Today’s material handling operations require reliable fleets of powered industrial vehicles (PIVs). These fleets are usually powered by internal combustion engines (ICEs) or battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). Both of these options create several operational and logistical challenges. However, technological improvements in hydrogen fuel and fuel cells have created an alternative fuel source for PIVs. A recent U.S. Postal Service pilot program, utilizing OneH2 hydrogen fuel generation equipment, tested hydrogen fuel cell-powered PIVs in the USPS Washington Distribution Center. The results from this study indicated that hydrogen fuel cells offered the zero-emissions benefits of BEVs at a lower cost.
For greater insight into the benefits hydrogen fuel provides for PIV fleets, check out our recent white paper, “The Impact of Hydrogen on Powered Industrial Vehicles.” In this paper, we explore the potential for hydrogen fuel cells as a power source for PIVs and compare its viability to that of ICE and BEV vehicles using the USPS pilot program for hydrogen forklifts as a case study.
