Linde has just presented a hydrogen powered forklift truck, that the company describes as, “Ready for use”.
The vehicle has a direct injection hydrogen combustion engine and has a load capacity of three tonnes. The vehicle was unveiled today May 27th 2008 at the CeMat show in Hanover, Germany.
The vehicle does not give off any emissions. Hydrogen is currently considered to be the cleanest source of energy, as it predominantly emits water vapour when converted into energy. A further benefit is the sheer unlimited availability of hydrogen. If the hydrogen is produced using electrolysis with renewable energy sources such as hydraulic power, wind energy or photovoltaic then the vision of an emission-less energy cycle could become a reality.
However, precisely when Linde Material Handling will launch its first hydrogen series product on the market has not yet been determined. The company believes that hydrogen-powered trucks could be economically viable from 2015. Until then, it will continue to conduct thorough research, develop further enhancements and complete field tests.
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