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Commitments and contingencies (Details) $ in Thousands |  | 12 Months Ended |  |
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Nov. 13, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) claim | Dec. 31, 2018 CAD ($) | Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Disclosure of other provisions [line items] |  |  |  |
Capital commitments |  | $ 2,911,000 |  | $ 3,049,000
Number of claims remaining | claim |  | 1 |  |
Royalty related to UTC, revenue obligations |  |  |  |
Disclosure of other provisions [line items] |  |  |  |
Expiration period |  | 15 years |  |
Royalty obligation, percentage |  | 2.00% |  |
Maximum royalty expense |  | $ 4,613,000 | $ 5,351 |
Royalty expense |  | $ 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 | 4 years | 4 years |  |

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