Hydrogen engines and fuelling solutions provider Plug Power and battery powered ground support equipment (GSE) firm Charlatte America have delivered fuel cell-powered electric cargo tuggers for use by FedEx at the Albany International Airport.
The GSE were built by Charlatte America and operate using Plug Power’s zero emission ProGen hydrogen engines. The ProGen powered tuggers are in operation at the Albany International Airport transporting FedEx packages from the sorting facility to aircraft.
Performance and reliability data has been collected during cold winter months, where temperatures can drop as low as negative 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The Charlatte America electric GSE vehicles require less maintenance than internal combustion-powered equipment and are designed to support the ongoing market trend to electrification of mobility.
The addition of Plug Power’s ProGen hydrogen fuel cell technology enables the cargo tuggers to tow up to 40,000 pounds without stopping for up to four hours and only requires three to four minutes for refueling. This zero-emission vehicle also operates with a high energy efficiency of around 45 per cent.
The wear and tear on the vehicles is lower, reducing maintenance demands such as oil changes, brakes and starter replacements. As a result, these vehicles reduce operational costs while increasing productivity.
“The shipping and logistics industry is one of the fastest growing today, thanks to the rapid growth of eCommerce and innovations within brick and mortar businesses,” said Andy Marsh, CEO, Plug Power. “Many of those businesses are able to thrive because of the efficiency and stability with which FedEx operates. We’re excited to be at the forefront helping empower FedEx to deliver those packages with an efficient, sustainable, solution.”
“FedEx is committed to minimizing its environmental impact,” said Mitch Jackson, chief sustainability officer, FedEx Corp. “The inclusion of these clean, hydrogen-powered electric vehicles to our airport delivery fleet is one way we’re able to integrate responsible environmental practices in order to increase efficiency and reduce airport waste and emissions in our local communities.”
“As the global leader in the development and sale of battery powered electric GSE, Charlatte understands the rigorous demands that the ramp environment places upon equipment. The Plug Power fuel cell model has proven itself to be another green alternative solution to add to our product offerings for our cargo tractors,” said Rob Lamb, vice president sales & service, Charlatte America.
Plug Power built one of the first hydrogen fueling stations on the East Coast, at its headquarters in Latham, NY. The FedEx vehicles are refueled and serviced at the Plug Power fueling station, which has been used to refuel the first FedEx delivery van since its launch in January. Plug Power also supports more than 25,000 GenDrive fuel cells in the field worldwide.
