Forklift ‘first’ points to emission-free future

Although similar projects have already used hydrogen fuel generated using fossil fuels, this latest development sees a fully integrated system that generates hydrogen from solar power via an on-site electrolyser.

“These hybrid trucks are the first to use lithium battery technology with a hydrogen fuel cell to replace standard lead-acid batteries, resulting in materials handling equipment that produces zero emissions at the point of use,” said Richard Close, CEO, Briggs Equipment.

The modified Yale trucks feature a small lithium-ion battery which partners with the fuel cell to ensure that the battery remains charged. The battery can then operate as a normal power unit for all mobility and lift functions, supplied from its compact battery source. The hydrogen fuel cell acts as an onboard charger allowing the truck to work more efficiently as its normal routine of battery switching and remote charging is avoided.

“The project has proved what can be achieved. The challenge is now to extend this as widely as possible,” added Mr Close. “Gone are the big lead-acid batteries and their need for space, replacement and maintenance. Maintenance alone is around one-and-a-half times lower. Productivity is also clearly a plus factor, allowing cost benefits to begin to stack up. There is also the potential to replace diesel engines and avoid an ever tightening legislative determination to bear down on NOx and particulate emissions, plus the potential price and supply volatility of hydrocarbons fuels.”

To date, the companies have focused on creating a whole system, form solar as its source to hydrogen as the output fuel, to run road vehicles and forklift trucks operating on-site.