Two non-polluting trucks powered by zero-emission plug-in electric/hydrogen fuel cells will soon hit the road in the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. The agreement with El Segundo-based Vision Motor Corp. puts one big-rig truck and one terminal tractor to work for 18 months. They will be tested under conditions typical for these short-haul vehicles. Each port has agreed to provide $212,500 from their Technology Advancement Program funds toward the cost of the $1 million project.
Both vehicles are electric trucks with batteries charged constantly by on board hydrogen fuel cells. The cells work best in a constant on condition. The latter generates electricity by combining hydrogen with oxygen without combustion.
The on-road heavy-duty truck will be operated by a local firm that serves both ports.
The ports’ Technology Advancement Program encourages commercialization of clean goods-movement vehicles and equipment. Each port has budgeted $1.5 million annually for the TAP since 2007. Recently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency bestowed the 2010 Clean Air Technologies Award to the ports for the TAP program.
Vision Industries Corp.
www.visionmotorcorp.com
Filed Under: News
90805 Storage says
Oh wow that looks great. It’s sure to be a little expensive but in the long run, the world would benefit from these hydrogen powered fuel cell trucks. I hope the trend catches on. Great job, thanks!