenues are recognized on the transfer of rights to a licensee, when it is determined to be distinct from other performance obligations, and if the customer can direct the use of, and obtain substantially all of the remaining benefits from the license as it exists at the time of transfer. In other cases, the proceeds are considered to relate to the right to use the asset over the license period and the revenue is recognized over that period. If it is determined that the license is not distinct from other performance obligations, revenue is recognized over time as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefit. On cost-plus reimbursable contracts, revenues are recognized as costs are incurred, and include applicable fees earned as services are provided. On long-term fixed price contracts, the customer controls all of the work in progress as the services are being provided. This is because under these contracts, the deliverables are made to a customer’s specification, and if a contract is terminated by the customer, then the Corporation is entitled to reimbursement of the costs incurred to date plus the applicable gross margin. Therefore, revenue from these contracts and the associated costs are recognized as the costs are incurred over time. On long-term fixed price contracts, revenues are recognized over time using cumulative costs incurred to date relative to total estimated costs at completion to measure progress towards satisfying performance obligations. Generally, revenue is recognized by multiplying the expected consideration by the ratio of cumulative costs incurred to date to the sum of incurred and estimated costs for completing the performance obligation. The cumulative effect of changes to estimated revenues and estimated costs for completing a contract are recognized in the period in which the revisions are identified. In the event that the estimated costs exceed the expected revenues on a contract, such loss is recognized in its entirety in the period it becomes known. 4. Significant accounting policies (cont'd): (j) Revenue recognition (cont'd): Deferred revenue (i.e. contract liabilities) represents cash received from customers in excess of revenue recognized on uncompleted contracts. (k) Finance income and expense: Finance income comprises interest income on funds invested, gains on the disposal of available-for-sale financial assets and changes in the fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss. Interest income is recognized as it accrues in income, using the effective interest method. Finance expense comprise interest expense on capital leases, unwinding of the discount on provisions, changes in the fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss and impairment losses recognized on financial assets. Foreign currency gains and losses are reported on a net basis. (l) Income taxes: The Corporation follows the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the deferred income tax conseque

Critical judgments in applying

Critical judgments in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of Changes in Accounting Policies, Accounting Estimates and Errors [Abstract]
Critical judgments in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty	Critical judgments in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty: Critical judgments in applying accounting policies: Critical judgments that management has made in the process of applying the Corporation’s accounting policies and that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements are limited to management’s assessment of the Corporation’s ability to continue as a going concern (note 2(e)). Key sources of estimation uncertainty: The following are key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty that have significant risk of resulting in a material adjustment to the reported amount of assets, liabilities, income and expenses within the next fiscal year. 5. Critical judgments in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty (cont'd): (a) Revenue recognition: On long-term fixed price contracts, revenues are recorded over time using costs incurred to date relative to total estimated costs at completion to measure progress towards satisfying performance obligations. Revenue is recognized by multiplying the expected consideration by the ratio of cumulative costs incurred to date to the sum of incurred and estimated costs for completing the performance obligation. The cumulative effect of changes to expected revenues and expected costs for completing a contract are recognized in the period in which the revisions are identified. If the expected costs exceed the expected revenues on a contract, such loss is recognized in its entirety in the period it becomes known. (i) The determination of expected costs for completing a contract is based on estimates that can be affected by a variety of factors such as variances in the timeline to completion, the cost of materials, the availability and cost of labour, as well as productivity. (ii) The determination of potential revenues includes the contractually agreed amount and may be adjusted based on the estimate of the Corporation’s attainment on achieving certain defined contractual milestones. Management’s estimation is required in determining the amount of consideration to which the Corporation expects to be entitled and in determining when a performance obligation has been met. Estimates used to determine revenues and costs of long-term fixed price contracts involve uncertainties that ultimately depend on the outcome of future events and are periodically revised as projects progress. There is a risk that a customer may ultimately disagree with management’s assessment of the progress achieved against milestones, or that the Corporation's estimates of the work required to complete a contract may change. (b) Asset impairment: The recoverable amount of an asset or cash-generating unit is the greater of its value in use and its fair value less costs to sell. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. In assessing fair value less costs to sell, the price that would be received on the sale of an asset in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date is estimated. For the purposes of impairment testing, assets that cannot be tested individually are grouped together into the smallest group of assets that generates cash inflows from continuing use that are largely independent of the cash inflows of other groups of assets. The allocation of goodwill to cash-generating units reflects the lowest level at which goodwill is monitored for internal reporting purposes. Many of the factors used in assessing fair value are outside the control of management and it is reasonably likely that assumptions and estimates will change from period to period. These changes may result in future impairments. For example, the revenue growth rate could be lower than projected due to economic, industry or competitive factors, or the discount rate used in the value in use model could increase due to a change in market interest rates. In addition, future goodwill impairment charges may be necessary if the market capitalization decreased due to a decline in the trading price of the Corporation’s common stock, which could negatively impact the fair value of the Corporation’s cash generating units. (c) Warranty provision: A provision for warranty costs is recorded on product sales at the time of shipment. In establishing the warranty provision, management estimates the likelihood that products sold will experience warranty claims and the cost to resolve claims received. In making such determinations, the Corporation uses estimates based on the nature of the contract and past and projected experience with the products. Should these estimates prove to be incorrect, the Corporation may incur costs different from those provided for in the warranty provision. Management reviews warranty assumptions and makes adjustments to the provision at each reporting date based on the latest information available, including the expiry of contractual obligations. Adjustments to the warranty provision are recorded in cost of product and service revenues. 5. Critical judgments in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty (cont'd): (d) Inventory provision: In determining the lower of cost and net realizable value of inventory and in establishing the appropriate provision for inventory obsolescence, management estimates the likelihood that inventory carrying values will be affected by changes in market pricing or demand for the products and by changes in technology or design which could make inventory on hand obsolete or recoverable at less than the recorded value. Management performs regular reviews to assess the impact of changes in technology and design, sales trends and other changes on the carrying value of inventory. Where it is determined that such changes have occurred and will have a negative impact on the value of inventory on hand, appropriate provision are made. If there is a subsequent increase in the value of inventory on hand, reversals of previous write-downs to net realizable value are made. Unforeseen changes in these factors could result in additional inventory provisions, or reversals of previous provisions, being required. (e) Financial assets including impairment of trade receivables: An ECL model applies to financial assets measured at amortized cost, contract assets and debt investments at FVOCI, but not to investments in equity instruments. The Corporation's financial assets that are measured at amortized cost and subject to the ECL model consist primarily of trade receivables and contract assets. In applying the ECL model, loss allowances are measured on either of the following bases: • 12-month ECLs: these are ECLs that result from possible default events within the 12 months after the reporting date; and • lifetime ECLs: these are ECLs that result from all possible default events over the expected life of a financial instrument. The Corporation has elected to measure loss allowances for trade receivables and contract assets at an amount equal to lifetime ECLs. When determining whether the credit risk of a financial asset has increased significantly since initial recognition and when estimating ECLs, the Corporation considers reasonable and supportable information that is relevant and available without undue cost or effort. This includes both quantitative and qualitative information and analysis, based on the Corporation’s historical experience and informed credit assessment and including forward-looking information. ECLs are a probability-weighted estimate of credit losses. Credit losses are measured as the present value of all cash shortfalls (i.e. the difference between the cash flows due to the entity in accordance with the contract and the cash flows that the Corporation expects to receive). ECLs are discounted at the effective interest rate of the financial asset. At each reporting date, the Corporation assesses whether financial assets carried at amortized cost are credit-impaired. A financial asset is ‘credit-impaired’ when one or more events that have a detrimental impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset have occurred. Loss allowances for financial assets measured at amortized cost are deducted from the gross carrying amount of the assets. Impairment (losses) recoveries related to trade receivables and contract assets are presented separately in profit or loss. 5. Critical judgments in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty (cont'd): (f) Employee future benefits: The present value of the defined benefit obligation is determined by discounting the estimated future cash outflows using interest rates of high-quality corporate bonds that have terms to maturity approximating the terms of the related pension liability. Determination of benefit expense requires assumptions such as the discount rate to measure obligations, expected plan investment performance, expected healthcare cost trend rate, and retirement ages of employees. Actual results will differ from the recorded amounts based on these estimates and assumptions.

Recent accounting pronouncement

Recent accounting pronouncements and future accounting policy changes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Corporate Information And Statement Of IFRS Compliance [Abstract]
Recent accounting pronouncements and future accounting policy changes	Recent accounting pronouncements and future accounting policy changes: The following is an overview of accounting standard changes that the Corporation will be required to adopt in future years. The Corporation expects to adopt these standards as at their effective dates and will continue to evaluate the impact of these standards on the consolidated financial statements. (a) Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current ( Amendments to IAS 1 ) On January 23, 2020, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements , to clarify the classification of liabilities as current or non-current. On July 15, 2020 the IASB issued an amendment to defer the effective date by one year. For the purposes of non-current classification, the amendments removed the requirement for a right to defer settlement or roll over of a liability for at least twelve months to be unconditional. Instead, such a right must have substance and exist at the end of the reporting period. The amendments also clarify how a company classifies a liability that includes a counterparty conversion option. The amendments state that: • settlement of a liability includes transferring a company’s own equity instruments to the counterparty, and • when classifying liabilities as current or non-current a company can ignore only those conversion options that are recognized as equity. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023. Early adoption is permitted. The extent of the impact of adoption of the Amendments to IAS 1 has not yet been determined. (b) Property, Plant and Equipment — Proceeds before Intended Use ( Amendments to IAS 16 ) On May 14, 2020, the IASB issued Property, Plant and Equipment — Proceeds before Intended Use (Amendments to IAS 16) . The amendments provide guidance on the accounting for sale proceeds and the related production costs for items a company produces and sells in the process of making an item of property, plant and equipment ("PPE") available for its intended use. Specifically, proceeds from selling items before the related item of PPE is available for use should be recognized in profit or loss, together with the costs of producing those items. The amendments are effective annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2022. Early adoption is permitted. The extent of the impact of adoption of the Amendments to IAS 16 has not yet been determined. 6. Recent accounting pronouncements and future accounting policy changes (cont'd): (c) Onerous Contracts — Cost of Fulfilling a Contract ( Amendments to IAS 37 ) On May 14, 2020, the IASB issued Onerous Contracts – Cost of Fulfilling a Contract (Amendments to IAS 37) . IAS 37 does not specify which costs are included as a cost of fulfilling a contract when determining whether a contract is onerous. The IASB’s amendments address this issue by clarifying that the "costs of fulfilling a contract" comprise both: • the incremental costs – e.g. direct labour and materials; and • an allocation of other direct costs – e.g. an allocation of the depreciation charge for an item of PPE used in fulfilling the contract. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2022 and apply to contracts existing at the date when the amendments are first applied. Early adoption is permitted. The extent of the impact of adoption of the Amendments to IAS 37 has not yet been determined.

Discontinued operations

Discontinued operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Discontinued operations	Discontinued operations: On October 14, 2020, the Corporation completed an agreement to sell the remaining UAV business assets of its subsidiary, Ballard Unmanned Systems, for gross cash proceeds of $1,000,000. Net proceeds from the sale were $988,000 after deducting for working capital adjustments and legal and other expenses. Pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, all employees of the Ballard Unmanned Systems subsidiary were transitioned to the purchaser along with all inventory, property, plant and equipment and intangible assets. The Ballard Unmanned Systems subsidiary has been classified and accounted for as a discontinued operation. The historic operating results of the UAV market for both 2020 and 2019 have been removed from continued operating results and are instead presented separately in the statement of comprehensive loss as loss from discontinued operations. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Corporation recorded a gain on sale of these assets of $168,000. Total proceeds $ 1,000 Less: Disposition costs (12) Net proceeds 988 Less: Net book value of disposed assets (820) Gain on sale of UAV assets $ 168 During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation recorded an additional loss on sale of assets of $2,000,000 related to the divestiture of certain assets of its subsidiary, Ballard Unmanned Systems, after adjusting the estimated amount of variable consideration from $2,000,000 to $nil. Proceeds on disposal of these assets included repayment of a note receivable of $2,132,000 collected in September 2019. 7. Discontinued operations (cont'd): The following is a final calculation of the disposed assets : December 31, 2020 Inventories $ 221 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 29 Property, plant, and equipment 48 Intangible assets 512 Goodwill 10 Net disposed assets $ 820 Net loss from discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 is comprised of the following : 2020 2019 Product and service revenues $ 262 $ 604 Cost of product and service revenues 223 347 Gross margin $ 39 $ 257 Total operating expenses (2,115) (2,204) Finance income and other — 188 Gain (loss) on sale of assets 168 (2,000) Net loss from discontinued operations $ (1,908) $ (3,759) Net cash flows from discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 is as follows : 2020 2019 Cash used in operating activities $ (1,607) $ (1,412) Cash provided by investing activities 957 2,125 Cash used in financing activities (20) (6) Cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations $ (670) $ 707

Trade and other receivables

Trade and other receivables	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Subclassifications of assets, liabilities and equities [abstract]
Trade and other receivables	Trade and other receivables: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Trade accounts receivable $ 29,252 $ 27,009 Other receivables 5,269 3,345 Contract assets 22,274 18,962 $ 56,795 $ 49,316 Contract assets Contract assets primarily relate to the Corporation's rights to consideration for work completed but not billed as at December 31, 2020 for engineering services and technology transfer services. 8. Trade and other receivables (cont'd): Contract assets December 31, 2020 At January 1, 2020 $ 18,962 Additions to contract assets 18,457 Invoiced during the year (15,145) At December 31, 2020 $ 22,274 Information about the Corporation's exposure to credit and market risks, and impairment losses for trade receivables and contract assets is included in note 31. Other receivables

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Raw materials and consumables $ 11,879 $ 12,848 Work-in-progress 8,330 9,848 Finished goods 3,746 3,222 Service inventory 4,567 4,180 $ 28,522 $ 30,098 In 2020, the amount of raw materials and consumables, finished goods and work-in-progress recognized as cost of product and service revenues amounted to $49,710,000 (2019 - $47,559,000). In 2020, the write-down of inventories to net realizable value amounted to $1,888,000 (2019 - $2,985,000) and the reversal of previously recorded write-downs amounted to $434,000 (2019 - $609,000), resulting in a net write-down of $1,454,000 (2019 - $2,376,000). In addition, $nil of inventory write down was charged to program expense (2019 – $143,000) . Write-downs and reversals are included in either cost of product and service revenues, or research and product development expense, depending on the nature of inventory.

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Property, plant and equipment [abstract]
Property, plant and equipment	Property, plant and equipment: December 31, December 31, 2020 2019 Property, plant and equipment owned $ 36,560 $ 27,746 Right-of-use assets 12,774 15,090 $ 49,334 $ 42,836 10. Property, plant and equipment (cont'd): Property, plant and equipment owned: December 31, December 31, Net carrying amounts 2020 2019 Computer equipment $ 1,846 $ 1,427 Furniture and fixtures 657 51 Leasehold improvements 1,558 1,260 Production and test equipment 32,499 25,008 $ 36,560 $ 27,746 Cost December 31, 2019 Additions Disposals Transfers Effect of movements in exchange rates December 31, 2020 Computer equipment $ 5,733 $ 791 $ — $ 75 $ 36 $ 6,635 Furniture and fixtures 1,098 642 — 15 (1) 1,754 Leasehold improvements 8,559 440 — 170 27 9,196 Production and test equipment 55,681 10,747 (560) 500 24 66,392 $ 71,071 $ 12,620 $ (560) $ 760 $ 86 $ 83,977 Accumulated depreciation December 31, 2019 Depreciation Disposals Transfers Effect of movements in exchange rates December 31, 2020 Computer equipment $ 4,306 $ 379 $ — $ 75 $ 29 $ 4,789 Furniture and fixtures 1,047 25 — 15 10 1,097 Leasehold improvements 7,299 302 — — 37 7,638 Production and test equipment 30,673 3,053 (512) 670 9 33,893 $ 43,325 $ 3,759 $ (512) $ 760 $ 85 $ 47,417 Cost December 31, 2018 Additions Disposals Reclass to Right-of-use assets Effect of movements in exchange rates December 31, 2019 Building under finance lease $ 12,180 $ — $ — $ (12,180) $ — $ — Computer equipment 5,584 214 (63) 4 (6) 5,733 Furniture and fixtures 1,103 1 — (4) (2) 1,098 Leasehold improvements 7,936 630 — — (7) 8,559 Production and test equipment 43,310 13,089 (716) — (2) 55,681 $ 70,113 $ 13,934 $ (779) $ (12,180) $ (17) $ 71,071 Accumulated depreciation December 31, 2018 Depreciation Disposals Reclass to Right-of-use assets Effect of movements in exchange rates December 31, 2019 Building under finance lease $ 7,173 $ — $ — $ (7,173) $ — $ — Computer equipment 3,945 422 (63) 4 (2) 4,306 Furniture and fixtures 1,036 16 — (4) (1) 1,047 Leasehold improvements 6,917 389 — — (7) 7,299 Production and test equipment 29,422 1,969 (716) — (2) 30,673 $ 48,493 $ 2,796 $ (779) $ (7,173) $ (12) $ 43,325 10. Property, plant and equipment (cont'd): During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Corporation disposed of property, plant and equipment totaling $48,000 related to the UAV business of its subsidiary, Ballard Unmanned Systems (note 7). Right-of-use assets: The Corporation leases certain assets under lease agreements, comprising primarily of leases of land and buildings, office equipment and vehicles (note 18). Right-of-use assets December 31, December 31, Net carrying amounts 2020 2019 Property $ 12,537 $ 14,921 Equipment 121 67 Vehicle 116 102 $ 12,774 $ 15,090 Cost December 31, 2019 Additions De-recognition Effect of movements in exchange rates December 31, 2020 Property $ 24,568 $ — $ (46) $ 143 $ 24,665 Equipment 84 102 (42) 5 149 Vehicle 142 54 — 12 208 $ 24,794 $ 156 $ (88) $ 160 $ 25,022 Accumulated depreciation December 31, 2019 Depreciation De-recognition Effect of movements in exchange rates December 31, 2020 Property $ 9,647 $ 2,488 $ (46) $ 39 $ 12,128 Equipment 17 25 (15) 1 28 Vehicle 40 46 — 6 92 $ 9,704 $ 2,559 $ (61) $ 46 $ 12,248 As part of the sale of the remaining UAV assets of its subsidiary, Ballard Unmanned Systems, the Corporation de-recognized a property lease totaling $46,000 related to vacating of leased space previously occupied by UAV staff. In addition, the Corporation renegotiated an existing equipment lease resulting in the de-recognition of the original equipment lease, with a net book value of $27,000. Cost January 1, 2019 Additions Effect of movements in exchange rates December 31, 2019 Property $ 23,427 $ 1,147 $ (6) $ 24,568 Equipment 76 13 (5) 84 Vehicle 111 31 — 142 $ 23,614 $ 1,191 $ (11) $ 24,794 10. Property, plant and equipment (cont'd): Accumulated depreciation January 1, 2019 Depreciation Effect of movements in exchange rates December 31, 2019 Property $ 7,173 $ 2,474 $ — $ 9,647 Equipment — 22 (5) 17 Vehicle — 40 — 40 $ 7,173 $ 2,536 $ (5) $ 9,704

Intangible assets

Intangible assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Intangible assets	Intangible assets: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Intellectual property acquired from UTC $ 522 $ 970 Intellectual property acquired from Ballard Unmanned Systems (formerly Protonex) — 630 Internally generated fuel cell intangible assets — 168 ERP management reporting software system 3,242 3,912 Intellectual property acquired by Ballard Power Systems Europe — 7 $ 3,764 $ 5,687 Accumulated Net carrying Cost amortization amount At January 1, 2019 $ 60,409 $ 52,124 $ 8,285 Amortization expense — 2,598 (2,598) At December 31, 2019 60,409 54,722 5,687 Additions to intangible assets 246 — 246 Amortization expense — 1,657 (1,657) Disposals (800) (288) (512) At December 31, 2020 $ 59,855 $ 56,091 $ 3,764 Amortization expense on intangible assets is allocated to research and product development expense or general and administration expense depending upon the nature of the underlying assets. In 2020, amortization of $1,657,000 (2019 - $2,598,000) was recorded. Additions to intangible assets in 2020 comprise a Manufacturing Execution System to enhance the capabilities of the ERP management reporting software system.

Goodwill

Goodwill	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill	Goodwill: For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to the Corporation’s cash-generating units which represent the lowest level within the Corporation at which the goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes, which is not higher than the Corporation’s operating segments (note 30). As of December 31, 2020, the aggregate carrying amount of the Corporation’s goodwill is $40,277,000 (2019 - $40,287,000). During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Corporation disposed of goodwill of $10,000 (2019 - $nil) related to the UAV business of its subsidiary Ballard Unmanned Systems' UAV business (note 7). 12. Goodwill (cont'd): The impairment testing requires a comparison of the carrying value of the asset to the higher of (i) value in use; and (ii) fair value less costs to sell. Value in use is defined as the present value of future cash flows expected to be derived from the asset in its current state. The Corporation’s fair value less costs to sell test is a modified market capitalization assessment, whereby the fair value of the Fuel Cell Products and Services segment is determined by first calculating the value of the Corporation at December 31, 2020 based on the average closing share price in the month of December, adding a reasonable estimated control premium to determine the Corporation’s enterprise value on a controlling basis after adjusting for excess cash balances, and then deducting the estimated costs to sell to arrive at the fair value of the Fuel Cell Products and Services segment. Based on the fair value less costs to sell test, the Corporation has determined that the fair value of the Fuel Cell Products and Services segment exceeds its carrying value as of December 31, 2020, indicating that no goodwill impairment charge is required for 2020 ($nil- 2019).

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Interests In Other Entities [Abstract]
Investments	Investments: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Investment in Synergy Ballard JVCo (note 4) $ — $ — Investment in Weichai Ballard JV (note 4) 27,561 21,642 Other 5 5 $ 27,566 $ 21,647 For the year ended December 31, 2020 , the Corporation recorded $12,557,000 (2019 - $11,059,000) in equity loss of investment in JV and associates, comprising of equity loss in Weichai Ballard JV of $12,495,000 (2019 - $10,580,000) and equity loss in Synergy Ballard JVCo of $62,000 (2019 - $479,000). Investment in Weichai Ballard JV Investment in Weichai Ballard JV December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Beginning balance $ 21,642 $ 13,989 Capital contribution to JV 22,515 20,944 Incorporation costs — 4 Deferral of 49% profit on inventory not yet sold to third party, net (5,759) (2,715) Equity in loss (12,495) (10,580) Cumulative translation adjustment due to foreign exchange 1,658 — Ending balance $ 27,561 $ 21,642 Weichai Ballard JV is an associate in which the Corporation has significant influence and a 49% ownership interest. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Corporation made committed capital contributions of $22,515,000 (RMB 155,575,000 equivalent) (2019 - $20,944,000 (RMB 143,325,000 equivalent)) to Weichai Ballard JV. The following tables summarize the financial information of Weichai Ballard JV as included in its own financial statements as of December 31, 2020, adjusted for foreign exchange differences, the application of the Corporation's accounting policies, and the Corporation's incorporation costs. 13. Investments (cont'd): December 31, December 31, 2019 Percentage ownership interest (49%) Current assets $ 102,083 $ 48,836 Non-current assets 178 15 Current liabilities (26,701) (553) Non-current liabilities (2,610) (534) Net assets (100%) 72,950 47,764 Corporation's share of net assets (49%) 35,746 23,404 Incorporation costs 324 324 Elimination of unrealized profit on downstream sales, net of sale to third party (8,509) (2,716) Effects of movements in exchange rates — 630 Carrying amount of investment in Weichai Ballard JV $ 27,561 $ 21,642 December 31, December 31, 2020 2019 Revenue (100%) $ 15,765 $ 6,950 Net loss (100%) 25,499 21,591 Corporation's share of net loss (49%) $ 12,495 $ 10,580 At December 31, 2020, as specified in the Equity Joint Venture Agreement, the Corporation is committed to capital contributions to Weichai Ballard JV as follows: Less than one year (RMB 79,625,000) $ 12,183 One to three years (RMB 62,475,000) 9,559 Total capital contributions $ 21,742 Investment in Synergy Ballard JVCo Investment in Synergy Ballard JVCo December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Beginning balance $ — $ — Recognition of 10% profit on inventory sold to third party, net 62 479 Equity in loss (62) (479) Ending balance $ — $ — Synergy Ballard JVCo is an associate in which the Corporation has significant influence and a 10% ownership interest. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Corporation made committed capital contributions of $nil (2019 - $nil) to Synergy Ballard JVCo.

Bank facilities

Bank facilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Bank facilities	Bank facilities: The Corporation has the following bank facilities available to it. Letter of Guarantee Facility The Corporation has an operating facility (“LG Facility”), enabling the bank to issue letters of guarantees, standby letters of credit, performance bonds, counter guarantees, counter standby letters of credit or similar credit on the Corporation's behalf from time to time up to a maximum of $2,000,000. At December 31, 2020, $nil (2019 - $nil) was outstanding on the LG Facility. Foreign Exchange Facility The Corporation also has a demand revolving foreign exchange facility (“FX Facility”) that allows the Corporation to purchase foreign exchange currency contracts up to a maximum face value of $23,684,000, secured by a guarantee from Export Development Canada. At December 31, 2020, the Corporation had outstanding foreign exchange currency contracts to purchase a total of CDN $16,750,000 (2019 – CDN $16,800,000) at an average rate of 1.32 CDN per U.S. dollar, resulting in an unrealized gain of CDN $632,000 at December 31, 2020 (2019 – unrealized gain of CDN $306,000). The unrealized gain on forward foreign exchange contracts is presented in prepaid expenses and other current assets on the statement of financial position.

Trade and other payables

Trade and other payables	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Subclassifications of assets, liabilities and equities [abstract]
Trade and other payables	Trade and other payables: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Trade accounts payable $ 9,070 $ 14,884 Compensation payable 14,417 12,596 Other liabilities 5,306 3,559 Taxes payable 1,084 388 $ 29,877 $ 31,427

Deferred revenue

Deferred revenue	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Subclassifications of assets, liabilities and equities [abstract]
Deferred revenue	Deferred revenue: Deferred revenue (i.e. contract liabilities) represents cash received from customers in excess of revenue recognized on uncompleted contracts. Deferred revenue December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Beginning Balance $ 20,156 $ 16,681 Additions to deferred revenue 43,166 41,197 Revenue recognized during the year (53,434) (37,722) Ending Balance $ 9,888 $ 20,156

Provisions and other liabilitie

Provisions and other liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Subclassifications of assets, liabilities and equities [abstract]
Provisions and other liabilities	Provisions and other liabilities: Restructuring Warranty Other Balance provision provision liabilities Total At January 1, 2019 $ 191 $ 9,052 $ 3,862 $ 13,105 Provisions made during the year 104 3,855 40 3,999 Provisions used/paid during the year (289) (1,458) — (1,747) Provisions reversed/expired during the year (2) (967) (2,292) (3,261) Effect of movements in exchange rates 4 (2) 78 80 At December 31, 2019 8 10,480 1,688 12,176 Provisions made during the year 66 3,189 40 3,295 Provisions used/paid during the year (65) (2,569) — (2,634) Provisions reversed/expired during the year — (1,486) — (1,486) Effect of movements in exchange rates 1 11 36 48 At December 31, 2020 $ 10 $ 9,625 $ 1,764 $ 11,399 At December 31, 2019 Current $ 8 $ 10,480 $ — $ 10,488 Non-current — — 1,688 1,688 $ 8 $ 10,480 $ 1,688 $ 12,176 At December 31, 2020 Current $ 10 $ 9,625 $ — $ 9,635 Non-current — — 1,764 1,764 $ 10 $ 9,625 $ 1,764 $ 11,399 Restructuring provision Restructuring charges relate to minor restructurings focused on overhead cost reductions and relate primarily to employee termination benefits. Restructuring charges are recognized in other expense. Warranty provision The Corporation recorded warranty provisions of $3,189,000 (2019 - $3,855,000), comprised of $3,098,000 (2019 - $3,855,000) related to new product sales and $91,000 (2019 - $nil) related to upward warranty adjustments. This was offset by warranty expenditures of $2,569,000 (2019 - $1,458,000) and downward warranty adjustments of $1,486,000 (2019 - $967,000), due primarily to contractual expirations and changes in estimated and actual costs to repair. The remaining $11,000 increase (2019 – $2,000 decrease) to the warranty provision related to the effect of movements in exchange rates. Other liabilities: Decommissioning liabilities A provision for decommissioning liabilities has been recorded for the Corporation’s head office building in Burnaby, British Columbia and is related to estimated site restoration obligations at the end of the lease term. The Corporation has made certain modifications to the leased building to facilitate the manufacturing and testing of its fuel cell products. Consequently, the site restoration obligations relate primarily to dismantling and removing various manufacturing and test equipment and restoring the infrastructure of the leased building to its original state of when the lease was entered into. Due to the long-term nature of the liability, the most significant uncertainty in estimating the provision is the costs that will be incurred. The Corporation has determined a range of reasonably possible outcomes of the total costs for the head office building. In determining the fair value of the decommissioning liabilities, the estimated future cash flows have been discounted at 0.39% per annum (2019 – 1.68%). 17. Provisions and other liabilities (cont'd): The Corporation performed an assessment of the estimated cash flows required to settle the obligations for the building as of December 31, 2020. Based on the assessment, no increase in the provision (2019 - $nil) was recorded against decommissioning liabilities, in addition to accretion costs of $40,000 (2019 - $40,000). The total undiscounted amount of the estimated cash flows required to settle the obligation for the building is $1,952,000 (2019 - $1,914,000) which is expected to be settled at the end of the lease term in 2025.

Lease liability

Lease liability	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Leases1 [Abstract]
Lease liability	Lease liability: The Corporation leases certain assets under lease agreements. The lease liability consists primarily of leases of land and buildings, office equipment and vehicles. The leases have interest rates ranging from 2.95% to 9.45% per annum and expire between March 2021 and December 2027. December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Property $ 2,613 $ 2,382 Equipment 29 24 Vehicle 49 39 Lease Liability, Current $ 2,691 $ 2,445 Property $ 15,017 $ 17,200 Equipment 98 45 Vehicle 67 61 Lease Liability, Non-current $ 15,182 $ 17,306 Lease Liability $ 17,873 $ 19,751 The Corporation is committed to minimum lease payments as follows: Maturity Analysis December 31, 2020 Less than one year $ 3,825 Between one and five years 13,853 More than five years 4,113 Total undiscounted lease liabilities $ 21,791 IFRS 16 Leases had the following impact for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. Amounts recognized in profit or loss December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Interest on lease liabilities $ 1,244 $ 1,383 Income from sub-leasing right-of-use assets 1,557 1,556 Expenses relating to short-term leases 120 179 Amounts recognized in the statement of cash flows Interest paid $ 1,244 $ 1,383 Principal payments of lease liabilities 2,517 2,053 Expenses relating to short-term leases 120 179 Total cash outflow for leases $ 3,881 $ 3,615 18. Lease liability (cont'd): Deferred gains were also recorded on closing of the finance lease agreement and are amortized over the lease term. At December 31, 2020, the outstanding deferred gain was $1,734,000 (2019 – $2,150,000).

Employee future benefits

Employee future benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Employee Benefits [Abstract]
Employee future benefits	Employee future benefits: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Net defined benefit pension plan liability $ 3,856 $ 4,308 Net other post-retirement benefit plan liability 85 88 Employee future benefits $ 3,941 $ 4,396 The Corporation maintains a defined benefit pension plan covering existing and former employees in the United States. The benefits under the pension plan are based on years of service and salary levels accrued as of December 31, 2009. In 2009, amendments were made to the defined benefit pension plan to freeze benefits accruing to employees at their respective years of service and salary levels obtained as of December 31, 2009. Certain employees in the United States are also eligible for post-retirement healthcare, life insurance, and other benefits. The Corporation accrues the present value of its obligations under employee future benefit plans and related costs, net of the present value of plan assets. The measurement date used to determine pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations and expense is December 31 of each year. The most recent actuarial valuation of the employee future benefit plans for funding purposes was as of January 1, 2020. The next actuarial valuation of the employee future benefit plans for funding purposes is expected to be performed as of January 1, 2021. The Corporation expects contributions of approximately $nil to be paid to its defined benefit plans in 2021. The following tables reconcile the opening balances to the closing balances for the net defined benefit liability and its components for the two plans. The expense recognized in profit or loss is recorded in finance income (loss) and other. 19. Employee future benefits (cont'd): Defined benefit obligation Fair value of plan assets Net defined benefit liability Defined benefit pension plan 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 Balance at January 1 $ 18,272 $ 16,255 $ (13,964) $ (12,040) $ 4,308 $ 4,215 Included in profit or loss Current service cost 36 37 — — 36 37 Interest cost (income) 566 661 (440) (493) 126 168 Benefits payable — — — — — — 602 698 (440) (493) 162 205 Included in other comprehensive income Remeasurements loss (gain): Actuarial loss (gain) arising from: Demographic assumptions (150) (236) — — (150) (236) Financial assumptions 2,054 2,343 — — 2,054 2,343 Experience adjustment 110 (131) — — 110 (131) Return on plan assets excluding interest — — (1,733) (1,593) (1,733) (1,593) income Plan expenses (36) (35) 36 35 — — 1,978 1,941 (1,697) (1,558) 281 383 Other Contributions paid by the employer — — (895) (495) (895) (495) Benefits paid (649) (622) 649 622 — — (649) (622) (246) 127 (895) (495) Balance at December 31 $ 20,203 $ 18,272 $ (16,347) $ (13,964) $ 3,856 $ 4,308 Defined benefit obligation Fair value of plan assets Net defined benefit liability Other post-retirement benefit plan 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 Balance at January 1 $ 88 $ 84 $ — $ — $ 88 $ 84 Included in profit or loss Interest cost (income) 2 3 — — 2 3 2 3 — — 2 3 Included in other comprehensive income Remeasurements loss (gain): Actuarial loss (gain) arising from: Demographic assumptions (5) — — — (5) — Financial assumptions 6 7 — — 6 7 Experience adjustment 7 10 — — 7 10 8 17 — — 8 17 Other Contributions paid by the employer — — (13) (16) (13) (16) Benefits paid (13) (16) 13 16 — — (13) (16) — — (13) (16) Balance at December 31 $ 85 $ 88 $ — $ — $ 85 $ 88 Included in other comprehensive income (loss) December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Defined benefit pension plan actuarial loss $ (281) $ (383) Other post-retirement benefit plan actuarial loss (8) (17) $ (289) $ (400) 19. Employee future benefits (cont'd): Pension plan assets comprise: 2020 2019 Cash and cash equivalents 3 % 2 % Equity securities 61 % 61 % Debt securities 36 % 37 % Total 100 % 100 % The significant actuarial assumptions adopted in measuring the fair value of benefit obligations at December 31 were as follows: 2020 2019 Pension plan Other benefit plan Pension plan Other benefit plan Discount rate 2.40 % 1.82 % 3.16 % 2.84 % Rate of compensation increase n/a n/a n/a n/a The significant actuarial assumptions adopted in determining net expense for the years ended December 31 were as follows: 2020 2019 Pension plan Other benefit plan Pension plan Other benefit plan Discount rate 3.16 % 1.82 % 4.16 % 3.96 2.84 % Rate of compensation increase n/a n/a n/a n/a The assumed health care cost trend rates applicable to the other post-retirement benefit plan at December 31 were as follows: 2020 2019 Initial medical/dental health care cost trend rate n/a n/a Cost trend rate declines to medical and dental n/a n/a Year that the medical rate reaches the rate it is assumed to remain at 2025 2024 Year that the dental rate reaches the rate it is assumed to remain at 2020 2019 A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would not have a material impact on the Corporation’s financial statements.

Equity

Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Share-Based Payment Arrangements [Abstract]
Equity	Equity: Share-based compensation December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Option Expense $ 4,482 $ 1,839 DSU Expense 314 281 RSU Expense 1,432 1,271 Total Share-based compensation for continuing operations $ 6,228 $ 3,391 Discontinued operations 9 170 Total Share-based compensation (per statement of equity) $ 6,237 $ 3,561 20. Equity (cont'd): (a) Share capital: Authorized and issued: Unlimited number of common shares, voting, without par value. Unlimited number of preferred shares, issuable in series. Offerings: December 31, 2020 Net proceeds from ATM programs $ 308,826 Net proceeds from bought deal offering 385,782 Total net proceeds from equity offerings $ 694,608 At-the-market programs: On March 31, 2020, the Corporation completed an at-the-market Equity Distribution Agreement with a syndicate of financial institutions, thereby establishing an at-the-market equity program ("ATM Program"). Under this first ATM Program, the Corporation could issue up to $75,000,000 of common shares. The common shares were issued from treasury to the public, at the Corporation's discretion, and were sold at the prevailing market price at the time of sale. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Corporation issued 8,197,625 shares at an average price per share of $8.13 for gross proceeds of $66,673,000. With the filing of the Base Shelf Prospectus on June 12, 2020, this ATM Program was terminated. On September 29, 2020, the Corporation completed a second at-the-market Equity Distribution Agreement with a syndicate of financial institutions, thereby establishing another ATM Program. Under this second ATM Program, the Corporation issued the maximum allowable $250,000,000 of common shares. The common shares were issued from treasury to the public, at the Corporation's discretion, and were sold at the prevailing market price at the time of sale. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Corporation issued 16,450,623 shares at an average price per share of $15.20 for gross proceeds of $250,000,000. During the year December 31, 2020, under both ATM programs, the Corporation issued 24,648,248 shares at an average price per share of $12.85 for gross proceeds of $316,673,000 and net proceeds of $308,826,000. Shares Transacted 24,648,248 Average Share Price $ 12.85 Gross ATM proceeds $ 316,673 Less: Underwriting expenses (6,337) Less: Other financing expenses (1,510) Net ATM proceeds $ 308,826 20. Equity (cont'd): (a) Share capital (cont'd): Bought deal offering: On November 27, 2020, the Corporation completed a bought deal offering with a syndicate of underwriters of 20,909,300 shares at $19.25 per share, resulting in gross Offering proceeds of $402,504,000. Shares Transacted 20,909,300 Average Share Price $ 19.25 Gross offering proceeds $ 402,504 Less: Underwriting expenses (16,299) Less: Other financing expenses (423) Net offering proceeds $ 385,782 The Corporation intends to use the net proceeds of $694,608,000 from the bought deal offering to further strengthen its statement of financial position, thereby providing additional flexibility to fund its growth strategy, including through activities such as product innovation, investments in production capacity expansion and localization, future acquisitions and strategic partnerships and investments. On February 23, 2021, the Corporation announced the closing of another bought deal offering of 14,870,000 shares of the Corporation at a price of $37.00 per share for gross proceeds of $550,190,000 (note 32). (b) Share options: The Corporation has options outstanding under a consolidated share option plan. All directors, officers and employees of the Corporation, and its subsidiaries, are eligible to participate in the share option plans although as a matter of policy, options are currently not issued to directors. Option exercise prices are denominated in either Canadian or U.S. dollars, depending on the residency of the recipient. Canadian dollar denominated options have been converted to U.S. dollars using the year-end exchange rate for presentation purposes. All options have a term of seven years from the date of grant unless otherwise determined by the board of directors. One-third of the options vest and may be exercised, at the beginning of each of the second, third, and fourth years after granting. As at December 31, options outstanding from the consolidated share option plan were as follows: Balance Options for common shares Weighted average exercise price At January 1, 2019 5,133,461 $ 2.45 Options granted 1,317,521 3.19 Options exercised (2,234,997) 2.12 Options forfeited (94,336) 2.46 Options expired (5,500) 1.26 At December 31, 2019 4,116,149 2.92 Options granted 1,834,919 12.36 Options exercised (1,693,466) 2.77 Options forfeited (107,963) 6.86 Options expired — — At December 31, 2020 4,149,639 $ 7.05 20. Equity (cont'd): (b) Share options (cont'd): The following table summarizes information about the Corporation’s share options outstanding as at December 31, 2020: Options outstanding Options exercisable Number Weighted average Weighted Number Weighted Range of exercise price outstanding (years) price exercisable exercise price $0.96 - $1.49 160,408 2.1 $ 1.41 160,408 $ 1.41 $2.00 - $2.36 389,917 2.4 2.18 389,917 2.18 $2.85 - $3.16 421,224 4.6 2.93 151,503 2.91 $3.20 - $4.70 1,392,171 4.9 3.46 345,237 3.56 $10.64 - $15.79 1,785,919 6.3 12.39 — — 4,149,639 5.1 $ 7.05 1,047,065 $ 2.62 During 2020, 1,693,466 options were exercised for an equal amount of common shares for proceeds of $4,438,000. During 2019, 2,234,997 options were exercised for an equal amount of common shares for proceeds of $4,624,000. During 2020, options to purchase 1,834,919 common shares were granted with a weighted average fair value of $5.49 (2019 – 1,317,521 options and $1.40 fair value). The granted options vest annually over three years. The fair values of the options granted were determined using the Black-Scholes valuation model under the following weighted average assumptions: 2020 2019 Expected life 4 years 4 years Expected dividends Nil Nil Expected volatility 61 % 57 % Risk-free interest rate 1 % 2 % As at December 31, 2020, options to purchase 4,149,639 common shares were outstanding (2019 – 4,116,149). During 2020, compensation expense of $4,482,000 (2019 – $1,839,000) was recorded in net loss based on the grant date fair value of the awards recognized over the vesting period. (c) Share distribution plan: The Corporation has a consolidated share distribution plan that permits the issuance of common shares for no cash consideration to employees of the Corporation to recognize their past contribution and to encourage future contribution to the Corporation. At December 31, 2020, there were 17,877,028 (2019 – 13,700,924) shares available to be issued under this plan. During 2019 and 2020, no shares were issued under this plan and therefore no compensation expense was recorded against profit or loss. (d) Deferred share units: Deferred share units (“DSUs”) are granted to the board of directors and executives. Eligible directors must elect to receive at least half of their annual retainers and executives may elect to receive all or part of their annual bonuses in DSUs. Each DSU is redeemable for one common share in the capital of the Corporation after the director or executive ceases to provide services to the Corporation. Shares will be issued from the Corporation’s share distribution plan. 20. Equity (cont'd): (d) Deferred share units (cont'd): Balance DSUs for common shares At January 1, 2019 747,213 DSUs granted 64,165 DSUs exercised — At December 31, 2019 811,378 DSUs granted 23,809 DSUs exercised (15,156) At December 31, 2020 820,031 During 2020, $314,000 (2019 - $281,000) of compensation expense was recorded in net loss relating to 23,809 DSUs (2019 - 64,165) granted during the year. During 2020, 15,156 DSUs (2019 – nil) were exercised, net of applicable taxes, which resulted in the issuance of 7,608 common shares (2019 – nil), resulting in an impact on equity of $64,000 (2019 - $nil). As at December 31, 2020, 820,031 deferred share units were outstanding (2019 – 811,378). (e) Restricted share units: Restricted share units (“RSUs”) are granted to employees and executives. Each RSU is convertible into one common share. The RSUs vest after a specified number of years from the date of issuance, and under certain circumstances, are contingent on achieving specified performance criteria. A performance factor adjustment is made if there is an over-achievement (or under-achievement) of specified performance criteria, resulting in additional (or fewer) RSUs being converted. The Corporation has two plans under which RSUs may be granted, the consolidated share distribution plan and the market purchase RSU plan. Awards under the consolidated share distribution plan (note 20(c)) are satisfied by the issuance of treasury shares on maturity. Awards granted under the market purchase RSU Plan are satisfied by shares purchased on the open market by a trust established for that purpose. No common shares were repurchased in 2020 and 2019. Balance RSUs for common shares At January 1, 2019 1,778,192 RSUs granted 449,625 RSU performance factor adjustment (192,016) RSUs exercised (730,536) RSUs forfeited — At December 31, 2019 1,305,265 RSUs granted 334,758 RSU performance factor adjustment 98,867 RSUs exercised (593,025) RSUs forfeited (15,919) At December 31, 2020 1,129,946 During 2020, 334,758 RSUs were issued (2019 – 449,625). The fair value of RSU grants is measured based on the stock price of the shares underlying the RSU on the date of grant. During 2020, compensation expense of $1,432,000 (2019 - $1,271,000) was recorded in net loss. 20. Equity (cont'd): (e) Restricted share units (cont'd): During 2020, 593,025 RSUs (2019 – 730,536) were exercised, net of applicable taxes, which resulted in the issuance of 305,229 common shares (2019 – 387,686), resulting in an impact on equity of $3,023,000 (2019 - $1,034,000). As at December 31, 2020, 1,129,946 RSUs were outstanding (2019 – 1,305,265).

Commitments and contingencies

Commitments and contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Other Provisions, Contingent Liabilities And Contingent Assets [Abstract]
Commitments and contingencies	Commitments and contingencies: In connection with the acquisition of intellectual property from UTC in April 2014, the Corporation retains a royalty obligation in certain circumstances to pay UTC a portion of any future intellectual property sale and licensing income generated from certain of the Corporation's intellectual property portfolio for a period of 15 years expiring in April 2029. No royalties were paid to UTC in the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. The Corporation retains a previous funding obligation to pay royalties of 2% of revenues, to a maximum of $4,613,000 (CDN $5,351,000), on sales of certain fuel cell products for commercial distributed utility applications. As of December 31, 2020, no royalties have been incurred to date for this agreement. The Corporation also retains a previous funding obligation to pay royalties of 2% of revenues, to a maximum of $1,896,000 (CDN $2,200,000), on sales of certain fuel cell products for commercial transit applications. As of December 31, 2020, no royalties have been incurred to date for this agreement. As at December 31, 2020, the Corporation has outstanding commitments aggregating up to a maximum of $7,487,000 relating primarily to purchases of property, plant and equipment. The Corporation is committed to capital contributions to Weichai Ballard JV over a two year period (note 13). The Corporation is also committed to minimum lease payments (note 18).

Disaggregation of revenue

Disaggregation of revenue	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Analysis of income and expense [abstract]
Disaggregation of revenue	Disaggregation of revenue: The Corporation's operations and main revenue streams are the same as those described in note 4. The Corporation's revenue is derived from contracts with customers. In the following table, revenue is disaggregated by geographical market, by market application, and by timing of revenue recognition. 22. Disaggregation of revenue (cont'd): December 31, December 31, 2020 2019 Geographical markets China $ 54,267 $ 47,132 Europe 36,484 41,856 North America 9,269 13,670 Other 3,857 3,065 $ 103,877 $ 105,723 Market application Heavy Duty Motive 47,688 35,363 Material Handling 5,310 10,758 Back Up Power 5,602 2,982 Technology Solutions 45,277 56,620 $ 103,877 $ 105,723 Timing of revenue recognition Products transferred at a point in time 56,655 47,095 Products and services transferred over time 47,222 58,628 $ 103,877 $ 105,723

Personnel expenses

Personnel expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Analysis of income and expense [abstract]
Personnel expenses	Personnel expenses: Personnel expenses are included in cost of product and service revenues, research and product development expense, general and administrative expense, sales and marketing expense, and other expense. December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Salaries and employee benefits $ 63,392 $ 53,432 Share-based compensation (note 20) 6,228 3,391 $ 69,620 $ 56,823

Other operating expense

Other operating expense	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Analysis of income and expense [abstract]
Other operating expense	Other operating expense: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Net impairment loss on trade receivables $ 60 $ 1,537 Impairment loss allowance 250 250 Total impairment loss on trade receivables 310 1,787 Restructuring costs 66 101 $ 376 $ 1,888 For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Corporation recorded a net impairment loss on trade receivables of $60,000 (2019 - $1,537,000). The impairment loss in 2020 consists of various miscellaneous receivables no longer deemed collectible. The impairment loss in 2019 relates primarily to amounts owed to the Corporation for product sales in previous periods no longer expected to be collected as a customer in Europe has entered into administration under U.K. insolvency laws due to an inability to pay its debts. In the event that the Corporation recovers any amounts previously recorded as impairment losses, the recovered amount will be recognized as a reversal of the impairment loss in the period of recovery. 24. Other operating expense (cont'd): For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Corporation recorded an impairment loss allowance of $250,000 (2019 - $250,000), based on a probability-weighted estimate of credit losses. Information about the Corporation's exposure to credit and market risks, and impairment losses for trade receivables and contract assets is included in note 31.

Finance income and expense

Finance income and expense	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Analysis of income and expense [abstract]
Finance income and expense	Finance income and expense: 2020 2019 Employee future benefit plan expense (note 19) $ (164) $ (208) Pension administration expense (110) (120) Investment and other income 1,181 3,411 Foreign exchange gain (loss) 4,875 (420) Government levies (1,500) — Finance income and other $ 4,282 $ 2,663 Finance expense $ (1,303) $ (1,434)

Gain on sale of assets

Gain on sale of assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Non-current Assets Held For Sale And Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Gain on sale of assets	Gain on sale of assets:Various miscellaneous disposals occurred during the year ended December 31, 2019, resulting in a net gain on sale of property, plant and equipment of $5,000. The proceeds on disposal of these miscellaneous items of $5,000 and the repayment of $2,132,000 on the note receivable related to the sale of the Power Manager assets (recorded in discontinued operations note 7), result in net proceeds on sale of property, plant, and equipment of $2,137,000.

Income taxes

Income taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income taxes	Income taxes: (a) Current tax expense: The components of income tax benefit (expense) included in the determination of the profit (loss) from continuing operations comprise of: 2020 2019 Current tax expense Current period income tax $ 64 $ 9 Withholding tax 66 11 Total current tax expense $ 130 $ 20 Deferred tax expense Origination and reversal of temporary differences $ (24,578) $ (16,287) Adjustments for prior periods 743 2,715 Change in unrecognized deductible temporary differences 23,835 13,572 Total deferred tax expense $ — $ — Total income tax expense $ 130 $ 20 27. Income taxes (cont'd): (a) Current tax expense (cont'd): The Corporation’s effective income tax rate differs from the combined Canadian federal and provincial statutory income tax rate for companies. The principal factors causing the difference are as follows: 2020 2019 Net loss before income taxes $ (49,339) $ (35,271) Expected tax recovery at 27.00% (2019 – 27.00%) $ (13,322) $ (9,523) Increase (reduction) in income taxes resulting from: Non-deductible expenses (non-taxable income) (3,001) (73) Expiry of losses and ITC 194 — Investment tax credits earned (3,182) (3,126) Foreign tax rate differences 1,668 1,304 Change in unrecognized deductible temporary differences 17,707 11,427 Other 66 11 Income taxes $ 130 $ 20 (b) Unrecognized deferred tax liabilities: At December 31, 2020, the Corporation did not have any deferred tax liabilities resulting from taxable temporary differences related to un-remitted earnings of controlled subsidiaries. (c) Unrecognized deferred tax asset: At December 31, 2020, the Corporation did not recognize any deferred tax assets resulting from the following deductible temporary differences for financial statement and income tax purposes. 2020 2019 Scientific research expenditures $ 110,548 $ 97,340 Accrued warranty provision 1,619 6,600 Share issuance costs 19,765 238 Losses from operations carried forward 151,620 115,977 Investment tax credits 39,052 34,341 Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 205,074 193,336 $ 527,678 $ 447,832 Deferred tax assets have not been recognized in respect of these deductible temporary differences because it is not currently probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the Corporation can utilize the benefits. The Corporation has available to carry forward the following as at December 31: 2020 2019 Canadian scientific research expenditures $ 110,548 $ 97,340 Canadian losses from operations 66,306 34,847 Canadian investment tax credits 39,052 34,341 German losses from operations for corporate tax purposes 457 525 U.S. federal losses from operations 47,872 51,696 Denmark losses from operations 33,441 26,405 Hong Kong losses from operations 36 33 The Canadian scientific research expenditures may be carried forward indefinitely. The Canadian losses from operations may be used to offset future Canadian taxable income and expire over the period from 2031 to 2040. 27. Income taxes (cont'd): (c) Unrecognized deferred tax asset (cont'd): The German, Hong Kong and Denmark losses from operations may be used to offset future taxable income in Germany, Hong Kong and Denmark for corporate tax and trade tax purposes and may be carried forward indefinitely. The U.S. federal losses from operations incurred prior to January 1, 2018 may be used to offset future U.S. taxable income and expire over the period from 2021 to 2037 and may be carried forward indefinitely for losses incurred after January 1, 2018. The Canadian investment tax credits may be used to offset future Canadian income taxes otherwise payable and expire over the period from 2021 to 2040.

Related party transactions

Related party transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Related Party [Abstract]
Related party transactions	Related party transactions: Related parties include shareholders with a significant ownership interest in the Corporation, including its subsidiaries and affiliates, and the Corporation’s equity accounted investees: Weichai Ballard JV and Synergy Ballard JVCo (note 13). For the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, related party transactions and balances with the Corporation's 49% owned equity accounted investee, Weichai Ballard JV, were as follows: Balances with related party - Weichai Ballard JV 2020 2019 Trade and other receivables $ 17,465 $ 10,057 Investments 27,561 21,642 Deferred revenue 4,712 11,857 Transactions during the year with related party - Weichai Ballard JV 2020 2019 Revenues $ 44,855 $ 37,197 For the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, related party transactions and balances with the Corporation's 10% owned equity accounted investee, Synergy Ballard JVCo, were as follows: Balances with related party - Synergy Ballard JVCo 2020 2019 Trade and other receivables $ 99 $ 65 Investments — — Deferred revenue 304 46 Transactions during the year with related party - Synergy Ballard JVCo 2020 2019 Revenues $ 8,232 $ 8,666 The Corporation provides key management personnel, being board directors and executive officers, certain benefits, in addition to their salaries. Key management personnel also participate in the Corporation’s share-based compensation plans (note 20). In addition to cash and equity compensation, the Corporation provides the executive officers with certain personal benefits, including car allowance, medical benefit program, long and short-term disability coverage, life insurance and an annual medical, financial planning allowance and relocation allowances and services as necessary. 28. Related party transactions: The employment agreements for the executive officers are substantially the same with slight variations by individual. The maximum obligation that is required to be provided in the event of termination is notice of 12 months plus one month for every year of employment completed with the Corporation (to a maximum of 24 months), or payment in lieu of such notice, consisting of the salary, bonus and other benefits that would have been earned during such notice period. If there is a change of control, and if the executive officer’s employment is terminated, including a constructive dismissal, within 2 years following the date of a change of control, the executive officer is entitled to a payment equivalent to payment in lieu of a 24 month notice period. The minimum obligation that is required is limited to that required by employment standards legislation plus one day for every full month of employment since hire date, with no distinction made for a change of control situation. Key management personnel compensation is comprised of: 2020 2019 Salaries and employee benefits $ 3,021 $ 3,098 Post-employment retirement benefits 62 56 Share-based compensation (note 20) 1,530 1,651 $ 4,613 $ 4,805

Supplemental disclosure of cash

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Cash Flow Statement [Abstract]
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information	Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Non-cash financing and investing activities: 2020 2019 Compensatory shares $ 647 $ 548 Recognition (write-down) of constrained earn-out receivable on sale of assets (note 7) — (2,000) Recognition of right-of-use assets (note 4) — 11,434 Recognition of additional lease liabilities (note 4) — (13,988)

Operating segments

Operating segments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Operating Segments [Abstract]
Operating segments	Operating segments: The Corporation operates in a single segment, Fuel Cell Products and Services, which consists of the design, development, manufacture, sale and service of PEM fuel cell products for a variety of applications, focusing on the power product markets of Heavy-Duty Motive (consisting of bus, truck, rail and marine applications), Material Handling and Backup Power, as well as the delivery of Technology Solutions, including engineering services, technology transfer and the licensing and sale of the Corporation’s extensive intellectual property portfolio and fundamental knowledge for a variety of PEM fuel cell applications. As a result of the sale of the UAV assets of Ballard Unmanned Systems (note 7) in October 2020, the historic operating results of the UAV market for both 2020 and 2019 have been removed from continued operating results and are instead presented separately in the statement of comprehensive loss as loss from discontinued operations. In 2020, revenues included sales to two individual customers of $44,855,000 and $15,965,000, respectively, which each exceeded 10% of total revenue. In 2019, revenues included sales to two individual customers of $37,932,000, and $26,164,000, respectively, which each exceeded 10% of total revenue. 30. Operating segments (cont'd): Revenues from continuing operations by geographic area, which are attributed to countries based on customer location for the years ended December 31, are as follows: Revenues 2020 2019 China $ 54,267 $ 47,132 Germany 23,032 30,604 U.S. 8,010 13,228 UK 7,876 2,794 Belgium 2,673 5,408 Japan 2,695 2,743 Canada 1,259 441 Denmark 1,171 1,701 France 1,090 287 Taiwan 1,008 216 Norway 436 478 Spain 128 20 Netherlands 38 115 Finland 36 65 Switzerland — 359 Other countries 158 132 $ 103,877 $ 105,723 Non-current assets by geographic area are as follows: December 31, December 31, Non-current assets 2020 2019 Canada $ 88,128 $ 82,665 U.S. 4,107 4,836 China 27,577 21,663 Denmark 1,472 1,629 $ 121,284 $ 110,793

Financial instruments

Financial instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Financial instruments	Financial instruments: (a) Fair value: The Corporation’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, trade and other receivables, investments, and trade and other payables. The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, and trade and other payables approximate their carrying values because of the short-term nature of these instruments. Fair value measurements recognized in the statement of financial position must be categorized in accordance with the following levels: (i) Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; (ii) Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices); (iii) Level 3: Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs). 31. Financial instruments (cont'd): (b) Financial risk management: The Corporation primarily has exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk, commodity risk, interest rate risk, and credit risk. Foreign currency exchange rate risk Foreign currency exchange rate risk is the risk that the fair value of deferred cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in foreign exchange rates. The Corporation is exposed to currency risks primarily due to its holdings of Canadian dollar denominated cash equivalents and its Canadian dollar denominated purchases and accounts payable. Substantially all receivables are denominated in U.S. dollars. Periodically, the Corporation uses foreign exchange currency contracts to manage exposure to currency rate fluctuations. These contracts are recorded at their fair value as either assets or liabilities on the statement of financial position. Any changes in fair value are either (i) recorded in the statement of comprehensive income if formally designated and qualified under hedge accounting criteria; or (ii) recorded in the statement of operations if either not designated, or not qualified, under hedge accounting criteria.The outstanding foreign exchange currency contracts are not qualified under hedge accounting. The Corporation limits its exposure to foreign currency risk by holding Canadian denominated cash and cash equivalents in amounts up to 100% of forecasted twelve month Canadian dollar net expenditures and up to 50% of the following twelve months of forecasted Canadian dollar net expenditures, thereby creating an economic hedge. Periodically, the Corporation also enters into forward foreign exchange contracts to further limit its exposure. At December 31, 2020, the Corporation held Canadian dollar denominated cash and cash equivalents of CDN $74,104,000 and outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts to sell a total of CDN $16,750,000 in 2020 at an average rate of CDN $1.32 to US $1.00. The following exchange rates applied during the year ended December 31, 2020: $U.S. to $1.00 CDN $CDN to $1.00 U.S. January 1, 2020 Opening rate $0.770 $1.299 December 31, 2020 Closing rate $0.785 $1.274 Fiscal 2020 Average rate $0.746 $1.341 Based on cash and cash equivalents and forward foreign exchange contracts held at December 31, 2020, a 10% increase in the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar, with all other variables held constant, would result in an increase in foreign exchange gains of approximately $7,131,000 recorded against net income. If the Canadian dollar weakened 10% against the U.S. dollar, there would be an equal, and opposite impact, on net income. This sensitivity analysis includes foreign currency denominated monetary items, and adjusts their translation at year-end, for a 10% change in foreign currency rates. Commodity risk Commodity risk is the risk of financial loss due to fluctuations in commodity prices, in particular, for the price of platinum and palladium, which are key components of the Corporation’s fuel cell products. Platinum and palladium are scarce natural resources and therefore the Corporation is dependent upon a sufficient supply of these commodities. To manage its exposure to commodity price fluctuations, the Corporation may include platinum and or palladium pricing adjustments directly into certain significant customer contracts. 31. Financial instruments (cont'd): (b) Financial risk management (cont'd): Interest rate risk Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value of deferred cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. The Corporation is exposed to interest rate risk arising primarily from fluctuations in interest rates on its cash and cash equivalents. The Corporation limits its exposure to interest rate risk by continually monitoring and adjusting portfolio duration to align to forecasted cash requirements and anticipated changes in interest rates. Based on cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2020, a 0.25% decline in interest rates, with all other variables held constant, would result in a decrease in investment income of $1,909,000. If interest rates had been 0.25% higher, there would be an equal and opposite impact on net income. Credit risk Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Corporation if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations, and arises principally from the Corporation’s receivables from customers. IFRS 9 Financial Instruments requires impairment losses to be recognized based on “expected losses” that will occur in the future, incorporating forward looking information relating to defaults and applies a single ECL impairment model that applies to all financial assets within scope. ECLs are a probability-weighted estimate of credit losses. Credit losses are measured as the present value of all cash shortfalls (i.e. the difference between the cash flows due to the Corporation in accordance with the contract and the cash flows that the Corporation expects to receive). Under IFRS 9 , at each reporting date the Corporation is required to assess whether financial assets carried at amortized cost are credit-impaired. Impairment loss on financial assets and contract assets recognized in profit and loss of $310,000 (2019 - $1,787,000) were comprised of realized impairment loss recognized during the year of $60,000 (2019 - $1,537,000) and an impairment loss allowance of $250,000 (2019 - $250,000). The Corporation's exposure to credit risk is influenced mainly by the individual characteristics of each customer. However, management also considers the factors that may influence the credit risk of its customer base, including the default risk associated with the industry and country in which customers operate. Details of concentration of revenue are included in note 22. The Corporation limits its exposure to credit risk from trade receivables and contract assets by contracting prepayments (from 50% to 100%) from certain customers. The Corporation determines probability of default based on the following common credit risk characteristics: geographic region, age of customer relationship, and duration of remaining contract. The Corporation calculates probability of default using a forecasted default rate over the next twelve months for the automotive and manufacturing industries, ranging from 0.8% to 1.2%. The Corporation has assessed the probability of default to the higher end of the default range of 1.2% as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The loss given default is assumed to be 100% due to the Corporation's position as an unsecured creditor. The movement in the allowance for impairment in respect of trade receivables and contract assets during the year was as follows. Impairment loss allowance December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Beginning balance $ 250 $ — Net measurement of loss allowance 250 250 Ending balance $ 500 $ 250

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Events After Reporting Period [Abstract]
Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event: On February 23, 2021, the Corporation announced the closing of another bought deal offering with a syndicate of underwriters of 14,870,000 common shares of the Corporation at a price of $37.00 per share ("offering price") for gross proceeds of $550,190,000. The underwriters have the option to purchase up to an additional 2,230,500 common shares at the offering price to cover over-allotments, if any, and for market stabilization purposes, for a period of 30 days after the closing date of the offering (“over-allotment option”). The exercise of the over-allotment option may result in additional gross proceeds of up to $82,528,500. The Corporation intends to use the net proceeds of the bought deal offering to further strengthen its statement of financial position, thereby providing additional flexibility to funds its growth strategy, including through activities such as product innovation, investments in production capacity expansion and localization, future acquisitions and strategic partnerships and investments.

Significant accounting polici_2

Significant accounting policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Corporate Information And Statement Of IFRS Compliance [Abstract]
Basis of consolidation	Basis of consolidation:Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Corporation. The Corporation controls an entity when it is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns though its power over the entity. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases. Intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.
Foreign currency	Foreign currency: (i) Foreign currency transactions Transactions in foreign currencies are translated to the respective functional currencies of the Corporation and its subsidiaries at the exchange rate in effect at the transaction date. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in other than the functional currency are translated at the exchange rates in effect at the statement of financial position date. The resulting exchange gains and losses are recognized in earnings. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in other than the functional currency that are measured at fair value are translated to the functional currency at the exchange rate at the date that the fair value was determined. Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in other than the functional currency are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction. (ii) Foreign operations The assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated to the presentation currency using exchange rates at the reporting date. The income and expenses of foreign operations are translated to the presentation currency using exchange rates at the dates of the transactions. Foreign currency differences are recognized in other comprehensive income.
Financial assets	Financial assetsThe Corporation initially recognizes loans and receivables and deposits on the date that they originated and all other financial assets on the trade date at which the Corporation becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. The Corporation derecognizes a financial asset when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire, or when it transfers substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset. 4. Significant accounting policies (cont'd): (c) Financial instruments (cont'd): (i) Financial assets (cont'd) Financial assets are classified as measured at: amortized cost; fair value through other comprehensive income ("FVOCI") or fair value through profit or loss ("FVTPL"). The classification of financial assets is generally based on the business model in which a financial asset is managed and its contractual cash flow characteristics. Derivatives embedded in contracts where the host is a financial asset in the scope of the standard are never separated. Instead, the hybrid financial instrument as a whole is assessed for classification. The Corporation's financial assets which consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, trade and other receivables, and contract assets are classified at amortized cost.
Financial liabilities	Financial liabilitiesFinancial liabilities comprise the Corporation’s trade and other payables. The financial liabilities are initially recognized on the date they are originated and are derecognized when the contractual obligations are discharged or cancelled or expire. These financial liabilities are recognized initially at fair value and subsequently are measured at amortized costs using the effective interest method, when materially different from the initial amount. Fair value is determined based on the present value of future cash flows, discounted at the market rate of interest.
Share capital	Share capitalShare capital is classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of shares and share options are recognized as a deduction from equity. When share capital is repurchased, the amount of the consideration paid, including directly attributable costs, is recognized as a deduction from equity. Repurchased shares are classified as treasury shares and are presented as a deduction from equity. When treasury shares are subsequently reissued, the amount received is recognized as an increase in equity, and the resulting surplus or deficit on the transaction is transferred to or from retained earnings (deficit).
Inventories	Inventories: Inventories are recorded at the lower of cost and net realizable value. The cost of inventories is based on the first-in first-out principle, and includes expenditures incurred in acquiring the inventories, production or conversion costs and other costs incurred in bringing them to their existing location and condition. In the case of manufactured inventories and work in progress, cost includes materials, labor and appropriate share of production overhead based on normal operating capacity. Costs of materials are determined on an average per unit basis. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less the estimated costs of completion and selling expenses. In establishing any impairment of inventory, management estimates the likelihood that inventory carrying values will be affected by changes in market demand, technology and design, which would impair the value of inventory on hand.
Property, plant and equipment	Property, plant and equipment: (i) Recognition and measurement Items of property, plant and equipment are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. The cost of self-constructed assets includes the cost of materials, costs directly attributable to bringing the assets to a working condition for their intended use, and the costs of dismantling and removing items and restoring the site on which they are located. If significant parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, then they are accounted for as separate items (major components) of property, plant and equipment. Any gain or loss on disposal of an item of property, plant and equipment is recognized in profit or loss. (ii) Subsequent expenditures Subsequent expenditures are capitalized only if it is probable that the future economic benefits associated with the expenditures will flow to the Corporation. (iii) Depreciation Depreciation is calculated to write-off the cost of items of property, plant and equipment less their estimated residual values using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, and is generally recognized in profit or loss. The estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment for current and comparative periods are as follows: Computer equipment 3 to 10 years Furniture and fixtures 5 to 10 years Leasehold improvements The shorter of initial term of the respective lease and estimated useful life Production and test equipment 4 to 15 years Leased assets are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term or their useful lives unless it is reasonably certain that the Corporation will obtain ownership by the end of the lease term. Right-of-use asset - Property 1 to 7 years Right-of-use asset - Office equipment 4 to 5 years Right-of-use asset - Vehicles 1 to 5 years Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at each reporting date and adjusted if appropriate.
Leases	Leases: IFRS 16 Leases introduced a single, on-balance sheet accounting model for lessees. As a result, the Corporation, as a lessee, has recognized right-of-use assets representing its rights to use the underlying assets, and lease liabilities representing its obligation to make lease payments. Lessor accounting remains similar to previous accounting policies. 4. Significant accounting policies (cont'd): (f) Leases (cont'd): At inception of a contract, the Corporation assesses whether a contract is, or contains, a lease. A contract is, or contains, a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. To assess whether a contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset, the Corporation assesses whether: • the contract involves the use of an identified asset - this may be specified explicitly or implicitly, and should be physically distinct or represent substantially all of the capacity of a physically distinct asset. If the supplier has a substantive substitution right, then the asset is not identified; • the Corporation has the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from use of the asset throughout the period of use; and • the Corporation has the right to direct the use of the asset. The Corporation has this right when it has the decision-making rights that are most relevant to changing how and for what purpose the asset is used. In rare cases where all the decisions about how and for what purpose the asset is used are predetermined, the Corporation has the right to direct the use of the asset if either: ◦ the Corporation has the right to operate the asset; or ◦ the Corporation designed the asset in a way that predetermines how and for what purpose it will be used. This policy is applied to contracts entered into, or changed, on or after January 1, 2019. i. As a Lessee The Corporation recognizes a right-of-use asset and a lease liability at the lease commencement date. The right-of-use asset is initially measured at cost, which comprises the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, plus any initial direct costs incurred and an estimate of costs to dismantle and remove the underlying asset or to restore the underlying asset or the site on which it is located, less any lease incentives received. The right-of-use asset is subsequently depreciated using the straight-line method from the commencement date to the earlier of the end of the useful life of the right-of-use asset or the end of the lease term. The estimated useful lives of right-of-use assets are determined on the same basis as those of property and equipment. In addition, the right-of-use asset is periodically reduced by impairment losses, if any, and adjusted for certain remeasurements of the lease liability. The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, the Corporation’s incremental borrowing rate. Generally, the Corporation uses its incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate. Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability comprise: • Fixed payments, including in-substance fixed payments; • Variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate, initially measured using the index or rate at the commencement date; • Amounts expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee; and • The exercise price under a purchase option that the Corporation is reasonably certain to exercise, lease payments in an optional renewal period if the Corporation is reasonably certain to exercise an extension option, and penalties for early termination of a lease unless the Corporation is reasonably certain not to terminate early. 4. Significant accounting policies (cont'd): (f) Leases (cont'd): The lease liability is subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. It is remeasured when there is a change in future lease payments arising from a change in an index or rate, if there is a change in the Corporation’s estimate of the amount expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee or if the Corporation changes its assessment of whether it will exercise a purchase, extension or termination option. When the lease liability is remeasured in this way, a corresponding adjustment is made to the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset, or is recorded in profit or loss if the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset has been reduced to zero. The Corporation presents right-of-use assets in ‘Property, plant and equipment’ and lease liabilities in ‘Lease liability’ in the statement of financial position. The Corporation has elected not to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for short-term leases of properties, equipment and vehicles that have a lease term of 12 months or less. The Corporation has elected not to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for low value leases that have initial values of less than $5,000. The Corporation recognizes the lease payments associated with these leases as an operating expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. ii. As a Lessor When the Corporation is an intermediate lessor, it accounts for its interests in the head lease and the sub-lease separately. It assesses the lease classification of a sub-lease with reference to the right-of-use asset arising from the head lease, not with reference to the underlying asset, and makes an overall assessment of whether the lease transfers to the lessee substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership incidental to ownership of the underlying asset. If this is the case, then the lease is a finance lease; if not, then it is an operating lease. As part of this assessment, the Corporation considers certain indicators such as whether the lease is for the major part of the economic life of the asset. The Corporation recognizes lease payments received under operating leases as income on a straight-line basis over the lease term in operating expense. The accounting policies applicable to the Corporation as a lessor in the comparative period were not different from IFRS 16 Leases . However, when the Corporation was an intermediate lessor the sub-leases were classified with reference to the underlying asset.
Goodwill and Intangible assets	Goodwill and intangible assets: (i) Recognition and measurement Goodwill Goodwill arising on the acquisition of subsidiaries is measured at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Research and development Expenditure on research activities is recognized in profit or loss as incurred. Development expenditure is capitalized only if the expenditure can be measured reliably, the product or process is technically and commercially feasible, future economic benefits are probable and the Corporation intends to and has sufficient resources to complete development and to use or sell the asset. Otherwise, it is recognized in profit or loss as incurred. Subsequent to initial recognition, development expenditure is measured at cost less accumulated amortization and any accumulated impairment losses. Intangible assets Intangible assets, including patents, know-how, in-process research and development, trademarks and service marks and software systems that are acquired or developed by the Corporation and have finite useful lives are measured at cost less accumulated amortization and any accumulated impairment losses. 4. Significant accounting policies (cont'd): (g) Goodwill and intangible assets (cont'd): (ii) Subsequent expenditure Subsequent expenditure is capitalized only when it increases the future economic benefits embodied in the specific asset to which it relates. All other expenditures, including expenditures on internally generated goodwill, are recognized in profit or loss as incurred. (iii) Amortization Amortization is calculated to write-off the cost of intangible assets less their estimated residual values using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, and is recognized in profit or loss. Goodwill is not amortized. The estimated useful lives for current and comparative periods are as follows: Internally generated fuel cell intangible assets 3 to 5 years Patents, know-how and in-process research & development 5 to 20 years ERP management reporting software system 5 to 10 years Trademarks and service marks 15 years Domain names 15 years Customer base and relationships 10 years Acquired non-compete agreements 1 year Amortization methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at each reporting date and adjusted if appropriate.
Impairment, Financial assets	Financial assets An ‘expected credit loss’ ("ECL") model applies to financial assets measured at amortized cost and debt investments at FVOCI, but not to investments in equity instruments. The Corporation's financial assets measured at amortized cost and subject to the ECL model consist primarily of trade receivables and contract assets. In applying the ECL model, loss allowances are measured on either of the following bases: • 12-month ECLs: these are ECLs that result from possible default events within the 12 months after the reporting date; and • lifetime ECLs: these are ECLs that result from all possible default events over the expected life of a financial instrument. The Corporation has elected to measure loss allowances for trade receivables and contract assets at an amount equal to lifetime ECLs. When determining whether the credit risk of a financial asset has increased significantly since initial recognition and when estimating ECLs, the Corporation considers reasonable and supportable information that is relevant and available without undue cost or effort. This includes both quantitative and qualitative information and analysis, based on historical experience and informed credit assessment and including forward-looking information. 4. Significant accounting policies (cont'd): (h) Impairment (cont'd): (i) Financial assets (cont'd) ECLs are a probability-weighted estimate of credit losses. Credit losses are measured as the present value of all cash shortfalls (i.e. the difference between the cash flows due to the entity in accordance with the contract and the cash flows that the Corporation expects to receive). ECLs are discounted at the effective interest rate of the financial asset. At each reporting date, we assess whether financial assets carried at amortized cost are credit-impaired. A financial asset is ‘credit-impaired’ when one or more events that have a detrimental impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset have occurred. Loss allowances for financial assets measured at amortized cost are deducted from the gross carrying amount of the assets. Impairment (losses) recoveries related to trade receivables and contract assets are presented separately in the statement of profit or loss.
Impairment, Non-financial assets	Non-financial assets The carrying amounts of the Corporation’s non-financial assets other than inventories are reviewed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, then the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated. For goodwill and intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives, the recoverable amount is estimated annually. The recoverable amount of an asset or cash-generating unit is the greater of its value in use and its fair value less costs to sell. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. Fair value less costs to sell is defined as the estimated price that would be received on the sale of the asset in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. For the purposes of impairment testing, assets that cannot be tested individually are grouped together into the smallest group of assets that generates cash inflows from continuing use that are largely independent of the cash inflows of other groups of assets. The allocation of goodwill to cash-generating units reflects the lowest level at which goodwill is monitored for internal reporting purposes. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of an asset or its cash-generating unit exceeds its estimated recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognized in profit or loss. Impairment losses recognized in respect of the cash generating units are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the units, and then to reduce the carrying amounts of the other assets in the unit on a pro-rata basis. An impairment loss in respect of goodwill is not reversed. In respect of other assets, impairment losses recognized in prior periods are assessed at each reporting date for any indications that the loss has decreased or no longer exists. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortization, if no impairment loss had been recognized.
Provisions	Provisions:A provision is recognized if, as a result of a past event, the Corporation has a present legal or constructive obligation that can be estimated reliably, and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. Provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risk specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognized as a finance expense. 4. Significant accounting policies (cont'd): (i) Provisions (cont'd): Warranty provision A provision for warranty costs is recorded on product sales at the time the sale is recognized. In establishing the warranty provision, management estimates the likelihood that products sold will experience warranty claims and the estimated cost to resolve claims received, taking into account the nature of the contract and past and projected experience with the products. Decommissioning liabilities Legal obligations to retire tangible long-lived assets are recorded at the net present value of the expected costs of settlement at acquisition with a corresponding increase in asset value. These include assets leased under operating leases. The liability is accreted over the life of the asset to the ultimate settlement amount and the increase in asset value is depreciated over the remaining useful life of the asset.
Revenue recognition	Revenue recognition: The Corporation generates revenues primarily from product sales, the license and sale of intellectual property and fundamental knowledge, and the provision of engineering services and technology transfer services. Product revenues are derived primarily from standard product sales contracts and from long-term fixed price contracts. Intellectual property and fundamental knowledge license revenues are derived primarily from standard licensing and technology transfer agreements. Engineering service and technology transfer services revenues are derived primarily from cost-plus reimbursable contracts and from long-term fixed price contracts. Revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of the goods or services. Determining the timing of the transfer of control, at a point in time or over time, requires judgment. On standard product sales contracts, revenues are recognized when customers obtain control of the product, that is when transfer of title and risks and rewards of ownership of goods have passed and when obligation to pay is considered certain. Invoices are generated and revenue is recognized at that point in time. Provisions for warranties are made at the time of sale. On standard licensing and technology transfer agreements, revenues are recognized on the transfer of rights to a licensee, when it is determined to be distinct from other performance obligations, and if the customer can direct the use of, and obtain substantially all of the remaining benefits from the license as it exists at the time of transfer. In other cases, the proceeds are considered to relate to the right to use the asset over the license period and the revenue is recognized over that period. If it is determined that the license is not distinct from other performance obligations, revenue is recognized over time as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefit. On cost-plus reimbursable contracts, revenues are recognized as costs are incurred, and include applicable fees earned as services are provided. On long-term fixed price contracts, the customer controls all of the work in progress as the services are being provided. This is because under these contracts, the deliverables are made to a customer’s specification, and if a contract is terminated by the customer, then the Corporation is entitled to reimbursement of the costs incurred to date plus the applicable gross margin. Therefore, revenue from these contracts and the associated costs are recognized as the costs are incurred over time. On long-term fixed price contracts, revenues are recognized over time using cumulative costs incurred to date relative to total estimated costs at completion to measure progress towards satisfying performance obligations. Generally, revenue is recognized by multiplying the expected consideration by the ratio of cumulative costs incurred to date to the sum of incurred and estimated costs for completing the performance obligation. The cumulative effect of changes to estimated revenues and estimated costs for completing a contract are recognized in the period in which the revisions are identified. In the event that the estimated costs exceed the expected revenues on a contract, such loss is recognized in its entirety in the period it becomes known. 4. Significant accounting policies (cont'd): (j) Revenue recognition (cont'd): Deferred revenue (i.e. contract liabilities) represents cash received from customers in excess of revenue recognized on uncompleted contracts.
Finance income and expense	Finance income and expense: Finance income comprises interest income on funds invested, gains on the disposal of available-for-sale financial assets and changes in the fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss. Interest income is recognized as it accrues in income, using the effective interest method. Finance expense comprise interest expense on capital leases, unwinding of the discount on provisions, changes in the fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss and impairment losses recognized on financial assets. Foreign currency gains and losses are reported on a net basis.
Income taxes	Income taxes: The Corporation follows the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the deferred income tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying values of assets and liabilities and their respective income tax bases (temporary differences) and for loss carry forwards. The resulting changes in the net deferred tax asset or liability are included in income. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted, or substantively enacted, tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities, of a change in tax rates, is included in income in the period that includes the substantive enactment date. Deferred income tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realized.
Employee benefits	Employee benefits: Defined contribution plans A defined contribution plan is a post-employment benefit plan under which an entity pays fixed contributions into a separate entity and will have no legal or constructive obligation to pay further amounts. Obligations for contributions to defined contribution pension plans are recognized as an employee benefit expense in profit or loss in the periods during which services are rendered by employees. Prepaid contributions are recognized as an asset to the extent that a cash refund or a reduction in future payments is available. Contributions to a defined contribution plan that are due more than 12 months after the end of the period in which the employees render the service are discounted to their present value. Defined benefit plans A defined benefit plan is a post-employment pension plan other than a defined contribution plan. The Corporation’s net obligation in respect of defined benefit pension plans is calculated separately for each plan by estimating the amount of future benefit that employees have earned in return for their service in the current and prior periods; that benefit is discounted to determine its present value. Any unrecognized past service costs and the fair value of any plan assets are deducted. The discount rate is the yield at the reporting date on AA credit-rated bonds that have maturity dates approximating the terms of the Corporation’s obligations and that are denominated in the same currency in which the benefits are expected to be paid. The calculation is performed annually by a qualified actuary using the projected unit credit method. 4. Significant accounting policies (cont'd): (m) Employee benefits (cont'd): Defined benefit plans (cont'd) When the calculation results in a benefit to the Corporation, the recognized asset is limited to the total of any unrecognized past service costs and the present value of economic benefits available in the form of any future refunds from the plan or reductions in future contributions to the plan. In order to calculate the present value of economic benefits, consideration is given to any minimum funding requirements that apply to any plan in the Corporation. An economic benefit is available to the Corporation if it is realizable during the life of the plan, or on settlement of the plan liabilities. The Corporation recognizes all remeasurements arising from defined benefit plans, which comprise actuarial gains and losses, immediately in other comprehensive income. Remeasurements recognized in other comprehensive income are not recycled through profit or loss in subsequent periods. Other long-term employee benefits The Corporation’s net obligation in respect of long-term employee benefits other than pension plans is the amount of future benefit that employees have earned in return for their service in the current and prior periods; that benefit is discounted to determine its present value, and the fair value of any related assets is deducted. The discount rate is the yield at the reporting date on AA credit-rated bonds that have maturity dates approximating the terms of the Corporation’s obligations. The calculation is performed using the projected unit credit method. Any actuarial gains and losses are recognized in other comprehensive income or loss in the period in which they arise. Termination benefits Termination benefits are recognized as an expense (restructuring expense recorded in other operating expense) when the Corporation is committed demonstrably, without realistic possibility of withdrawal, to a formal detailed plan to either terminate employment before the normal retirement date, or to provide termination benefits as a result of an offer made to encourage voluntary redundancy. Termination benefits for voluntary redundancies are recognized as an expense if the Corporation has made an offer of voluntary redundancy, it is probable that the offer will be accepted, and the number of acceptances can be estimated reliably. If benefits are payable more than 12 months after the reporting period, then they are discounted to their present value. Short-term employee benefits Short-term employee benefit obligations are measured on an undiscounted basis and are expensed as the related service is provided. A liability is recognized for the amount expected to be paid under short-term cash bonus or profit sharing plans if the Corporation has a present legal or constructive obligation to pay this amount as a result of past service provided by the employee, and the obligation can be estimated reliably.
Share-based compensation plans	Share-based compensation plans:The Corporation uses the fair-value based method of accounting for share-based compensation for all awards of shares, share options, restricted share units, and deferred share units granted. The resulting compensation expense, based on the fair value of the awards granted, excluding the impact of any non-market service and performance vesting conditions, is charged to income over the period that the employees unconditionally become entitled to the award, with a corresponding increase to contributed surplus. 4. Significant accounting policies (cont'd): (n) Share-based compensation plans (cont'd): Fair values of share options are calculated using the Black-Scholes valuation method as of the grant date and adjusted for estimated forfeitures. Restricted share units and deferred share units are valued at the fair-value price at grant date. For awards with graded vesting, the fair value of each tranche is calculated separately and recognized over its respective vesting period. Non-market vesting conditions are considered in making assumptions about the number of awards that are expected to vest. At each reporting date, the Corporation reassesses its estimates of the number of awards that are expected to vest and recognizes the impact of any revision in the income statement with a corresponding adjustment to contributed surplus. The Corporation issues shares, share options, restricted share units, and deferred share units under its share-based compensation plans as described in note 20. Any consideration paid by employees on exercise of share options or purchase of shares, together with the amount initially recorded in contributed surplus, is credited to share capital. The redemption of restricted share units and deferred share units are non-cash transactions that are recorded in contributed surplus and share capital.
Earnings (loss) per share	Earnings (loss) per share: Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, adjusted for treasury shares. Diluted earnings per share is calculated using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the dilution is calculated based upon the number of common shares issued should deferred share units (“DSUs”), restricted share units (“RSUs”), and “in the money” options, if any, be exercised. When the effects of outstanding stock-based compensation arrangements would be anti-dilutive, diluted loss per share is not shown separately.
Government assistance and investment tax credits	Government assistance and investment tax credits:Government assistance and investment tax credits are recorded as either a reduction of the cost of the applicable assets, or credited against the related expense incurred in the statement of comprehensive loss, as determined by the terms and conditions of the agreements under which the assistance is provided to the Corporation or the nature of the expenditures which gave rise to the credits. Government assistance and investment tax credit receivables are recorded when their receipt is reasonably assured.
Segment reporting	Segment reporting:An operating segment is a component of the Corporation that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses, including revenues and expenses that relate to transactions with any of the Corporation’s other components. Segment results include items directly attributable to a segment as well as those that can be allocated on a reasonable basis. Unallocated items comprise mainly corporate assets, head office expenses, and income tax assets and liabilities.

Significant accounting polici_3

Significant accounting policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Corporate Information And Statement Of IFRS Compliance [Abstract]
Schedule of Subsidiaries	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Corporation and its principal subsidiaries as follows: Percentage ownership 2020 2019 Guangzhou Ballard Power Systems Co., Ltd. 100% 100% Ballard Hong Kong Ltd. 100% 100% Ballard Unmanned Systems (formerly named Protonex Technology Corporation) (note 7) 100% 100% Ballard Services Inc. 100% 100% Ballard Fuel Cell Systems Inc. 100% 100% Ballard Power Systems Europe A/S 100% 100% Ballard Power Corporation 100% 100%
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment	The estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment for current and comparative periods are as follows: Computer equipment 3 to 10 years Furniture and fixtures 5 to 10 years Leasehold improvements The shorter of initial term of the respective lease and estimated useful life Production and test equipment 4 to 15 years December 31, December 31, 2020 2019 Property, plant and equipment owned $ 36,560 $ 27,746 Right-of-use assets 12,774 15,090 $ 49,334 $ 42,836 December 31, December 31, Net carrying amounts 2020 2019 Computer equipment $ 1,846 $ 1,427 Furniture and fixtures 657 51 Leasehold improvements 1,558 1,260 Production and test equipment 32,499 25,008 $ 36,560 $ 27,746 Cost December 31, 2019 Additions Disposals Transfers Effect of movements in exchange rates December 31, 2020 Computer equipment $ 5,733 $ 791 $ — $ 75 $ 36 $ 6,635 Furniture and fixtures 1,098 642 — 15 (1) 1,754 Leasehold improvements 8,559 440 — 170 27 9,196 Production and test equipment 55,681 10,747 (560) 500 24 66,392 $ 71,071 $ 12,620 $ (560) $ 760 $ 86 $ 83,977 Accumulated depreciation December 31, 2019 Depreciation Disposals Transfers Effect of movements in exchange rates December 31, 2020 Computer equipment $ 4,306 $ 379 $ — $ 75 $ 29 $ 4,789 Furniture and fixtures 1,047 25 — 15 10 1,097 Leasehold improvements 7,299 302 — — 37 7,638 Production and test equipment 30,673 3,053 (512) 670 9 33,893 $ 43,325 $ 3,759 $ (512) $ 760 $ 85 $ 47,417 Cost December 31, 2018 Additions Disposals Reclass to Right-of-use assets Effect of movements in exchange rates December 31, 2019 Building under finance lease $ 12,180 $ — $ — $ (12,180) $ — $ — Computer equipment 5,584 214 (63) 4 (6) 5,733 Furniture and fixtures 1,103 1 — (4) (2) 1,098 Leasehold improvements 7,936 630 — — (7) 8,559 Production and test equipment 43,310 13,089 (716) — (2) 55,681 $ 70,113 $ 13,934 $ (779) $ (12,180) $ (17) $ 71,071 Accumulated depreciation December 31, 2018 Depreciation Disposals Reclass to Right-of-use assets Effect of movements in exchange rates December 31, 2019 Building under finance lease $ 7,173 $ — $ — $ (7,173) $ — $ — Computer equipment 3,945 422 (63) 4 (2) 4,306 Furniture and fixtures 1,036 16 — (4) (1) 1,047 Leasehold improvements 6,917 389 — — (7) 7,299 Production and test equipment 29,422 1,969 (716) — (2) 30,673 $ 48,493 $ 2,796 $ (779) $ (7,173) $ (12) $ 43,325
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets	Leased assets are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term or their useful lives unless it is reasonably certain that the Corporation will obtain ownership by the end of the lease term. Right-of-use asset - Property 1 to 7 years Right-of-use asset - Office equipment 4 to 5 years Right-of-use asset - Vehicles 1 to 5 years The Corporation leases certain assets under lease agreements, comprising primarily of leases of land and buildings, office equipment and vehicles (note 18). Right-of-use assets December 31, December 31, Net carrying amounts 2020 2019 Property $ 12,537 $ 14,921 Equipment 121 67 Vehicle 116 102 $ 12,774 $ 15,090 Cost December 31, 2019 Additions De-recognition Effect of movements in exchange rates December 31, 2020 Property $ 24,568 $ — $ (46) $ 143 $ 24,665 Equipment 84 102 (42) 5 149 Vehicle 142 54 — 12 208 $ 24,794 $ 156 $ (88) $ 160 $ 25,022 Accumulated depreciation December 31, 2019 Depreciation De-recognition Effect of movements in exchange rates December 31, 2020 Property $ 9,647 $ 2,488 $ (46) $ 39 $ 12,128 Equipment 17 25 (15) 1 28 Vehicle 40 46 — 6 92 $ 9,704 $ 2,559 $ (61) $ 46 $ 12,248 As part of the sale of the remaining UAV assets of its subsidiary, Ballard Unmanned Systems, the Corporation de-recognized a property lease totaling $46,000 related to vacating of leased space previously occupied by UAV staff. In addition, the Corporation renegotiated an existing equipment lease resulting in the de-recognition of the original equipment lease, with a net book value of $27,000. Cost January 1, 2019 Additions Effect of movements in exchange rates December 31, 2019 Property $ 23,427 $ 1,147 $ (6) $ 24,568 Equipment 76 13 (5) 84 Vehicle 111 31 — 142 $ 23,614 $ 1,191 $ (11) $ 24,794 10. Property, plant and equipment (cont'd): Accumulated depreciation January 1, 2019 Depreciation Effect of movements in exchange rates December 31, 2019 Property $ 7,173 $ 2,474 $ — $ 9,647 Equipment — 22 (5) 17 Vehicle — 40 — 40 $ 7,173 $ 2,536 $ (5) $ 9,704
Disclosure of recognition and measurement of goodwill and intangible assets	Recognition and measurement Goodwill Goodwill arising on the acquisition of subsidiaries is measured at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Research and development Expenditure on research activities is recognized in profit or loss as incurred. Development expenditure is capitalized only if the expenditure can be measured reliably, the product or process is technically and commercially feasible, future economic benefits are probable and the Corporation intends to and has sufficient resources to complete development and to use or sell the asset. Otherwise, it is recognized in profit or loss as incurred. Subsequent to initial recognition, development expenditure is measured at cost less accumulated amortization and any accumulated impairment losses. Intangible assets Intangible assets, including patents, know-how, in-process research and development, trademarks and service marks and software systems that are acquired or developed by the Corporation and have finite useful lives are measured at cost less accumulated amortization and any accumulated impairment losses.
Disclosure of intangible assets with indefinite useful life	The estimated useful lives for current and comparative periods are as follows: Internally generated fuel cell intangible assets 3 to 5 years Patents, know-how and in-process research & development 5 to 20 years ERP management reporting software system 5 to 10 years Trademarks and service marks 15 years Domain names 15 years Customer base and relationships 10 years Acquired non-compete agreements 1 year

Discontinued operations (Tables

Discontinued operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Disclosure of detailed information on sale of assets	Total proceeds $ 1,000 Less: Disposition costs (12) Net proceeds 988 Less: Net book value of disposed assets (820) Gain on sale of UAV assets $ 168
Summary of discontinued operations	The following is a final calculation of the disposed assets : December 31, 2020 Inventories $ 221 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 29 Property, plant, and equipment 48 Intangible assets 512 Goodwill 10 Net disposed assets $ 820 Net loss from discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 is comprised of the following : 2020 2019 Product and service revenues $ 262 $ 604 Cost of product and service revenues 223 347 Gross margin $ 39 $ 257 Total operating expenses (2,115) (2,204) Finance income and other — 188 Gain (loss) on sale of assets 168 (2,000) Net loss from discontinued operations $ (1,908) $ (3,759) Net cash flows from discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 is as follows : 2020 2019 Cash used in operating activities $ (1,607) $ (1,412) Cash provided by investing activities 957 2,125 Cash used in financing activities (20) (6) Cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations $ (670) $ 707

Trade and other receivables (Ta

Trade and other receivables (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Subclassifications of assets, liabilities and equities [abstract]
Disclosure of trade and other receivables	December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Trade accounts receivable $ 29,252 $ 27,009 Other receivables 5,269 3,345 Contract assets 22,274 18,962 $ 56,795 $ 49,316
Explanation of significant changes in contract assets	Contract assets December 31, 2020 At January 1, 2020 $ 18,962 Additions to contract assets 18,457 Invoiced during the year (15,145) At December 31, 2020 $ 22,274 Deferred revenue December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Beginning Balance $ 20,156 $ 16,681 Additions to deferred revenue 43,166 41,197 Revenue recognized during the year (53,434) (37,722) Ending Balance $ 9,888 $ 20,156

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Inventories [Abstract]
Disclosure Of Detailed Information About Inventories	December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Raw materials and consumables $ 11,879 $ 12,848 Work-in-progress 8,330 9,848 Finished goods 3,746 3,222 Service inventory 4,567 4,180 $ 28,522 $ 30,098

Property, plant and equipment (

Property, plant and equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Property, plant and equipment [abstract]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment	The estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment for current and comparative periods are as follows: Computer equipment 3 to 10 years Furniture and fixtures 5 to 10 years Leasehold improvements The shorter of initial term of the respective lease and estimated useful life Production and test equipment 4 to 15 years December 31, December 31, 2020 2019 Property, plant and equipment owned $ 36,560 $ 27,746 Right-of-use assets 12,774 15,090 $ 49,334 $ 42,836 December 31, December 31, Net carrying amounts 2020 2019 Computer equipment $ 1,846 $ 1,427 Furniture and fixtures 657 51 Leasehold improvements 1,558 1,260 Production and test equipment 32,499 25,008 $ 36,560 $ 27,746 Cost December 31, 2019 Additions Disposals Transfers Effect of movements in exchange rates December 31, 2020 Computer equipment $ 5,733 $ 791 $ — $ 75 $ 36 $ 6,635 Furniture and fixtures 1,098 642 — 15 (1) 1,754 Leasehold improvements 8,559 440 — 170 27 9,196 Production and test equipment 55,681 10,747 (560) 500 24 66,392 $ 71,071 $ 12,620 $ (560) $ 760 $ 86 $ 83,977 Accumulated depreciation December 31, 2019 Depreciation Disposals Transfers Effect of movements in exchange rates December 31, 2020 Computer equipment $ 4,306 $ 379 $ — $ 75 $ 29 $ 4,789 Furniture and fixtures 1,047 25 — 15 10 1,097 Leasehold improvements 7,299 302 — — 37 7,638 Production and test equipment 30,673 3,053 (512) 670 9 33,893 $ 43,325 $ 3,759 $ (512) $ 760 $ 85 $ 47,417 Cost December 31, 2018 Additions Disposals Reclass to Right-of-use assets Effect of movements in exchange rates December 31, 2019 Building under finance lease $ 12,180 $ — $ — $ (12,180) $ — $ — Computer equipment 5,584 214 (63) 4 (6) 5,733 Furniture and fixtures 1,103 1 — (4) (2) 1,098 Leasehold improvements 7,936 630 — — (7) 8,559 Production and test equipment 43,310 13,089 (716) — (2) 55,681 $ 70,113 $ 13,934 $ (779) $ (12,180) $ (17) $ 71,071 Accumulated depreciation December 31, 2018 Depreciation Disposals Reclass to Right-of-use assets Effect of movements in exchange rates December 31, 2019 Building under finance lease $ 7,173 $ — $ — $ (7,173) $ — $ — Computer equipment 3,945 422 (63) 4 (2) 4,306 Furniture and fixtures 1,036 16 — (4) (1) 1,047 Leasehold improvements 6,917 389 — — (7) 7,299 Production and test equipment 29,422 1,969 (716) — (2) 30,673 $ 48,493 $ 2,796 $ (779) $ (7,173) $ (12) $ 43,325
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets	Leased assets are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term or their useful lives unless it is reasonably certain that the Corporation will obtain ownership by the end of the lease term. Right-of-use asset - Property 1 to 7 years Right-of-use asset - Office equipment 4 to 5 years Right-of-use asset - Vehicles 1 to 5 years The Corporation leases certain assets under lease agreements, comprising primarily of leases of land and buildings, office equipment and vehicles (note 18). Right-of-use assets December 31, December 31, Net carrying amounts 2020 2019 Property $ 12,537 $ 14,921 Equipment 121 67 Vehicle 116 102 $ 12,774 $ 15,090 Cost December 31, 2019 Additions De-recognition Effect of movements in exchange rates December 31, 2020 Property $ 24,568 $ — $ (46) $ 143 $ 24,665 Equipment 84 102 (42) 5 149 Vehicle 142 54 — 12 208 $ 24,794 $ 156 $ (88) $ 160 $ 25,022 Accumulated depreciation December 31, 2019 Depreciation De-recognition Effect of movements in exchange rates December 31, 2020 Property $ 9,647 $ 2,488 $ (46) $ 39 $ 12,128 Equipment 17 25 (15) 1 28 Vehicle 40 46 — 6 92 $ 9,704 $ 2,559 $ (61) $ 46 $ 12,248 As part of the sale of the remaining UAV assets of its subsidiary, Ballard Unmanned Systems, the Corporation de-recognized a property lease totaling $46,000 related to vacating of leased space previously occupied by UAV staff. In addition, the Corporation renegotiated an existing equipment lease resulting in the de-recognition of the original equipment lease, with a net book value of $27,000. Cost January 1, 2019 Additions Effect of movements in exchange rates December 31, 2019 Property $ 23,427 $ 1,147 $ (6) $ 24,568 Equipment 76 13 (5) 84 Vehicle 111 31 — 142 $ 23,614 $ 1,191 $ (11) $ 24,794 10. Property, plant and equipment (cont'd): Accumulated depreciation January 1, 2019 Depreciation Effect of movements in exchange rates December 31, 2019 Property $ 7,173 $ 2,474 $ — $ 9,647 Equipment — 22 (5) 17 Vehicle — 40 — 40 $ 7,173 $ 2,536 $ (5) $ 9,704

Intangible assets (Tables)

Intangible assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets	December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Intellectual property acquired from UTC $ 522 $ 970 Intellectual property acquired from Ballard Unmanned Systems (formerly Protonex) — 630 Internally generated fuel cell intangible assets — 168 ERP management reporting software system 3,242 3,912 Intellectual property acquired by Ballard Power Systems Europe — 7 $ 3,764 $ 5,687
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets	Accumulated Net carrying Cost amortization amount At January 1, 2019 $ 60,409 $ 52,124 $ 8,285 Amortization expense — 2,598 (2,598) At December 31, 2019 60,409 54,722 5,687 Additions to intangible assets 246 — 246 Amortization expense — 1,657 (1,657) Disposals (800) (288) (512) At December 31, 2020 $ 59,855 $ 56,091 $ 3,764

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Interests In Other Entities [Abstract]
Disclosure of interests in other entities	December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Investment in Synergy Ballard JVCo (note 4) $ — $ — Investment in Weichai Ballard JV (note 4) 27,561 21,642 Other 5 5 $ 27,566 $ 21,647 For the year ended December 31, 2020 , the Corporation recorded $12,557,000 (2019 - $11,059,000) in equity loss of investment in JV and associates, comprising of equity loss in Weichai Ballard JV of $12,495,000 (2019 - $10,580,000) and equity loss in Synergy Ballard JVCo of $62,000 (2019 - $479,000). Investment in Weichai Ballard JV Investment in Weichai Ballard JV December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Beginning balance $ 21,642 $ 13,989 Capital contribution to JV 22,515 20,944 Incorporation costs — 4 Deferral of 49% profit on inventory not yet sold to third party, net (5,759) (2,715) Equity in loss (12,495) (10,580) Cumulative translation adjustment due to foreign exchange 1,658 — Ending balance $ 27,561 $ 21,642 13. Investments (cont'd): December 31, December 31, 2019 Percentage ownership interest (49%) Current assets $ 102,083 $ 48,836 Non-current assets 178 15 Current liabilities (26,701) (553) Non-current liabilities (2,610) (534) Net assets (100%) 72,950 47,764 Corporation's share of net assets (49%) 35,746 23,404 Incorporation costs 324 324 Elimination of unrealized profit on downstream sales, net of sale to third party (8,509) (2,716) Effects of movements in exchange rates — 630 Carrying amount of investment in Weichai Ballard JV $ 27,561 $ 21,642 December 31, December 31, 2020 2019 Revenue (100%) $ 15,765 $ 6,950 Net loss (100%) 25,499 21,591 Corporation's share of net loss (49%) $ 12,495 $ 10,580 At December 31, 2020, as specified in the Equity Joint Venture Agreement, the Corporation is committed to capital contributions to Weichai Ballard JV as follows: Less than one year (RMB 79,625,000) $ 12,183 One to three years (RMB 62,475,000) 9,559 Total capital contributions $ 21,742 Investment in Synergy Ballard JVCo Investment in Synergy Ballard JVCo December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Beginning balance $ — $ — Recognition of 10% profit on inventory sold to third party, net 62 479 Equity in loss (62) (479) Ending balance $ — $ —

Trade and other payables (Table

Trade and other payables (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Subclassifications of assets, liabilities and equities [abstract]
Schedule of trade and other payables	December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Trade accounts payable $ 9,070 $ 14,884 Compensation payable 14,417 12,596 Other liabilities 5,306 3,559 Taxes payable 1,084 388 $ 29,877 $ 31,427

Deferred revenue (Tables)

Deferred revenue (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Subclassifications of assets, liabilities and equities [abstract]
Explanation of significant changes in contract liabilities	Contract assets December 31, 2020 At January 1, 2020 $ 18,962 Additions to contract assets 18,457 Invoiced during the year (15,145) At December 31, 2020 $ 22,274 Deferred revenue December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Beginning Balance $ 20,156 $ 16,681 Additions to deferred revenue 43,166 41,197 Revenue recognized during the year (53,434) (37,722) Ending Balance $ 9,888 $ 20,156

Provisions and other liabilit_2

Provisions and other liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Subclassifications of assets, liabilities and equities [abstract]
Disclosure of other provisions	Restructuring Warranty Other Balance provision provision liabilities Total At January 1, 2019 $ 191 $ 9,052 $ 3,862 $ 13,105 Provisions made during the year 104 3,855 40 3,999 Provisions used/paid during the year (289) (1,458) — (1,747) Provisions reversed/expired during the year (2) (967) (2,292) (3,261) Effect of movements in exchange rates 4 (2) 78 80 At December 31, 2019 8 10,480 1,688 12,176 Provisions made during the year 66 3,189 40 3,295 Provisions used/paid during the year (65) (2,569) — (2,634) Provisions reversed/expired during the year — (1,486) — (1,486) Effect of movements in exchange rates 1 11 36 48 At December 31, 2020 $ 10 $ 9,625 $ 1,764 $ 11,399 At December 31, 2019 Current $ 8 $ 10,480 $ — $ 10,488 Non-current — — 1,688 1,688 $ 8 $ 10,480 $ 1,688 $ 12,176 At December 31, 2020 Current $ 10 $ 9,625 $ — $ 9,635 Non-current — — 1,764 1,764 $ 10 $ 9,625 $ 1,764 $ 11,399

Lease liability (Tables)

Lease liability (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Leases1 [Abstract]
Disclosure of lease liabilities	December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Property $ 2,613 $ 2,382 Equipment 29 24 Vehicle 49 39 Lease Liability, Current $ 2,691 $ 2,445 Property $ 15,017 $ 17,200 Equipment 98 45 Vehicle 67 61 Lease Liability, Non-current $ 15,182 $ 17,306 Lease Liability $ 17,873 $ 19,751
Disclosure of maturity analysis of finance lease payments receivable	The Corporation is committed to minimum lease payments as follows: Maturity Analysis December 31, 2020 Less than one year $ 3,825 Between one and five years 13,853 More than five years 4,113 Total undiscounted lease liabilities $ 21,791
Disclosure of initial application of standards or interpretations	IFRS 16 Leases had the following impact for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. Amounts recognized in profit or loss December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Interest on lease liabilities $ 1,244 $ 1,383 Income from sub-leasing right-of-use assets 1,557 1,556 Expenses relating to short-term leases 120 179 Amounts recognized in the statement of cash flows Interest paid $ 1,244 $ 1,383 Principal payments of lease liabilities 2,517 2,053 Expenses relating to short-term leases 120 179 Total cash outflow for leases $ 3,881 $ 3,615

Employee future benefits (Table

Employee future benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Employee Benefits [Abstract]
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset)	December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Net defined benefit pension plan liability $ 3,856 $ 4,308 Net other post-retirement benefit plan liability 85 88 Employee future benefits $ 3,941 $ 4,396 Defined benefit obligation Fair value of plan assets Net defined benefit liability Defined benefit pension plan 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 Balance at January 1 $ 18,272 $ 16,255 $ (13,964) $ (12,040) $ 4,308 $ 4,215 Included in profit or loss Current service cost 36 37 — — 36 37 Interest cost (income) 566 661 (440) (493) 126 168 Benefits payable — — — — — — 602 698 (440) (493) 162 205 Included in other comprehensive income Remeasurements loss (gain): Actuarial loss (gain) arising from: Demographic assumptions (150) (236) — — (150) (236) Financial assumptions 2,054 2,343 — — 2,054 2,343 Experience adjustment 110 (131) — — 110 (131) Return on plan assets excluding interest — — (1,733) (1,593) (1,733) (1,593) income Plan expenses (36) (35) 36 35 — — 1,978 1,941 (1,697) (1,558) 281 383 Other Contributions paid by the employer — — (895) (495) (895) (495) Benefits paid (649) (622) 649 622 — — (649) (622) (246) 127 (895) (495) Balance at December 31 $ 20,203 $ 18,272 $ (16,347) $ (13,964) $ 3,856 $ 4,308 Defined benefit obligation Fair value of plan assets Net defined benefit liability Other post-retirement benefit plan 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 Balance at January 1 $ 88 $ 84 $ — $ — $ 88 $ 84 Included in profit or loss Interest cost (income) 2 3 — — 2 3 2 3 — — 2 3 Included in other comprehensive income Remeasurements loss (gain): Actuarial loss (gain) arising from: Demographic assumptions (5) — — — (5) — Financial assumptions 6 7 — — 6 7 Experience adjustment 7 10 — — 7 10 8 17 — — 8 17 Other Contributions paid by the employer — — (13) (16) (13) (16) Benefits paid (13) (16) 13 16 — — (13) (16) — — (13) (16) Balance at December 31 $ 85 $ 88 $ — $ — $ 85 $ 88
Disclosure of comprehensive income by plan type	Included in other comprehensive income (loss) December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Defined benefit pension plan actuarial loss $ (281) $ (383) Other post-retirement benefit plan actuarial loss (8) (17) $ (289) $ (400)
Disclosure of fair value of plan assets	Pension plan assets comprise: 2020 2019 Cash and cash equivalents 3 % 2 % Equity securities 61 % 61 % Debt securities 36 % 37 % Total 100 % 100 %
Disclosure of defined benefit plans	The significant actuarial assumptions adopted in measuring the fair value of benefit obligations at December 31 were as follows: 2020 2019 Pension plan Other benefit plan Pension plan Other benefit plan Discount rate 2.40 % 1.82 % 3.16 % 2.84 % Rate of compensation increase n/a n/a n/a n/a The significant actuarial assumptions adopted in determining net expense for the years ended December 31 were as follows: 2020 2019 Pension plan Other benefit plan Pension plan Other benefit plan Discount rate 3.16 % 1.82 % 4.16 % 3.96 2.84 % Rate of compensation increase n/a n/a n/a n/a
Disclosure of sensitivity analysis for actuarial assumptions	The assumed health care cost trend rates applicable to the other post-retirement benefit plan at December 31 were as follows: 2020 2019 Initial medical/dental health care cost trend rate n/a n/a Cost trend rate declines to medical and dental n/a n/a Year that the medical rate reaches the rate it is assumed to remain at 2025 2024 Year that the dental rate reaches the rate it is assumed to remain at 2020 2019

Equity (Tables)

Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Share-Based Payment Arrangements [Abstract]
Disclosure of share-based compensation	Share-based compensation December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Option Expense $ 4,482 $ 1,839 DSU Expense 314 281 RSU Expense 1,432 1,271 Total Share-based compensation for continuing operations $ 6,228 $ 3,391 Discontinued operations 9 170 Total Share-based compensation (per statement of equity) $ 6,237 $ 3,561
Disclosure of classes of share capital	December 31, 2020 Net proceeds from ATM programs $ 308,826 Net proceeds from bought deal offering 385,782 Total net proceeds from equity offerings $ 694,608 Shares Transacted 24,648,248 Average Share Price $ 12.85 Gross ATM proceeds $ 316,673 Less: Underwriting expenses (6,337) Less: Other financing expenses (1,510) Net ATM proceeds $ 308,826 Shares Transacted 20,909,300 Average Share Price $ 19.25 Gross offering proceeds $ 402,504 Less: Underwriting expenses (16,299) Less: Other financing expenses (423) Net offering proceeds $ 385,782
Disclosure of number and weighted average exercise prices of share options	As at December 31, options outstanding from the consolidated share option plan were as follows: Balance Options for common shares Weighted average exercise price At January 1, 2019 5,133,461 $ 2.45 Options granted 1,317,521 3.19 Options exercised (2,234,997) 2.12 Options forfeited (94,336) 2.46 Options expired (5,500) 1.26 At December 31, 2019 4,116,149 2.92 Options granted 1,834,919 12.36 Options exercised (1,693,466) 2.77 Options forfeited (107,963) 6.86 Options expired — — At December 31, 2020 4,149,639 $ 7.05
Disclosure of number and weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding share options	The following table summarizes information about the Corporation’s share options outstanding as at December 31, 2020: Options outstanding Options exercisable Number Weighted average Weighted Number Weighted Range of exercise price outstanding (years) price exercisable exercise price $0.96 - $1.49 160,408 2.1 $ 1.41 160,408 $ 1.41 $2.00 - $2.36 389,917 2.4 2.18 389,917 2.18 $2.85 - $3.16 421,224 4.6 2.93 151,503 2.91 $3.20 - $4.70 1,392,171 4.9 3.46 345,237 3.56 $10.64 - $15.79 1,785,919 6.3 12.39 — — 4,149,639 5.1 $ 7.05 1,047,065 $ 2.62
Disclosure of range of exercise prices of outstanding share options	The following table summarizes information about the Corporation’s share options outstanding as at December 31, 2020: Options outstanding Options exercisable Number Weighted average Weighted Number Weighted Range of exercise price outstanding (years) price exercisable exercise price $0.96 - $1.49 160,408 2.1 $ 1.41 160,408 $ 1.41 $2.00 - $2.36 389,917 2.4 2.18 389,917 2.18 $2.85 - $3.16 421,224 4.6 2.93 151,503 2.91 $3.20 - $4.70 1,392,171 4.9 3.46 345,237 3.56 $10.64 - $15.79 1,785,919 6.3 12.39 — — 4,149,639 5.1 $ 7.05 1,047,065 $ 2.62
Disclosure of indirect measurement of fair value of goods or services received, share options granted during period	The fair values of the options granted were determined using the Black-Scholes valuation model under the following weighted average assumptions: 2020 2019 Expected life 4 years 4 years Expected dividends Nil Nil Expected volatility 61 % 57 % Risk-free interest rate 1 % 2 %
Disclosure of number and weighted average exercise prices of other equity instruments	Balance DSUs for common shares At January 1, 2019 747,213 DSUs granted 64,165 DSUs exercised — At December 31, 2019 811,378 DSUs granted 23,809 DSUs exercised (15,156) At December 31, 2020 820,031 Balance RSUs for common shares At January 1, 2019 1,778,192 RSUs granted 449,625 RSU performance factor adjustment (192,016) RSUs exercised (730,536) RSUs forfeited — At December 31, 2019 1,305,265 RSUs granted 334,758 RSU performance factor adjustment 98,867 RSUs exercised (593,025) RSUs forfeited (15,919) At December 31, 2020 1,129,946

Disaggregation of revenue (Tabl

Disaggregation of revenue (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Analysis of income and expense [abstract]
Disclosure of disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers	In the following table, revenue is disaggregated by geographical market, by market application, and by timing of revenue recognition. 22. Disaggregation of revenue (cont'd): December 31, December 31, 2020 2019 Geographical markets China $ 54,267 $ 47,132 Europe 36,484 41,856 North America 9,269 13,670 Other 3,857 3,065 $ 103,877 $ 105,723 Market application Heavy Duty Motive 47,688 35,363 Material Handling 5,310 10,758 Back Up Power 5,602 2,982 Technology Solutions 45,277 56,620 $ 103,877 $ 105,723 Timing of revenue recognition Products transferred at a point in time 56,655 47,095 Products and services transferred over time 47,222 58,628 $ 103,877 $ 105,723

Personnel expenses (Tables)

Personnel expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Analysis of income and expense [abstract]
Disclosure of detailed information on personnel expenses	December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Salaries and employee benefits $ 63,392 $ 53,432 Share-based compensation (note 20) 6,228 3,391 $ 69,620 $ 56,823

Other operating expense (Tables

Other operating expense (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Analysis of income and expense [abstract]
Disclosure of detailed information on other operating expense	December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Net impairment loss on trade receivables $ 60 $ 1,537 Impairment loss allowance 250 250 Total impairment loss on trade receivables 310 1,787 Restructuring costs 66 101 $ 376 $ 1,888

Finance income and expense (Tab

Finance income and expense (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Analysis of income and expense [abstract]
Disclosure of detailed information of finance income and expense	2020 2019 Employee future benefit plan expense (note 19) $ (164) $ (208) Pension administration expense (110) (120) Investment and other income 1,181 3,411 Foreign exchange gain (loss) 4,875 (420) Government levies (1,500) — Finance income and other $ 4,282 $ 2,663 Finance expense $ (1,303) $ (1,434)

Gain on sale of assets (Tables)

Gain on sale of assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Non-current Assets Held For Sale And Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Disclosure of detailed information on sale of assets	Total proceeds $ 1,000 Less: Disposition costs (12) Net proceeds 988 Less: Net book value of disposed assets (820) Gain on sale of UAV assets $ 168

Income taxes (Tables)

Income taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Disclosure of major components of tax expense (income)	The components of income tax benefit (expense) included in the determination of the profit (loss) from continuing operations comprise of: 2020 2019 Current tax expense Current period income tax $ 64 $ 9 Withholding tax 66 11 Total current tax expense $ 130 $ 20 Deferred tax expense Origination and reversal of temporary differences $ (24,578) $ (16,287) Adjustments for prior periods 743 2,715 Change in unrecognized deductible temporary differences 23,835 13,572 Total deferred tax expense $ — $ — Total income tax expense $ 130 $ 20
Disclosure of reconciliation of accounting profit	The Corporation’s effective income tax rate differs from the combined Canadian federal and provincial statutory income tax rate for companies. The principal factors causing the difference are as follows: 2020 2019 Net loss before income taxes $ (49,339) $ (35,271) Expected tax recovery at 27.00% (2019 – 27.00%) $ (13,322) $ (9,523) Increase (reduction) in income taxes resulting from: Non-deductible expenses (non-taxable income) (3,001) (73) Expiry of losses and ITC 194 — Investment tax credits earned (3,182) (3,126) Foreign tax rate differences 1,668 1,304 Change in unrecognized deductible temporary differences 17,707 11,427 Other 66 11 Income taxes $ 130 $ 20
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits	At December 31, 2020, the Corporation did not recognize any deferred tax assets resulting from the following deductible temporary differences for financial statement and income tax purposes. 2020 2019 Scientific research expenditures $ 110,548 $ 97,340 Accrued warranty provision 1,619 6,600 Share issuance costs 19,765 238 Losses from operations carried forward 151,620 115,977 Investment tax credits 39,052 34,341 Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 205,074 193,336 $ 527,678 $ 447,832 The Corporation has available to carry forward the following as at December 31: 2020 2019 Canadian scientific research expenditures $ 110,548 $ 97,340 Canadian losses from operations 66,306 34,847 Canadian investment tax credits 39,052 34,341 German losses from operations for corporate tax purposes 457 525 U.S. federal losses from operations 47,872 51,696 Denmark losses from operations 33,441 26,405 Hong Kong losses from operations 36 33

Related party transactions (Tab

Related party transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Related Party [Abstract]
Disclosure of transactions between related parties	For the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, related party transactions and balances with the Corporation's 49% owned equity accounted investee, Weichai Ballard JV, were as follows: Balances with related party - Weichai Ballard JV 2020 2019 Trade and other receivables $ 17,465 $ 10,057 Investments 27,561 21,642 Deferred revenue 4,712 11,857 Transactions during the year with related party - Weichai Ballard JV 2020 2019 Revenues $ 44,855 $ 37,197 For the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, related party transactions and balances with the Corporation's 10% owned equity accounted investee, Synergy Ballard JVCo, were as follows: Balances with related party - Synergy Ballard JVCo 2020 2019 Trade and other receivables $ 99 $ 65 Investments — — Deferred revenue 304 46 Transactions during the year with related party - Synergy Ballard JVCo 2020 2019 Revenues $ 8,232 $ 8,666 Key management personnel compensation is comprised of: 2020 2019 Salaries and employee benefits $ 3,021 $ 3,098 Post-employment retirement benefits 62 56 Share-based compensation (note 20) 1,530 1,651 $ 4,613 $ 4,805

Supplemental disclosure of ca_2

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Cash Flow Statement [Abstract]
Non-cash financing and investing activities	Non-cash financing and investing activities: 2020 2019 Compensatory shares $ 647 $ 548 Recognition (write-down) of constrained earn-out receivable on sale of assets (note 7) — (2,000) Recognition of right-of-use assets (note 4) — 11,434 Recognition of additional lease liabilities (note 4) — (13,988)

Operating segments (Tables)

Operating segments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Operating Segments [Abstract]
Disclosure of geographical areas	Revenues from continuing operations by geographic area, which are attributed to countries based on customer location for the years ended December 31, are as follows: Revenues 2020 2019 China $ 54,267 $ 47,132 Germany 23,032 30,604 U.S. 8,010 13,228 UK 7,876 2,794 Belgium 2,673 5,408 Japan 2,695 2,743 Canada 1,259 441 Denmark 1,171 1,701 France 1,090 287 Taiwan 1,008 216 Norway 436 478 Spain 128 20 Netherlands 38 115 Finland 36 65 Switzerland — 359 Other countries 158 132 $ 103,877 $ 105,723 Non-current assets by geographic area are as follows: December 31, December 31, Non-current assets 2020 2019 Canada $ 88,128 $ 82,665 U.S. 4,107 4,836 China 27,577 21,663 Denmark 1,472 1,629 $ 121,284 $ 110,793

Financial instruments (Tables)

Financial instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments	The following exchange rates applied during the year ended December 31, 2020: $U.S. to $1.00 CDN $CDN to $1.00 U.S. January 1, 2020 Opening rate $0.770 $1.299 December 31, 2020 Closing rate $0.785 $1.274 Fiscal 2020 Average rate $0.746 $1.341
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in loss allowance	The movement in the allowance for impairment in respect of trade receivables and contract assets during the year was as follows. Impairment loss allowance December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Beginning balance $ 250 $ — Net measurement of loss allowance 250 250 Ending balance $ 500 $ 250

Significant accounting polici_4

Significant accounting policies (Details) ¥ in Thousands, $ in Thousands

Nov. 13, 2018CNY (¥)

Nov. 13, 2018USD ($)

Jan. 10, 2017

Jan. 05, 2017

Jan. 04, 2017

Sep. 26, 2016CNY (¥)

Sep. 26, 2016USD ($)

Jul. 19, 2016

Mar. 31, 2017CNY (¥)

Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2020CNY (¥)contributionboard_seat

Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)contributionboard_seat

Dec. 31, 2019CNY (¥)contribution

Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)contribution

Dec. 31, 2018CNY (¥)

Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)

Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]

Number of capital contributions made | contribution

4

4

2

2

Property | Bottom of range

Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]

Right-of-use assets, useful lives (in years)

1 year

1 year

Property | Top of range

Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]

Right-of-use assets, useful lives (in years)

7 years

7 years

Office equipment | Bottom of range

Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]

Right-of-use assets, useful lives (in years)

4 years

4 years

Office equipment | Top of range

Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]

Right-of-use assets, useful lives (in years)

5 years

5 years

Vehicle | Bottom of range

Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]

Right-of-use assets, useful lives (in years)

1 year

1 year

Vehicle | Top of range

Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]

Right-of-use assets, useful lives (in years)

5 years

5 years

Internally generated fuel cell intangible assets | Bottom of range

Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]

Intangibles, useful life (in years)

3 years

3 years

Internally generated fuel cell intangible assets | Top of range

Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]

Intangibles, useful life (in years)

5 years

5 years

Intellectual property acquired by Ballard Power Systems Europe | Bottom of range

Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]

Intangibles, useful life (in years)

5 years

5 years

Intellectual property acquired by Ballard Power Systems Europe | Top of range

Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]

Intangibles, useful life (in years)

20 years

20 years

ERP management reporting software system | Bottom of range

Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]

Intangibles, useful life (in years)

5 years

5 years

ERP management reporting software system | Top of range

Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]

Intangibles, useful life (in years)

10 years

10 years

Trademarks and service marks

Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]

Intangibles, useful life (in years)

15 years

15 years

Domain names

Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]

Intangibles, useful life (in years)

15 years

15 years

Customer base and relationships

Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]

Intangibles, useful life (in years)

10 years

10 years

Acquired non-compete agreements

Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]

Intangibles, useful life (in years)

1 year

1 year

Computer equipment | Bottom of range

Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]

Property, plant and equipment useful lives (in years)

3 years

3 years

Computer equipment | Top of range

Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]

Property, plant and equipment useful lives (in years)

10 years

10 years

Furniture and fixtures | Bottom of range

Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]

Property, plant and equipment useful lives (in years)

5 years

5 years

Furniture and fixtures | Top of range

Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]

Property, plant and equipment useful lives (in years)

10 years

10 years

Production and test equipment | Bottom of range

Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]

Property, plant and equipment useful lives (in years)

4 years

4 years

Production and test equipment | Top of range

Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]

Property, plant and equipment useful lives (in years)

15 years

15 years

Synergy Ballard JVCo

Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]

Proportion of ownership interest in joint venture

10.00%

10.00%

10.00%

10.00%

10.00%

10.00%

Capital contributions

¥ 6,700

$ 971

Synergy Ballard JVCo | Synergy Ballard JVCo

Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]

Proportion of ownership interest in joint venture

90.00%

90.00%

Capital contributions

¥ 60,300

$ 9,000

Guangzhou Ballard Power Systems Co., Ltd.

Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]

Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

Ballard Hong Kong Ltd.

Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]

Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

Ballard Unmanned Systems (formerly named Protonex Technology Corporation) (note 7)

Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]

Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

Ballard Services Inc.

Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]

Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

Ballard Fuel Cell Systems Inc.

Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]

Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

Ballard Power Systems Europe A/S

Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]

Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

Ballard Power Systems Europe A/S | Dansk Industri Invest A/S

Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]

Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary

43.00%

Ballard Power Corporation

Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]

Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

Weichai Ballard JV

Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]

Proportion of ownership interest in joint venture

49.00%

49.00%

49.00%

49.00%

49.00%

49.00%

Expected contributions to acquire interests in joint venture

¥ 539,000

$ 79,487

Cash contribution term (years)

4 years

4 years

2 years

2 years

Capital contributions

¥ 155,575

$ 22,515

¥ 143,325

$ 20,944

¥ 98,000

$ 14,286

Number of board seats held

2

2

Number of board seats

5

5

Weichai Ballard JV | Weichai Power

Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]

Proportion of ownership interest in joint venture

51.00%

51.00%

Expected contributions to acquire interests in joint venture

¥ 561,000

$ 85,833

Number of board seats held

3

3

Discontinued operations - Narra

Discontinued operations - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	Oct. 14, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure on Sale of Assets [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on sale of assets			$ 168,000	$ (2,000,000)
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Business Assets
Disclosure on Sale of Assets [Line Items]
Total proceeds			(1,000,000)
Gain (loss) on sale of assets			168,000
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Business Assets | Discontinued operations
Disclosure on Sale of Assets [Line Items]
Total proceeds	$ 1,000,000
Cash proceeds received on sale, net	$ 988,000
Ballard Unmanned Systems Inc.
Disclosure on Sale of Assets [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on sale of assets				(2,000,000)
Estimated fair value of earn-out payments			$ 0	$ 2,000,000
Intellectual property acquired by Ballard Power Systems Europe
Disclosure on Sale of Assets [Line Items]
Proceeds from the repayment of notes receivable		$ 2,132,000

Discontinued operations - Sched

Discontinued operations - Schedule of sale of assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure on Sale of Assets [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on sale of assets	$ 168	$ (2,000)
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Business Assets
Disclosure on Sale of Assets [Line Items]
Total proceeds	1,000
Less: Disposition costs	(12)
Net proceeds	988
Less: Net book value of disposed assets	(820)
Gain (loss) on sale of assets	$ 168

Discontinued operations - Dispo

Discontinued operations - Disposed Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 14, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of analysis of single amount of discontinued operations [line items]
Property, plant and equipment		$ 49,334	$ 42,836
Intangible assets		3,764	5,687	$ 8,285
Goodwill		40,277	$ 40,287
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Business Assets
Disclosure of analysis of single amount of discontinued operations [line items]
Total proceeds		(1,000)
Discontinued operations
Disclosure of analysis of single amount of discontinued operations [line items]
Inventories		221
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		29
Property, plant and equipment		48
Intangible assets		512
Goodwill		10
Net assets		$ 820
Discontinued operations | Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Business Assets
Disclosure of analysis of single amount of discontinued operations [line items]
Total proceeds	$ 1,000
Cash proceeds received on sale, net	$ 988

Discontinued operations - Net L

Discontinued operations - Net Loss from Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Product and service revenues	$ 262	$ 604
Cost of product and service revenues	223	347
Gross margin	39	257
Total operating expenses	(2,115)	(2,204)
Finance income and other	0	188
Gain (loss) on sale of assets	168	(2,000)
Net loss from discontinued operations	$ (1,908)	$ (3,759)

Discontinued operations - Net C

Discontinued operations - Net Cash Flows from Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Cash flows from (used in) operating activities, discontinued operations	$ (1,607)	$ (1,412)
Cash flows from (used in) investing activities, discontinued operations	957	2,125
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities, discontinued operations	(20)	(6)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents, discontinued operations	$ (670)	$ 707

Trade and other receivables - T

Trade and other receivables - Trade and other receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Subclassifications of assets, liabilities and equities [abstract]
Trade accounts receivable	$ 29,252	$ 27,009
Other receivables	5,269	3,345
Contract assets	22,274	18,962
Trade and other receivables	$ 56,795	$ 49,316

Trade and other receivables - C

Trade and other receivables - Contract assets (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Subclassifications of assets, liabilities and equities [abstract]
At January 1, 2020	$ 18,962
Additions to contract assets	18,457
Invoiced during the year	(15,145)
At December 31, 2020	$ 22,274

Trade and other receivables - N

Trade and other receivables - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Subclassifications of assets, liabilities and equities [abstract]
Other receivables - CEWS	$ 2,003
Other receivables - CERS	$ 71

Inventories (Details)

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Trade and other current receivables [abstract]
Raw materials and consumables	$ 11,879	$ 12,848
Work-in-progress	8,330	9,848
Finished goods	3,746	3,222
Service inventory	4,567	4,180
Inventories	28,522	30,098
Changes in raw materials and consumables, finished goods and work-in-progress recognized as cost of product and service revenues	49,710	47,559
Inventory write-down	1,888	2,985
Reversal of inventory write-down	434	609
Inventory net write-down	1,454	2,376
Program Expense
Trade and other current receivables [abstract]
Inventory write-down	$ 0	$ 143

Property, plant and equipment -

Property, plant and equipment - Net carrying amounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Property, plant and equipment	$ 49,334	$ 42,836
Computer equipment
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Property, plant and equipment	1,846	1,427
Furniture and fixtures
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Property, plant and equipment	657	51
Leasehold improvements
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Property, plant and equipment	1,558	1,260
Production and test equipment
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Property, plant and equipment	32,499	25,008
Owned property, plant and equipment
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Property, plant and equipment	36,560	27,746
Right-of-use assets
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Property, plant and equipment	$ 12,774	$ 15,090

Property, plant and equipment_2

Property, plant and equipment - Rollforward (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment [abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, beginning balance	$ 42,836
Property, plant and equipment, ending balance	49,334	$ 42,836
Cost
Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment [abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, beginning balance	71,071	70,113
Additions	12,620	13,934
Disposals	560	779
Transfers	760	(12,180)
Reclass to Right-of-use assets	760	(12,180)
Effect of movements in exchange rates	86	(17)
Property, plant and equipment, ending balance	83,977	71,071
Accumulated depreciation
Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment [abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, beginning balance	(43,325)	(48,493)
Depreciation	3,759	2,796
Disposals	(512)	(779)
Transfers	760	(7,173)
Reclass to Right-of-use assets	760	(7,173)
Effect of movements in exchange rates	85	(12)
Property, plant and equipment, ending balance	(47,417)	(43,325)
Building under finance lease | Cost
Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment [abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, beginning balance	0	12,180
Additions		0
Disposals		0
Transfers		(12,180)
Reclass to Right-of-use assets		(12,180)
Effect of movements in exchange rates		0
Property, plant and equipment, ending balance		0
Building under finance lease | Accumulated depreciation
Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment [abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, beginning balance	0	(7,173)
Depreciation		0
Disposals		0
Transfers		(7,173)
Reclass to Right-of-use assets		(7,173)
Effect of movements in exchange rates		0
Property, plant and equipment, ending balance		0
Computer equipment
Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment [abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, beginning balance	1,427
Property, plant and equipment, ending balance	1,846	1,427
Computer equipment | Cost
Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment [abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, beginning balance	5,733	5,584
Additions	791	214
Disposals	0	63
Transfers	75	4
Reclass to Right-of-use assets	75	4
Effect of movements in exchange rates	36	(6)
Property, plant and equipment, ending balance	6,635	5,733
Computer equipment | Accumulated depreciation
Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment [abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, beginning balance	(4,306)	(3,945)
Depreciation	379	422
Disposals	0	(63)
Transfers	75	4
Reclass to Right-of-use assets	75	4
Effect of movements in exchange rates	29	(2)
Property, plant and equipment, ending balance	(4,789)	(4,306)
Furniture and fixtures
Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment [abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, beginning balance	51
Property, plant and equipment, ending balance	657	51
Furniture and fixtures | Cost
Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment [abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, beginning balance	1,098	1,103
Additions	642	1
Disposals	0	0
Transfers	15	(4)
Reclass to Right-of-use assets	15	(4)
Effect of movements in exchange rates	(1)	(2)
Property, plant and equipment, ending balance	1,754	1,098
Furniture and fixtures | Accumulated depreciation
Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment [abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, beginning balance	(1,047)	(1,036)
Depreciation	25	16
Disposals	0	0
Transfers	15	(4)
Reclass to Right-of-use assets	15	(4)
Effect of movements in exchange rates	10	(1)
Property, plant and equipment, ending balance	(1,097)	(1,047)
Leasehold improvements
Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment [abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, beginning balance	1,260
Property, plant and equipment, ending balance	1,558	1,260
Leasehold improvements | Cost
Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment [abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, beginning balance	8,559	7,936
Additions	440	630
Disposals	0	0
Transfers	170	0
Reclass to Right-of-use assets	170	0
Effect of movements in exchange rates	27	(7)
Property, plant and equipment, ending balance	9,196	8,559
Leasehold improvements | Accumulated depreciation
Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment [abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, beginning balance	(7,299)	(6,917)
Depreciation	302	389
Disposals	0	0
Transfers	0	0
Reclass to Right-of-use assets	0	0
Effect of movements in exchange rates	37	(7)
Property, plant and equipment, ending balance	(7,638)	(7,299)
Production and test equipment
Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment [abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, beginning balance	25,008
Property, plant and equipment, ending balance	32,499	25,008
Production and test equipment | Cost
Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment [abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, beginning balance	55,681	43,310
Additions	10,747	13,089
Disposals	560	716
Transfers	500	0
Reclass to Right-of-use assets	500	0
Effect of movements in exchange rates	24	(2)
Property, plant and equipment, ending balance	66,392	55,681
Production and test equipment | Accumulated depreciation
Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment [abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, beginning balance	(30,673)	(29,422)
Depreciation	3,053	1,969
Disposals	(512)	(716)
Transfers	670	0
Reclass to Right-of-use assets	670	0
Effect of movements in exchange rates	9	(2)
Property, plant and equipment, ending balance	$ (33,893)	$ (30,673)

Property, plant and equipment_3

Property, plant and equipment - Right-of-use Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Recognition of right-of-use assets (note 4)	$ 12,774	$ 15,090
Property
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Recognition of right-of-use assets (note 4)	12,537	14,921
Office equipment
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Recognition of right-of-use assets (note 4)	121	67
Vehicle
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Recognition of right-of-use assets (note 4)	$ 116	$ 102

Property, plant and equipment_4

Property, plant and equipment - Right-of-use Assets Rollforward (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Right-of-use assets	$ 15,090
Right-of-use assets	12,774	$ 15,090
Property
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Right-of-use assets	14,921
De-recognition	(46)
Right-of-use assets	12,537	14,921
Office equipment
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Right-of-use assets	67
De-recognition	(27)
Right-of-use assets	121	67
Vehicle
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Right-of-use assets	102
Right-of-use assets	116	102
Cost
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Right-of-use assets	24,794	23,614
Additions	156	1,191
De-recognition	(88)
Effect of movements in exchange rates	160	(11)
Right-of-use assets	25,022	24,794
Cost | Property
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Right-of-use assets	24,568	23,427
Additions	0	1,147
De-recognition	(46)
Effect of movements in exchange rates	143	(6)
Right-of-use assets	24,665	24,568
Cost | Office equipment
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Right-of-use assets	84	76
Additions	102	13
De-recognition	(42)
Effect of movements in exchange rates	5	(5)
Right-of-use assets	149	84
Cost | Vehicle
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Right-of-use assets	142	111
Additions	54	31
De-recognition	0
Effect of movements in exchange rates	12	0
Right-of-use assets	208	142
Accumulated depreciation
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Right-of-use assets	(9,704)	(7,173)
Depreciation	2,559	2,536
De-recognition	(61)
Effect of movements in exchange rates	46	(5)
Right-of-use assets	(12,248)	(9,704)
Accumulated depreciation | Property
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Right-of-use assets	(9,647)	(7,173)
Depreciation	2,488	2,474
De-recognition	(46)
Effect of movements in exchange rates	39	0
Right-of-use assets	(12,128)	(9,647)
Accumulated depreciation | Office equipment
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Right-of-use assets	(17)	0
Depreciation	25	22
De-recognition	(15)
Effect of movements in exchange rates	1	(5)
Right-of-use assets	(28)	(17)
Accumulated depreciation | Vehicle
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Right-of-use assets	(40)	0
Depreciation	46	40
De-recognition	0
Effect of movements in exchange rates	6	0
Right-of-use assets	$ (92)	$ (40)

Property, plant and equipment_5

Property, plant and equipment - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Cost
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Disposals	$ 560	$ 779
De-recognition of right-of-use assets	88
Property
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
De-recognition of right-of-use assets	46
Property | Cost
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
De-recognition of right-of-use assets	46
Office equipment
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
De-recognition of right-of-use assets	27
Office equipment | Cost
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
De-recognition of right-of-use assets	42
Ballard Unmanned Systems Inc. | Cost
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Disposals	$ 48

Intangible assets - Acquired (D

Intangible assets - Acquired (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Intangible assets	$ 3,764	$ 5,687	$ 8,285
Internally generated fuel cell intangible assets | Internally generated
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Intangible assets	0	168
ERP management reporting software system | Internally generated
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Intangible assets	3,242	3,912
Intellectual property acquired from UTC
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Intangible assets	522	970
Intellectual property acquired from Ballard Unmanned Systems (formerly Protonex)
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Intangible assets	0	630
Intellectual property acquired by Ballard Power Systems Europe | Intellectual property acquired by Ballard Power Systems Europe
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Intangible assets	$ 0	$ 7

Intangible assets - Rollforward

Intangible assets - Rollforward (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Reconciliation of changes in intangible assets other than goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets other than goodwill	$ 5,687,000	$ 8,285,000
Additions to intangible assets	246,000
Amortization expense	(1,657,000)	(2,598,000)
Disposals	(512,000)	0
Intangible assets other than goodwill	3,764,000	5,687,000
Cost
Reconciliation of changes in intangible assets other than goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets other than goodwill	60,409,000	60,409,000
Additions to intangible assets	246,000
Amortization expense	0	0
Disposals	(800,000)
Intangible assets other than goodwill	59,855,000	60,409,000
Accumulated depreciation
Reconciliation of changes in intangible assets other than goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets other than goodwill	(54,722,000)	(52,124,000)
Additions to intangible assets	0
Amortization expense	(1,657,000)	(2,598,000)
Disposals	288,000
Intangible assets other than goodwill	$ (56,091,000)	$ (54,722,000)

Intangible assets - Narrative (

Intangible assets - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Amortization expense	$ 1,657,000	$ 2,598,000
Disposals	512,000	0
Cost
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Amortization expense	0	$ 0
Disposals	$ 800,000

Goodwill (Details)

Goodwill (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill	$ 40,277,000	$ 40,287,000
Disposal of goodwill	10,000	0
Impairment loss recognised in profit or loss, goodwill	$ 0	$ 0

Investments - Schedule of inves

Investments - Schedule of investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 13, 2018	Sep. 26, 2016	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]
Investments, beginning balance			$ 21,647
Deferral of 49% profit on inventory not yet sold to third party, net			(5,759)	$ (2,715)
Equity in loss of investment in joint venture and associates			(12,557)	(11,059)
Cumulative translation adjustment due to foreign exchange			4,875	(420)
Investments, ending balance			27,566	21,647
Weichai Ballard JV
Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]
Investments, beginning balance			21,642	13,989
Capital contribution to JV			22,515	20,944
Incorporation costs			0	4
Equity in loss of investment in joint venture and associates			(12,495)	(10,580)
Cumulative translation adjustment due to foreign exchange			1,658	0
Investments, ending balance			$ 27,561	$ 21,642
Proportion of ownership interest in joint venture	49.00%		49.00%	49.00%
Synergy Ballard JVCo
Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]
Investments, beginning balance			$ 0	$ 0
Deferral of 49% profit on inventory not yet sold to third party, net			62	479
Equity in loss of investment in joint venture and associates			(62)	(479)
Investments, ending balance			$ 0	$ 0
Proportion of ownership interest in joint venture		10.00%	10.00%	10.00%
Other
Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]
Investments, beginning balance			$ 5
Investments, ending balance			$ 5	$ 5

Investments - Narrative (Detail

Investments - Narrative (Details) ¥ in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Nov. 13, 2018	Sep. 26, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017CNY (¥)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020CNY (¥)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019CNY (¥)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018CNY (¥)
Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]
Equity in loss of investment in joint venture and associates					$ 12,557		$ 11,059
Synergy Ballard JVCo
Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]
Equity in loss of investment in joint venture and associates					$ 62		$ 479
Proportion of ownership interest in joint venture		10.00%			10.00%	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%
Capital contributions			$ 971	¥ 6,700
Weichai Ballard JV
Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]
Equity in loss of investment in joint venture and associates					$ 12,495		$ 10,580
Proportion of ownership interest in joint venture	49.00%				49.00%	49.00%	49.00%	49.00%
Capital contributions					$ 22,515	¥ 155,575	$ 20,944	¥ 143,325	$ 14,286	¥ 98,000
Synergy Ballard JVCo
Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in joint venture					10.00%	10.00%
Capital contributions					$ 0		$ 0

Investments - Financial Informa

Investments - Financial Information of Weichai Ballard (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 13, 2018	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]
Current assets		$ 854,315	$ 229,526
Current liabilities		(52,091)	(64,516)
Foreign exchange gain (loss)		4,875	(420)
Carrying amount of investment		27,566	21,647
Net loss		(51,377)	(39,050)
Corporate share of net loss		$ 12,557	$ 11,059
Weichai Ballard JV
Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in joint venture	49.00%	49.00%	49.00%
Net assets		$ 35,746	$ 23,404
Incorporation costs		0	4
Foreign exchange gain (loss)		1,658	0
Carrying amount of investment		27,561	21,642	$ 13,989
Corporate share of net loss		12,495	10,580
Weichai Ballard JV | Weichai Ballard JV
Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]
Current assets		102,083	48,836
Non-current assets		178	15
Current liabilities		(26,701)	(553)
Non-current liabilities		(2,610)	(534)
Net assets		72,950	47,764
Incorporation costs		324	324
Elimination of unrealized profit on downstream sales, net of sale to third party		(8,509)	(2,716)
Foreign exchange gain (loss)		0	630
Carrying amount of investment		27,561	21,642
Revenue		15,765	6,950
Net loss		25,499	21,591
Corporate share of net loss		$ (12,495)	$ (10,580)

Investments - Capital contribut

Investments - Capital contribution commitments (Details) - Dec. 31, 2020 - Weichai Ballard JV ¥ in Thousands, $ in Thousands	CNY (¥)	USD ($)
Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]
Total capital contributions		$ 21,742
Less than one year (RMB 79,625,000)
Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]
Total capital contributions	¥ 79,625	12,183
One to three years (RMB 62,475,000)
Disclosure of joint ventures [line items]
Total capital contributions	¥ 62,475	$ 9,559

Bank facilities (Details)

Bank facilities (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020CAD ($)$ / $	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)$ / $	Dec. 31, 2019CAD ($)
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Borrowings outstanding	$ 0
Unrealized gain (loss) on forward foreign exchange contracts	632,000		$ 306,000
Currency risk
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Foreign exchange contracts	$ 16,750,000		16,800,000
Average price of hedging instrument (CDN per USD)	1.32	1.32
Operating Facility
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 2,000,000
Borrowings outstanding			$ 0
EncoreFX Facility
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Facility, maximum borrowing capacity		$ 23,684

Trade and other payables (Detai

Trade and other payables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Subclassifications of assets, liabilities and equities [abstract]
Trade accounts payable	$ 9,070	$ 14,884
Compensation payable	14,417	12,596
Other liabilities	5,306	3,559
Taxes payable	1,084	388
Trade and other payables	$ 29,877	$ 31,427

Deferred revenue (Details)

Deferred revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Deferred Revenue [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 20,156	$ 16,681
Additions to deferred revenue	43,166	41,197
Revenue recognized during the year	(53,434)	(37,722)
Ending Balance	$ 9,888	$ 20,156

Provisions and other liabilit_3

Provisions and other liabilities - Rollforward (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Reconciliation of changes in other provisions [abstract]
Provisions and other current liabilities, beginning balance	$ 12,176	$ 13,105
Provisions made during the year	3,295	3,999
Provisions used/paid during the year	(2,634)	(1,747)
Provisions reversed/expired during the year	(1,486)	(3,261)
Effect of movements in exchange rates	48	80
Provisions and other current liabilities, ending balance	11,399	12,176
Current provisions			$ 9,635	$ 10,488
Non-current provisions			1,764	1,688
Provisions and other current liabilities	11,399	12,176	11,399	12,176
Restructuring provision
Reconciliation of changes in other provisions [abstract]
Provisions and other current liabilities, beginning balance	8	191
Provisions made during the year	66	104
Provisions used/paid during the year	(65)	(289)
Provisions reversed/expired during the year	0	(2)
Effect of movements in exchange rates	1	4
Provisions and other current liabilities, ending balance	10	8
Current provisions			10	8
Non-current provisions			0	0
Provisions and other current liabilities	8	8	10	8
Warranty provision
Reconciliation of changes in other provisions [abstract]
Provisions and other current liabilities, beginning balance	10,480	9,052
Provisions made during the year	3,189	3,855
Provisions used/paid during the year	(2,569)	(1,458)
Provisions reversed/expired during the year	(1,486)	(967)
Effect of movements in exchange rates	11	(2)
Provisions and other current liabilities, ending balance	9,625	10,480
Current provisions			9,625	10,480
Non-current provisions			0	0
Provisions and other current liabilities	10,480	10,480	9,625	10,480
Other current liabilities
Reconciliation of changes in other provisions [abstract]
Provisions and other current liabilities, beginning balance	1,688	3,862
Provisions made during the year	40	40
Provisions used/paid during the year	0	0
Provisions reversed/expired during the year	0	(2,292)
Effect of movements in exchange rates	36	78
Provisions and other current liabilities, ending balance	1,764	1,688
Current provisions			0	0
Non-current provisions			1,764	1,688
Provisions and other current liabilities	$ 1,764	$ 1,688	$ 1,764	$ 1,688

Provisions and other liabilit_4

Provisions and other liabilities - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of other provisions [line items]
Provisions made during the year	$ 3,295	$ 3,999
Upward adjustments / increase in provision		0
Expenditures	2,634	1,747
Downward adjustments / provision eliminated	1,486	3,261
Effect of movements in exchange rates	(48)	(80)
Warranty provision
Disclosure of other provisions [line items]
Provisions made during the year	3,189	3,855
New additions to provision	3,098	3,855
Upward adjustments / increase in provision	91	0
Expenditures	2,569	1,458
Downward adjustments / provision eliminated	1,486	967
Effect of movements in exchange rates	(11)	2
Decommissioning liabilities
Disclosure of other provisions [line items]
Provisions made during the year	40	40
New additions to provision	40	40
Expenditures	0	0
Downward adjustments / provision eliminated	0	2,292
Effect of movements in exchange rates	$ (36)	$ (78)
Estimated future cash flows discounted percentage	0.39%	1.68%
Undiscounted amount of the estimated cash flows	$ 1,952	$ 1,914

Lease liability - Summary of Le

Lease liability - Summary of Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Current lease liabilities	$ 2,691	$ 2,445
Non-current lease liability	15,182	17,306
Total lease liabilities	17,873	19,751
Property
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Current lease liabilities	2,613	2,382
Non-current lease liability	15,017	17,200
Office equipment
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Current lease liabilities	29	24
Non-current lease liability	98	45
Vehicle
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Current lease liabilities	49	39
Non-current lease liability	$ 67	$ 61

Lease liability - Maturity Anal

Lease liability - Maturity Analysis (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Disclosure of maturity analysis of finance lease payments receivable [line items]
Gross lease liabilities	$ 21,791
Less than one year
Disclosure of maturity analysis of finance lease payments receivable [line items]
Gross lease liabilities	3,825
Between one and five years
Disclosure of maturity analysis of finance lease payments receivable [line items]
Gross lease liabilities	13,853
More than five years
Disclosure of maturity analysis of finance lease payments receivable [line items]
Gross lease liabilities	$ 4,113

Lease liability - IFRS 16 Impac

Lease liability - IFRS 16 Impact (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of expected impact of initial application of new standards or interpretations [line items]
Principal payments of lease liabilities	$ 2,517	$ 2,053
IFRS 16
Disclosure of expected impact of initial application of new standards or interpretations [line items]
Interest on lease liabilities	1,244	1,383
Income from sub-leasing right-of-use assets	1,557	1,556
Expenses relating to short-term leases	120	179
Interest paid	1,244	1,383
Principal payments of lease liabilities	2,517	2,053
Cash outflow for leases	$ 3,881	$ 3,615

Lease liability - Narrative (De

Lease liability - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Deferred gain on finance lease liability	$ 1,734	$ 2,150
Bottom of range
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Interest rate	2.95%
Top of range
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Interest rate	9.45%

Employee future benefits - Net

Employee future benefits - Net defined benefit liability (asset) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Net defined benefit liability (asset)	$ 3,941	$ 4,396
Pension Plan
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Net defined benefit liability (asset)	3,856	4,308	$ 4,215
Other post-retirement benefit plan
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Net defined benefit liability (asset)	$ 85	$ 88	$ 84

Employee future benefits - Addi

Employee future benefits - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)plan
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Estimate of contributions expected to be paid to plan for next annual reporting period | $	$ 0
Number of plans | plan	2
Actuarial assumption of medical cost trend rates
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Percentage of reasonably possible decrease in actuarial assumption	1.00%
Percentage of reasonably possible increase in actuarial assumption	1.00%

Employee future benefits - Futu

Employee future benefits - Future Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Net defined benefit liability (asset), beginning balance	$ 4,396
Included in profit or loss
Future plan expense	164	$ 208
Other
Net defined benefit liability (asset), ending balance	3,941	4,396
Defined benefit pension plan
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Net defined benefit liability (asset), beginning balance	4,308	4,215
Included in profit or loss
Current service cost	36	37
Interest cost (income)	126	168
Benefits payable	0	0
Future plan expense	162	205
Actuarial loss (gain) arising from:
Demographic assumptions	(150)	(236)
Financial assumptions	2,054	2,343
Experience adjustment	110	(131)
Return on plan assets excluding interest income	(1,733)	(1,593)
Plan expenses	0	0
Remeasurement (gains) losses	281	383
Other
Contributions paid by the employer	(895)	(495)
Payments in respect of settlements, net defined benefit liability (asset)	0	0
Other total	(895)	(495)
Net defined benefit liability (asset), ending balance	3,856	4,308
Defined benefit pension plan | Defined benefit obligation
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Net defined benefit liability (asset), beginning balance	18,272	16,255
Included in profit or loss
Current service cost	36	37
Interest cost (income)	566	661
Benefits payable	0	0
Future plan expense	602	698
Actuarial loss (gain) arising from:
Demographic assumptions	(150)	(236)
Financial assumptions	2,054	2,343
Experience adjustment	110	(131)
Return on plan assets excluding interest income	0	0
Plan expenses	(36)	(35)
Remeasurement (gains) losses	1,978	1,941
Other
Contributions paid by the employer	0	0
Payments in respect of settlements, net defined benefit liability (asset)	(649)	(622)
Other total	(649)	(622)
Net defined benefit liability (asset), ending balance	20,203	18,272
Defined benefit pension plan | Fair value of plan assets
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Net defined benefit liability (asset), beginning balance	(13,964)	(12,040)
Included in profit or loss
Current service cost	0	0
Interest cost (income)	(440)	(493)
Benefits payable	0	0
Future plan expense	(440)	(493)
Actuarial loss (gain) arising from:
Demographic assumptions	0	0
Financial assumptions	0	0
Experience adjustment	0	0
Return on plan assets excluding interest income	(1,733)	(1,593)
Plan expenses	36	35
Remeasurement (gains) losses	(1,697)	(1,558)
Other
Contributions paid by the employer	(895)	(495)
Payments in respect of settlements, net defined benefit liability (asset)	649	622
Other total	(246)	127
Net defined benefit liability (asset), ending balance	(16,347)	(13,964)
Other post-retirement benefit plan
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Net defined benefit liability (asset), beginning balance	88	84
Included in profit or loss
Interest cost (income)	2	3
Future plan expense	2	3
Actuarial loss (gain) arising from:
Demographic assumptions	(5)	0
Financial assumptions	6	7
Experience adjustment	7	10
Remeasurement (gains) losses	8	17
Other
Contributions paid by the employer	(13)	(16)
Payments in respect of settlements, net defined benefit liability (asset)	0	0
Other total	(13)	(16)
Net defined benefit liability (asset), ending balance	85	88
Other post-retirement benefit plan | Defined benefit obligation
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Net defined benefit liability (asset), beginning balance	88	84
Included in profit or loss
Interest cost (income)	2	3
Future plan expense	2	3
Actuarial loss (gain) arising from:
Demographic assumptions	(5)	0
Financial assumptions	6	7
Experience adjustment	7	10
Remeasurement (gains) losses	8	17
Other
Contributions paid by the employer	0	0
Payments in respect of settlements, net defined benefit liability (asset)	(13)	(16)
Other total	(13)	(16)
Net defined benefit liability (asset), ending balance	85	88
Other post-retirement benefit plan | Fair value of plan assets
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Net defined benefit liability (asset), beginning balance	0	0
Included in profit or loss
Interest cost (income)	0	0
Future plan expense	0	0
Actuarial loss (gain) arising from:
Demographic assumptions	0	0
Financial assumptions	0	0
Experience adjustment	0	0
Remeasurement (gains) losses	0	0
Other
Contributions paid by the employer	(13)	(16)
Payments in respect of settlements, net defined benefit liability (asset)	13	16
Other total	0	0
Net defined benefit liability (asset), ending balance	$ 0	$ 0

Employee future benefits - Incl

Employee future benefits - Included in comprehensive income (loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Actuarial loss on defined benefit plans	$ (289)	$ (400)
Pension Plan
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Actuarial loss on defined benefit plans	(281)	(383)
Other post-retirement benefit plan
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Actuarial loss on defined benefit plans	$ (8)	$ (17)

Employee future benefits - Comp

Employee future benefits - Composition of Plan Assets (Details)	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Employee Benefits [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	3.00%	2.00%
Equity securities	61.00%	61.00%
Debt securities	36.00%	37.00%
Total	100.00%	100.00%

Employee future benefits - Actu

Employee future benefits - Actuarial Assumptions (Details)	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Pension Plan
Disclosure of sensitivity analysis for actuarial assumptions [line items]
Discount rate, fair value benefit obligation	2.40%	3.16%
Discount rate, net expense	3.16%	4.16%
Other post-retirement benefit plan
Disclosure of sensitivity analysis for actuarial assumptions [line items]
Discount rate, fair value benefit obligation	1.82%	2.84%
Discount rate, net expense	1.82%	2.84%

Equity - Share-based compensati

Equity - Share-based compensation (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Total Share-based compensation for continuing operations (per statement of loss)	$ 6,228,000	$ 3,391,000
Discontinued operations	9,000	170,000
Total Share-based compensation (per statement of equity)	6,237,000	3,561,000
Option Expense
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Total Share-based compensation for continuing operations (per statement of loss)	4,482,000	1,839,000
DSU Expense
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Total Share-based compensation for continuing operations (per statement of loss)	314,000	281,000
Total Share-based compensation (per statement of equity)	64,000	0
RSU Expense
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Total Share-based compensation for continuing operations (per statement of loss)	1,432,000	1,271,000
Total Share-based compensation (per statement of equity)	$ 3,023,000	$ 1,034,000

Equity - Share capital (Details

Equity - Share capital (Details) - USD ($)	Nov. 27, 2020	Nov. 13, 2018	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Gross proceeds			$ 694,608,000
Proceeds from issuing shares			$ 694,608,000
Both ATM Programs
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Shares Transacted (in shares)			24,648,248
Price per share (usd per share)			$ 12.85
Gross proceeds		$ 316,673,000	$ 316,673,000,000
Less: Underwriting expenses		(6,337,000)
Less: Other financing expenses		(1,510,000)
Proceeds from issuing shares		308,826,000	$ 308,826,000
Bought Deal Offering
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Shares Transacted (in shares)	20,909,300		20,909,300
Price per share (usd per share)	$ 19.25		$ 19.25
Gross proceeds	$ 402,504,000	402,504,000
Less: Underwriting expenses		(16,299,000)
Less: Other financing expenses		(423,000)
Proceeds from issuing shares		$ 385,782,000	$ 385,782,000

Equity - Narrative (Details)

Equity - Narrative (Details)	Feb. 23, 2021USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Nov. 27, 2020USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Nov. 13, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)sharesplan$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)shares	Sep. 29, 2020shares	Mar. 31, 2020shares	Dec. 31, 2018shares
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Gross proceeds from offering				$ 694,608,000
Net proceeds				$ 694,608,000
Options exercised (in shares) | shares				1,693,466	2,234,997
Proceeds from exercise of options				$ 4,438,000	$ 4,624,000
Options granted (in shares) | shares				1,834,919	1,317,521
Weighted average fair value, share options granted (usd per share)				$ 5.49	$ 1.40
Options outstanding (in shares) | shares				4,149,639	4,116,149			5,133,461
Shares to be issued (in shares) | shares				17,877,028	13,700,924
Compensation expense				$ 6,228,000	$ 3,391,000
Share-based compensation (note 20)				6,237,000	3,561,000
Purchase of treasury shares					$ 0
Gross proceeds				$ 694,608,000
First ATM Program
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Sale of stock authorized amount (in shares) | shares							75,000,000
Number of shares issued (in shares) | shares				8,197,625
Price per share (usd per share) | $ / shares				$ 8.13
Gross proceeds from offering				$ 66,673,000
Gross proceeds				$ 66,673,000
Second ATM Program
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Sale of stock authorized amount (in shares) | shares						250,000,000
Number of shares issued (in shares) | shares				16,450,623
Price per share (usd per share) | $ / shares				$ 15.20
Gross proceeds from offering				$ 250,000,000
Gross proceeds				$ 250,000,000
Both ATM Programs
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Number of shares issued (in shares) | shares				24,648,248
Price per share (usd per share) | $ / shares				$ 12.85
Gross proceeds from offering			$ 316,673,000	$ 316,673,000,000
Net proceeds			308,826,000	308,826,000
Gross proceeds			316,673,000	$ 316,673,000,000
Bought Deal Offering
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Number of shares issued (in shares) | shares		20,909,300		20,909,300
Price per share (usd per share) | $ / shares		$ 19.25		$ 19.25
Gross proceeds from offering		$ 402,504,000	402,504,000
Net proceeds			385,782,000	$ 385,782,000
Gross proceeds		$ 402,504,000	$ 402,504,000
Bought Deal Offering | Major ordinary share transactions
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Number of shares issued (in shares) | shares	14,870,000
Price per share (usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 37
Gross proceeds from offering	$ 550,190,000
Gross proceeds	$ 550,190,000
Common shares
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Options exercised (in shares) | shares				1,693,466	2,234,997
Proceeds from exercise of options				$ 4,438,000	$ 4,624,000
Stock Option
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Award term (years)				7 years
Award vesting percentage				33.33333%
Award vesting period (years)				3 years
Compensation expense				$ 4,482,000	1,839,000
DSUs
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Number of common shares each unit is redeemable for (in shares) | shares				1
Compensation expense				$ 314,000	$ 281,000
Number of shares granted (in shares) | shares				23,809	64,165
Exercised (in shares) | shares				15,156	0
Share-based compensation (note 20)				$ 64,000	$ 0
Common shares issued (in shares) | shares				7,608	0
Outstanding (in shares) | shares				820,031	811,378			747,213
Granted (in shares) | shares				23,809	64,165
RSUs
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Options exercised (in shares) | shares				305,229	387,686
Number of common shares each unit is redeemable for (in shares) | shares				1
Compensation expense				$ 1,432,000	$ 1,271,000
Exercised (in shares) | shares				593,025	730,536
Share-based compensation (note 20)				$ 3,023,000	$ 1,034,000
Outstanding (in shares) | shares				1,129,946	1,305,265			1,778,192
Number of plans | plan				2
Purchase of treasury shares				$ 0
Granted (in shares) | shares				334,758	449,625

Equity - Share options, rollfor

Equity - Share options, rollforward (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020shares$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2019shares$ / shares
Share-Based Payment Arrangements [Abstract]
Options Outstanding (in shares) | shares	4,116,149	5,133,461
Options granted (in shares) | shares	1,834,919	1,317,521
Options exercised (in shares) | shares	(1,693,466)	(2,234,997)
Options forfeited (in shares) | shares	(107,963)	(94,336)
Options expired (in shares) | shares	0	(5,500)
Options Outstanding (in shares) | shares	4,149,639	4,116,149
Weighted average exercise price of options outstanding (in usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 2.92	$ 2.45
Weighted average exercise price of options granted (in usd per share) | $ / shares	12.36	3.19
Weighted average exercise price of options exercise (in usd per share) | $ / shares	2.77	2.12
Weighted average exercise price of options forfeited (in usd per share) | $ / shares	6.86	2.46
Weighted average exercise price of options expired (in usd per share) | $ / shares	0	1.26
Weighted average exercise price of options outstanding (in usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 7.05	$ 2.92

Equity - Share options, range o

Equity - Share options, range of exercise prices (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020shares$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2019shares$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2018shares$ / shares
Disclosure of range of exercise prices of outstanding share options [line items]
Options outstanding (in shares) | shares	4,149,639	4,116,149	5,133,461
Weighted average remaining contractual life	5 years 1 month 6 days
Weighted average exercise price of options outstanding (in usd per share)	$ 7.05	$ 2.92	$ 2.45
Number options exercisable (in shares) | shares	1,047,065
Weighted average exercise price of options exercisable (in usd per share)	$ 2.62
Bottom of range | Property
Disclosure of range of exercise prices of outstanding share options [line items]
Right-of-use assets, useful lives (in years)	1 year
Top of range | Property
Disclosure of range of exercise prices of outstanding share options [line items]
Right-of-use assets, useful lives (in years)	7 years
$0.96 - $1.49
Disclosure of range of exercise prices of outstanding share options [line items]
Options outstanding (in shares) | shares	160,408
Weighted average remaining contractual life	2 years 1 month 6 days
Weighted average exercise price of options outstanding (in usd per share)	$ 1.41
Number options exercisable (in shares) | shares	160,408
Weighted average exercise price of options exercisable (in usd per share)	$ 1.41
$0.96 - $1.49 | Bottom of range
Disclosure of range of exercise prices of outstanding share options [line items]
Exercise price (in usd per share)	0.96
$0.96 - $1.49 | Top of range
Disclosure of range of exercise prices of outstanding share options [line items]
Exercise price (in usd per share)	$ 1.49
$2.00 - $2.36
Disclosure of range of exercise prices of outstanding share options [line items]
Options outstanding (in shares) | shares	389,917
Weighted average remaining contractual life	2 years 4 months 24 days
Weighted average exercise price of options outstanding (in usd per share)	$ 2.18
Number options exercisable (in shares) | shares	389,917
Weighted average exercise price of options exercisable (in usd per share)	$ 2.18
$2.00 - $2.36 | Bottom of range
Disclosure of range of exercise prices of outstanding share options [line items]
Exercise price (in usd per share)	2
$2.00 - $2.36 | Top of range
Disclosure of range of exercise prices of outstanding share options [line items]
Exercise price (in usd per share)	$ 2.36
$2.85 - $3.16
Disclosure of range of exercise prices of outstanding share options [line items]
Options outstanding (in shares) | shares	421,224
Weighted average remaining contractual life	4 years 7 months 6 days
Weighted average exercise price of options outstanding (in usd per share)	$ 2.93
Number options exercisable (in shares) | shares	151,503
Weighted average exercise price of options exercisable (in usd per share)	$ 2.91
$2.85 - $3.16 | Bottom of range
Disclosure of range of exercise prices of outstanding share options [line items]
Exercise price (in usd per share)	2.85
$2.85 - $3.16 | Top of range
Disclosure of range of exercise prices of outstanding share options [line items]
Exercise price (in usd per share)	$ 3.16
$3.20 - $4.70
Disclosure of range of exercise prices of outstanding share options [line items]
Options outstanding (in shares) | shares	1,392,171
Weighted average remaining contractual life	4 years 10 months 24 days
Weighted average exercise price of options outstanding (in usd per share)	$ 3.46
Number options exercisable (in shares) | shares	345,237
Weighted average exercise price of options exercisable (in usd per share)	$ 3.56
$3.20 - $4.70 | Bottom of range
Disclosure of range of exercise prices of outstanding share options [line items]
Exercise price (in usd per share)	3.20
$3.20 - $4.70 | Top of range
Disclosure of range of exercise prices of outstanding share options [line items]
Exercise price (in usd per share)	$ 4.70
$10.64 - $15.79
Disclosure of range of exercise prices of outstanding share options [line items]
Options outstanding (in shares) | shares	1,785,919
Weighted average remaining contractual life	6 years 3 months 18 days
Weighted average exercise price of options outstanding (in usd per share)	$ 12.39
Number options exercisable (in shares) | shares	0
Weighted average exercise price of options exercisable (in usd per share)	$ 0
$10.64 - $15.79 | Bottom of range
Disclosure of range of exercise prices of outstanding share options [line items]
Exercise price (in usd per share)	10.64
$10.64 - $15.79 | Top of range
Disclosure of range of exercise prices of outstanding share options [line items]
Exercise price (in usd per share)	$ 15.79

Equity - Share options, fair va

Equity - Share options, fair value assumptions (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-Based Payment Arrangements [Abstract]
Expected life (years)	4 years	4 years
Expected volatility	61.00%	57.00%
Risk-free interest rate	1.00%	2.00%

Equity - Deferred share units (

Equity - Deferred share units (Details) - DSUs - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Balance at (in shares)	811,378	747,213
Granted (in shares)	23,809	64,165
Exercised (in shares)	(15,156)	0
Balance at (in shares)	820,031	811,378

Equity - Restricted share units

Equity - Restricted share units (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
RSU performance factor adjustment (in shares)	98,867	(192,016)
RSUs
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Balance at (in shares)	1,305,265	1,778,192
Granted (in shares)	334,758	449,625
Exercised (in shares)	(593,025)	(730,536)
Forfeited (in shares)	(15,919)	0
Balance at (in shares)	1,129,946	1,305,265

Commitments and contingencies (

Commitments and contingencies (Details) $ in Thousands	Nov. 13, 2018	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020CAD ($)
Disclosure of other provisions [line items]
Capital commitments		$ 7,487,000
Royalty related to UTC, revenue obligations
Disclosure of other provisions [line items]
Expiration period (years)		15 years
Royalty payments		$ 0	$ 0
Royalty obligation, percentage		2.00%
Maximum royalty expense		$ 4,613,000		$ 5,351
Royalty expense		0
Royalty payments		$ 0	$ 0
Royalty of other revenue obligations
Disclosure of other provisions [line items]
Royalty obligation, percentage		2.00%
Maximum royalty expense		$ 1,896,000		$ 2,200
Royalty expense		$ 0
Weichai Ballard JV
Disclosure of other provisions [line items]
Cash contribution term (years)	4 years	2 years

Disaggregation of revenue (Deta

Disaggregation of revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers [line items]
Revenue	$ 103,877	$ 105,723
Products transferred at a point in time
Disclosure of disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers [line items]
Revenue	56,655	47,095
Products and services transferred over time
Disclosure of disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers [line items]
Revenue	47,222	58,628
Heavy Duty Motive
Disclosure of disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers [line items]
Revenue	47,688	35,363
Material Handling
Disclosure of disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers [line items]
Revenue	5,310	10,758
Back Up Power
Disclosure of disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers [line items]
Revenue	5,602	2,982
Technology Solutions
Disclosure of disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers [line items]
Revenue	45,277	56,620
China
Disclosure of disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers [line items]
Revenue	54,267	47,132
Europe
Disclosure of disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers [line items]
Revenue	36,484	41,856
North America
Disclosure of disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers [line items]
Revenue	9,269	13,670
Other
Disclosure of disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers [line items]
Revenue	$ 3,857	$ 3,065

Personnel expenses (Details)

Personnel expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Analysis of income and expense [abstract]
Salaries and employee benefits	$ 63,392	$ 53,432
Total Share-based compensation for continuing operations (per statement of loss)	6,228	3,391
Personnel expenses	$ 69,620	$ 56,823

Other operating expense (Detail

Other operating expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Analysis of income and expense [abstract]
Net impairment loss on trade receivables	$ 60	$ 1,537
Impairment loss allowance	250	250
Impairment loss on trade receivables	310	1,787
Restructuring costs	66	101
Other operating expense	$ 376	$ 1,888

Finance income and expense (Det

Finance income and expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Analysis of income and expense [abstract]
Employee future benefit plan expense (note 19)	$ (164)	$ (208)
Pension administration expense	(110)	(120)
Investment and other income	1,181	3,411
Foreign exchange gain (loss)	4,875	(420)
Government levies	(1,500)	0
Finance income and other	4,282	2,663
Finance expense	$ (1,303)	$ (1,434)

Gain on sale of assets - Narrat

Gain on sale of assets - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure on Sale of Assets [Line Items]
Net gain on sale of property, plant and equipment		$ 5
Proceeds on the disposal of miscellaneous items		5
Proceeds on sale of assets	$ 988	2,137
Power Manager assets
Disclosure on Sale of Assets [Line Items]
Proceeds from the repayment of notes receivable		$ 2,132

Income taxes - Current Tax Expe

Income taxes - Current Tax Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Current period income tax	$ 64	$ 9
Withholding tax	66	11
Total current tax expense	130	20
Origination and reversal of temporary differences	(24,578)	(16,287)
Adjustments for prior periods	743	2,715
Change in unrecognized deductible temporary differences	23,835	13,572
Total deferred tax expense	0	0
Total income tax expense	$ 130	$ 20

Income taxes - Tax Rate Reconci

Income taxes - Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Applicable tax rate	27.00%	27.00%
Net loss before income taxes	$ (49,339)	$ (35,271)
Investment tax credits earned	(3,182)	(3,126)
Expected tax recovery at 27.00% (2019 – 27.00%)	(13,322)	(9,523)
Non-deductible expenses (non-taxable income)	(3,001)	(73)
Expiry of losses and ITC	194	0
Foreign tax rate differences	1,668	1,304
Change in unrecognized deductible temporary differences	17,707	11,427
Other	66	11
Total income tax expense	$ 130	$ 20

Income taxes - Unrecognized Def

Income taxes - Unrecognized Deferred Tax Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset is recognised	$ 527,678	$ 447,832
Scientific research expenditures
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset is recognised	110,548	97,340
Scientific research expenditures | Canada
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deferred tax assets	110,548	97,340
Accrued warranty provision
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset is recognised	1,619	6,600
Share issuance costs
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset is recognised	19,765	238
Losses from operations carried forward
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset is recognised	151,620	115,977
Losses from operations carried forward | Canada
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deferred tax assets	66,306	34,847
Losses from operations carried forward | Germany
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deferred tax assets	457	525
Losses from operations carried forward | U.S.
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deferred tax assets	47,872	51,696
Losses from operations carried forward | Denmark
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deferred tax assets	33,441	26,405
Losses from operations carried forward | Hong Kong
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deferred tax assets	36	33
Investment tax credits
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset is recognised	39,052	34,341
Investment tax credits | Canada
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deferred tax assets	39,052	34,341
Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset is recognised	$ 205,074	$ 193,336

Related party transactions - Tr

Related party transactions - Transactions with Related Parties (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 13, 2018	Sep. 26, 2016	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Synergy Ballard JVCo
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in joint venture		10.00%	10.00%	10.00%
Synergy Ballard JVCo | Joint venture
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]
Trade and other receivables			$ 99	$ 65
Investments			0	0
Deferred revenue			304	46
Revenues			$ 8,232	$ 8,666
Weichai Ballard JV
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in joint venture	49.00%		49.00%	49.00%
Weichai Ballard JV | Associates
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]
Trade and other receivables			$ 17,465	$ 10,057
Investments			27,561	21,642
Deferred revenue			4,712	11,857
Revenues			$ 44,855	$ 37,197

Related party transactions - Ke

Related party transactions - Key Management Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]
Maximum obligation, notice period (months)	12 months
Maximum obligation, notice period per each year (months)	1 month
Number of years due to change in control	2 years
Payment equivalent period (months)	24 months
Salaries and employee benefits	$ 3,021	$ 3,098
Post-employment retirement benefits	62	56
Share-based compensation (note 20)	1,530	1,651
Key management personnel compensation	$ 4,613	$ 4,805
Maximum
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]
Maximum obligation, notice period per each year (months)	24 months

Supplemental disclosure of ca_3

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]
Compensatory shares	$ 647	$ 548
Recognition (write-down) of constrained earn-out receivable on sale of assets (note 7)	0	(2,000)
Recognition of right-of-use assets (note 4)	12,774	15,090
Recognition of additional lease liabilities (note 4)	$ (17,873)	(19,751)
IFRS 16
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]
Recognition of right-of-use assets (note 4)		11,434
Recognition of additional lease liabilities (note 4)		$ (13,988)

Operating segments - Narrative

Operating segments - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)customer	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)customer
Disclosure of major customers [line items]
Number of customers | customer	2	2
Revenue	$ 103,877	$ 105,723
Individual customer
Disclosure of major customers [line items]
Revenue	44,855	37,932
Individual customer
Disclosure of major customers [line items]
Revenue	$ 15,965	$ 26,164

Operating segments - Geographic

Operating segments - Geographical (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Revenue	$ 103,877	$ 105,723
Non-current assets	121,284	110,793
China
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Revenue	54,267	47,132
Non-current assets	27,577	21,663
Germany
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Revenue	23,032	30,604
U.S.
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Revenue	8,010	13,228
Non-current assets	4,107	4,836
UK
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Revenue	7,876	2,794
Belgium
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Revenue	2,673	5,408
Japan
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Revenue	2,695	2,743
Canada
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Revenue	1,259	441
Non-current assets	88,128	82,665
Denmark
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Revenue	1,171	1,701
Non-current assets	1,472	1,629
France
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Revenue	1,090	287
Taiwan
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Revenue	1,008	216
Norway
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Revenue	436	478
Spain
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Revenue	128	20
Netherlands
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Revenue	38	115
Finland
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Revenue	36	65
Switzerland
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Revenue	0	359
Other countries
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Revenue	$ 158	$ 132

Financial instruments - Narrati

Financial instruments - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)$ / $	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)$ / $	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)$ / $	Dec. 31, 2020CAD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020$ / $	Dec. 31, 2020$ / $	Dec. 31, 2019$ / $
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Impairment loss on trade receivables	$ 310				$ 1,787
Net impairment loss on trade receivables	60				1,537
Impairment loss allowance	250				$ 250
Bottom of range
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Forecasted default rate		0.008
Top of range
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Forecasted default rate		0.012
Currency risk
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Exposure to risk holding Canadian denominated cash and cash equivalents, percentage (up to)		100.00%
Exposure to risk holding Canadian dollar net expenditures, percentage (up to)		50.00%
Average price of hedging instrument (CDN per USD)						1.32		1.32
January 1, 2020 Opening rate					1.299					0.770
December 31, 2020 Closing rate								1.274	0.785
Fiscal 2020 Average rate			1.341	0.746
Reasonably possible change in risk variable, percent							10.00%
Increase in the corresponding risk variable on income	7,131
Interest rate risk
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Reasonably possible change in risk variable, percent							0.25%
Decrease in the corresponding risk variable on investment income	$ 1,909	$ 1,909	$ 1,909	$ 1,909
Cash and cash equivalents | Currency risk
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Risk exposure associated with instruments sharing characteristic						$ 74,104,000
Foreign exchange contracts | Currency risk
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Risk exposure associated with instruments sharing characteristic						$ 16,750,000

Financial instruments - Allowan

Financial instruments - Allowance of Impairment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Impairment loss allowance	$ 250	$ 250
Trade receivables
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Allowance account for credit losses of financial assets at beginning of period	250	0
Impairment loss allowance	250	250
Allowance account for credit losses of financial assets at end of period	$ 500	$ 250

Subsequent Event (Details)

Subsequent Event (Details) - USD ($)	Feb. 23, 2021	Nov. 27, 2020	Nov. 13, 2018	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of non-adjusting events after reporting period [line items]
Gross proceeds				$ 694,608,000
Bought Deal Offering
Disclosure of non-adjusting events after reporting period [line items]
Number of shares issued (in shares)		20,909,300		20,909,300
Price per share (usd per share)		$ 19.25		$ 19.25
Gross proceeds		$ 402,504,000	$ 402,504,000
Bought Deal Offering | Major ordinary share transactions
Disclosure of non-adjusting events after reporting period [line items]
Number of shares issued (in shares)	14,870,000
Price per share (usd per share)	$ 37
Gross proceeds	$ 550,190,000
Over-Allotment Option | Major ordinary share transactions
Disclosure of non-adjusting events after reporting period [line items]
Number of shares issued (in shares)	2,230,500
Bought deal offering term (days)	30 days
Gross proceeds	$ 82,528,500