The pre-series vehicle now in operation builds on insights from pilot programs. This includes the test of a fuel cell reachstacker in Valencia completed last year. The Hyster reachstacker is powered by a 60-kilowatt fuel cell system from Nuvera, which works in conjunction with a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 130 kilowatt-hours. Additionally, the vehicle uses the standardized software architecture that is also used in other electric products from Hyster.
The use of the Hyster reachstacker reduces the CO2 footprint of the port by 107 tonnes. The Port of Tilbury is part of the Forth Ports Group, which aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2042. With the hydrogen reachstacker, a solution has been developed "that meets the requirements and offers performance and robustness comparable to an internal combustion engine-driven machine," says Lucien Robroek, President of Global Big Trucks at Hyster.
The vehicles in port logistics move the heaviest loads around the clock. There is no time to charge a battery. High-pressure tanks store 32 kilograms of hydrogen on board. This is intended to enable long operating times and productive use over a full twelve-hour shift. The fuel cell reachstacker can be refueled in less than 30 minutes and is operated exclusively with green hydrogen, which is produced using an electrolyser from GeoPura.
As a long-standing customer of Briggs, the Port of Tilbury receives the same comprehensive dealer service for the hydrogen reachstacker as for its existing Hyster fleet. Briggs takes care of the support as well as maintenance and servicing of the reachstacker on site. Additionally, Hyster offers enhanced support through its Hypercare program for this novel application. Experts from Hyster will work closely with Briggs and the Port of Tilbury to manage the fuel cell and high-voltage systems.
