Hyster is developing a zero-emissions container handling truck powered by a Nuvera hydrogen fuel cell combined with a lithium-ion battery.
Hyster aims to offer the fuel cell and battery powered container handler with a choice of charging options Photo: Hyster
The funding, awarded by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), aims to help Hyster and its partners develop a zero-emissions container handler for an end-user in the Port of Los Angeles.
“Hydrogen and grid power provide complementary power solutions for ports,” said Lyndle McCurley, vice president, Big Truck Sales Americas for Hyster.
“Where the requirements to power a fleet of electric Big Trucks is likely to exceed power capabilities of the grid, hydrogen may provide ports with readily available energy without a requirement for a high capacity electric charging infrastructure. Electric charging for a large number of trucks during the day also adds complexity to overall work planning in the terminal, which can be avoided using hydrogen.”
Battery support
Mr McCurley explained that he Hyster zero emissions toploader with a fuel cell and lithium-ion battery has the potential to effectively support applications with higher power consumption and a heavy-duty cycle.
This is because the truck is expected to operate for a full day before requiring hydrogen re-fuelling.
As the truck can also operate for longer before battery re-charging is needed, this also supports operations with irregular break periods, where it may not be practical to plan in battery charging throughout the day.
Hyster aims to offer the fuel cell and battery powered container handler with a choice of charging options. The model in development is expected to utilise fully integrated wireless fast charging.
Representatives from Hyster will discuss the latest news about the developments around zero emissions electric Big Trucks at the Greenport Congress in Valencia from 16 – 19 October 2018.
Source: Green port