Toyota has announced its prototype hydrogen fuel cell forklift truck, at a time when fuel cell forklifts are due to be tested by the US army.

The Toyota FCHV-F has been exhibited at the CeMAT trade fair, reports Japan Corporate News.

Operating on a fuel cell, the new vehicle is capable of lifting up to 2,500 kg, just like the current electric model.

Forklifts have to constantly stop and start, which can result in wasted energy. However, the fuel cell model has been fitted with electric double-layer capacitors, thereby ensuring effective running regardless of current variations.

The model incorporates a hydrogen fuel tank and a cell stack.

Meanwhile, GrandForks Herald reports that research is about to be conducted by the US army into the efficiency of fuel cell forklifts by testing them against their propane-powered counterparts.

In conjunction with the UND's Energy and Environmental Research Center, the Army's Construction Engineering Research Center will lead the research.

It is hoped that hydrogen made from JP-8 jet fuel can eventually be used in the field for all military vehicles, including planes.


Ÿ Adfero Ltd