The Rise of Alternative Fuels in Material Handling: Propane, Electric, and Hydrogen
Key Ideas
  • Propane, electric, and hydrogen are all gaining traction in material handling equipment, with hydrogen fuel cell electric forklifts showing significant growth in the U.S.
  • Factors such as energy sources, fleet size, available space, and regulatory environment influence the choice between fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in material handling applications.
  • Battery electric equipment faces challenges related to charging time and grid stability, while fueling infrastructure is a critical consideration for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
  • Hydrogen fuel for FCEVs can be delivered to storage and fueling stations or generated on-site, with safety precautions necessary for handling and storage.
The adoption of alternative fuels in material handling equipment is on the rise in the United States. While propane has been a popular choice to power lift trucks, electric sources like battery electric forklifts and hydrogen fuel cell electric forklifts are also gaining momentum. The Propane Education & Research Center (PERC) stated that propane currently drives about 600,000 forklifts in the U.S. According to market research cited by CALSTART, nearly 250,000 battery electric forklifts are projected to be sold in the U.S. by the end of 2029. Hydrogen fuel cell electric forklifts have seen significant growth, with over 60,000 machines deployed across the U.S. as per the U.S. Department of Energy. The use of hydrogen fuel cells is expanding beyond forklifts into various material handling solutions, such as container handling equipment used in ports. Factors influencing the choice between fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in material handling applications include energy sources, fleet size, available space, and sustainability goals. While battery electric equipment faces challenges related to charging time and grid stability, hydrogen fueling infrastructure is crucial for FCEVs. On-site hydrogen fueling stations and proper storage are essential considerations for organizations using hydrogen fuel. The article emphasizes the increasing significance of alternative energy sources in material handling equipment and the different factors that companies must consider when choosing between propane, electric, and hydrogen-powered solutions.
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