Hyster develops 48 tonne electric truck

Hyster Europe is developing a 48-tonne capacity laden container handling truck powered by electric motors is being developed.

“The first electric Hyster Big Truck, powered by lithium-ion battery, is at our test facility in Weeze, Germany,” said Jan-Willem van den Brand, director big truck product strategy & solutions for Hyster.

“The first trucks are being developed with lithium-ion batteries. However, once fully developed, we aim to offer the truck with a choice of three power options. A combination of a small or medium battery and a Nuvera fuel cell, or it can be powered by battery only,” continues van den Brand. “This truck is being developed in response to the evolving needs of customers, who are increasingly demanding zero-emission trucks to support their environmental goals, while still specifying the right truck for their particular application needs.”

Although Hyster can offer lithium-ion batteries as a power source on many trucks, Li-Ion power will have more limited use in electrifying container handling trucks. Battery capacity is currently not sufficient for the most intense applications without opportunities to re-charge during the shift.

“This is where fuel cells come in,” said van den Brand. “These innovative Big Trucks are expected to be able to support continuous operation with operator-friendly re-charge or quick H2 (hydrogen fuel) refill options, delivered through our relationship with Nuvera Fuel Cells.”