22.12.2022

Kalmar trials fuel cells

The Reach stacker and marine crane manufacturer Kalmar is to work with Toyota Tsusho America, and environmental engineering consultancy Ricardo on a project to develop fuel cell powered equipment, starting with its marine terminal tractors.

As part of the project, a Kalmar customer in the USA will take two Kalmar Ottawa terminal tractors powered by fuel cell technology at their container terminal on the west coast for a long term trial and test.
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A Kalmar Ottawa terminal tractor

Fuel cell technologies are emerging as a viable alternative to batteries for zero-emission vehicles. The Advanced Clean Truck requirement, adopted by the California Air Resources Board in 2020, requires truck manufacturers to shift from fossil fuels to zero-emission technology. Manufacturers must increase their zero-emission truck sales to between 30 and 50 percent by 2030 and 40 to 75 percent by 2035.

UK based Ricardo is responsible for the design, integration and assembly of the fuel cells into the Kalmar Ottawa platform. Fuel cell powered vehicles should offer users extended operational time and reduce the need for new investment in electrical infrastructure.
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A typical hydrogen fuel cell

Kalmar director of engineering Chris Dvorak said: “We are applying the learnings we have gained from our battery electric platform to implement a modular fuel cell platform that will help customers meet increasingly strict emissions targets, while supporting Cargotec's 1.5°C climate ambition.

Adrian Schaffer of Ricardo added: “We have worked alongside Kalmar and Toyota to undertake the initial stages of this exciting project. Applying our experience and design expertise in fuel cell systems and integration, we have integrated a commercially available fuel cell system that will deliver cleaner and more efficient propulsion for Kalmar terminal tractors.”