SUSTAINABLE HEAVY-DUTY INITIATIVES FOR FUTURE TECHNOLOGY

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Fast-Track Fuel Cell Truck

GTI Energy and its technology partner, TransPower, deployed five plug-in hybrid fuel cell-electric Class 8 trucks in Southern California to demonstrate the viability of hydrogen-powered drayage operations. In the first phase, three retrofitted trucks with Hydrogenics fuel cells were operated at the Port of Los Angeles by Total Transportation Services Inc. (TTSI). In the second phase, two new Peterbilt gliders equipped with Loop Energy fuel cells were operated by TransPower in the San Diego region. The trucks were supported by on-site charging and mobile hydrogen fueling at the Port of Los Angeles, as well as public hydrogen stations in the San Diego area.

Vehicles/Equipment Funded:

Phase 1 (update three existing EV Navistar chassis):
  • New battery and electric accessory system
  • Hydrogenics fuel cells and on-board hydrogen storage sized for uninterrupted one-shift operation
Phase 2 (two new trucks):
  • Peterbilt 579 gliders with EV powertrain and battery system
  • Loop Energy fuel cells and 33kg on-board hydrogen storage
  • Two EVSE stations in Fontana, CA

Lessons Learned:

  • EV components need careful sizing for the intended duty cycle.
  • Availability of public hydraulic fueling stations is limited.
  • Hydrogen supply chain is fragile.
  • Fuel cells need more development and testing to meet heavy duty market needs

Status Updates:

  • Fuel cell trucks are capable of operating in drayage service with a 200 to 300-mile range with 15-minute H2 refueling between shifts and a one-hour opportunity recharge.
  • Based on data collected, electric grid emissions, and hydrogen carbon intensity, the trucks offer a 70% reduction in carbon emissions compared to diesel vehicles.
  • Education and outreach efforts were completed largely in a virtual format due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Technology:

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Vehicles / Equipment Status:​

Infrastructure Status:

View Final Report

Project Facts​

  • DATES: Spring 2018 – Spring 2022
  • GRANTEE: GTI
  • PARTNERS: TransPower, TTSI, Daylight, Frontier Energy, Center for Sustainable Energy, Hydrogenics, Loop Energy, Peterbilt Motors, OneH2
  • GRANT NO.: G16-DEMO-02

Grant Amount​

  • CARB Contribution: $4,610,809
  • Matching Funds: $1,085,670
  • PROJECT TOTAL: $11,392,958

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