Hyster-Yale Group, Inc. acquired Nuvera Fuel Cells, Inc., founded in 2000. Nuvera specializes in fuel cell stacks, fuel cell engines, and hydrogen production and dispensing systems. This acquisition enabled Hyster-Yale to incorporate advanced fuel cell technology into its material handling equipment, especially at ports where battery-based solutions are less effective due to continuous power needs and demanding duty cycles.
Fuel Cell Forklift Advantages
Nuvera’s fuel cell forklifts were among their early successes, boasting 24-hour operational capability ideal for maintaining clean air in warehouses. These forklifts offered significant advantages over both battery and propane-powered models. Hyster-Yale integrated Nuvera’s fuel cells into their forklifts, leading to the acquisition to expand the fuel cell lineup.
Broad Applications of Nuvera’s Fuel Cells
Nuvera’s fuel cells power a variety of applications, including buses, trucks, marine vessels, and off-road vehicles. The Nuvera E-Series Fuel Cell Engines feature advanced technology and durability. Currently, Nuvera offers 45 kW and 60 kW engines, with a 125 kW model expected soon. These engines can replace internal combustion engines in the same spaces, providing versatility for manufacturers.
Collaboration and Engineering Support
Nuvera collaborates with other vehicle producers to integrate these engines, providing engineering support and ensuring long-term functionality. Application engineering services are crucial to Nuvera’s business model.
Hydrogen’s Key Role in Ports
Gus Block, Director of Corporate Development, emphasized the importance of ports in the hydrogen economy. Diesel-driven equipment at ports, including gantries and container handlers, needs decarbonization to achieve zero emissions. Hydrogen plays a critical role in this transition, making ports central to the emerging hydrogen infrastructure.
Zero-Emission Port Project
The Zero-Emission Technologies for Freight Operations at Ports project deployed a Hyster brand fuel cell electric top loader. Developed under the California Air Resources Board’s Advanced Technology Demonstration Program, the project involved the Port of Los Angeles and others. The top loader carries about 30 kg of hydrogen and is powered by two 45 kW engines and a 130 kWh battery. The mobile refueler takes about 15 minutes to refuel.
Successful Demonstrations
Two demonstration periods in 2022 and early 2024 highlighted the efficiency and practicality of fuel cell technology at ports. Establishing a reliable hydrogen supply is crucial, demonstrated by the top loader’s 38 operational days and 986 containers moved.
Future Fuel Cell-Powered Vehicles
Hyster is expanding its range of fuel cell-powered port vehicles, including new versions of the top loader, an empty container handler, a reach stacker, a terminal tractor, and a rubber-tired gantry crane.
