Hydrogen fuel cell-powered

Research involving Briggs Equipment and Honda has seen the development of a hydrogen fuel cell-powered truck featuring a fully integrated system that generates hydrogen from solar power via an on-site electrolyser.

Richard Close, Briggs Equipment CEO, says: “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.”

The modified Yale trucks are configured to use 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 on-board charger allowing the truck to work more efficiently as its normal routine of battery switching and remote charging is avoided.