ADVISORY/Ballard Power Systems Inc. President and CEO to Open the NASDAQ Stock Market

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia--April 9, 2003-- Ballard Power Systems Inc. (TSX:BLD) -0-

What:     Dennis Campbell, President and Chief Executive Officer,
          Ballard Power Systems Inc. (BLDP) to preside over the
          NASDAQ Market Open and demonstrate an automobile powered
          by the Ballard(R) fuel cell. 

Where:    NASDAQ MarketSite - 4 Times Square - 43rd & Broadway

When:     Tuesday, April 15, 2003
          7:30 AM to 9:15 AM EST - Viewing of Fuel Cell Automobile
          9:25 AM to 9:45 AM EST - Market Opening 
          9:50 AM to 11:30 AM EST - Viewing of Fuel Cell Automobile

Why:      Recognized as the world leader in developing, manufacturing
          and marketing zero-emission proton exchange membrane (PEM)
          fuel cells, The NASDAQ Stock Market proudly welcomes Ballard
          Power Systems Inc. (BLDP) to the Market Open.

          The Ford Focus Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV) is powered by a
          zero-emission Ballard(R) fuel cell powertrain and will be
          on display at the MarketSite on Tuesday, April 15th from
          7:30 AM - 11:30 AM. 

Interview/Photo/Ride and Drive Opportunities:
          Ballard and Ford representatives will be available for
          interviews before and immediately following the market
          open ceremony. 

          For media "ride and drive" opportunities with the Ford Focus
          FCV on Monday, April 14th, please contact Ms. Harris
          or Ms. Kumar.

Market Open Ceremony Feed Information:
          The market open ceremony is available from 9:20 a.m. to
          9:35 a.m. on Telstar 6 C/transponder 18. The downlink
          frequency is 4060 horizontal; audio: 6.2/6.8. The feed can
          also be found on Waterfront fiber 1623. If you have any
          questions please contact Heather Patterson in the NASDAQ
          Traffic Department at (646) 441-5220. 

    About Ballard Power Systems Inc. (BLDP):

    Ballard Power Systems is recognized as the world leader in developing, manufacturing and marketing zero-emission proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Ballard is commercialising fuel cell engines for transportation applications and fuel cell systems for portable and stationary products. Ballard is also commercialising electric drives for fuel cell and other electric vehicles, power conversion products, alternative fuel generator sets and is a Tier 1 automotive supplier of friction materials for power train components. Ballard's proprietary technology is enabling automobile, bus, electrical equipment, portable power and stationary product manufacturers to develop environmentally clean products for sale. Ballard is partnering with strong, world-leading companies, including DaimlerChrysler, Ford, EBARA, ALSTOM and FirstEnergy, to commercialize Ballard(R) fuel cells. Ballard has supplied fuel cells to Honda, Nissan, Volkswagen, Yamaha, Cinergy and Coleman Powermate, among others.