Fuel Cells Better for the Environment

Oct. 1, 2008
The results of a well-to-forks study, conducted by Argonne National Labs, found that fuel cell powered lift trucks are better for the environment than

The results of a well-to-forks study, conducted by Argonne National Labs, found that fuel cell powered lift trucks are better for the environment than battery powered lift trucks.

The study looks compares the green house gas emissions of three different operating modes: fuel cell powered lift trucks using hydrogen generated on-site from natural gas, battery electric lift trucks recharged by the U.S. average grid mix, and propane engine lift trucks.

The study concludes fuel cell trucks produce 800 g/kWh of greenhouse gas emissions, while battery powered lift trucks produce 1,300 g/kWh - 63% more than fuel cells. The study found both fuel cell and battery powered trucks are significantly cleaner than ICE trucks operating on propane.