Hydrogen-powered forklifts promising cleaner, greener credentials without sacrificing performance have been demonstrated in Sydney by Hyster Yale Group.
The new forklifts offer the performance and refuelling speed of typical conventionally powered alternatives, but with the sustainability of electric motors.
Overseas, companies like Amazon and Walmart have already moved to embrace hydrogen-powered forklifts. The Hyster forklifts, however, are currently only available in the US and Canada, but may be introduced to the Asia-Pacific region in future years, according to the company.
“The new hydrogen-powered forklift trucks are aimed particularly at companies seeking the ultimate combination of environmentally harmonious indoor and outdoor performance, without having to interrupt production cycles or have vehicles out of service for lengthy charging or battery changing,” Hyster-Yale Asia-Pacific managing director Tony Fagg said.
“We believe that, not only are these the first hydrogen powered forklifts in Australia or New Zealand, but also that such practical hydrogen-powered vehicles as these show the way ahead for a whole new generation of future-focussed work vehicles, and perhaps ultimately for passenger vehicles.”
Fuel cell vehicles are fuelled and refuelled by a hose from a dispenser in the same way that typical work vehicles and cars and trucks are refuelled at a petrol or diesel bowser. The hydrogen dispenser pumps hydrogen into the cell’s hydrogen storage tank. As long as the fuel cell is supplied with hydrogen and oxygen, it will generate electricity to power the forklift’s electric motor.
