Southern California Gas Co. and the Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) have deployed the first of a planned 15 hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) medium-duty delivery vans, as part of their collaborative effort to replace diesel-powered vehicles and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. SoCalGas’ support and funding of the project are aimed to help propel ongoing advancements toward the commercialization of zero-emission, medium-duty vehicles and potentially assist companies in decarbonizing their fleets. A leading courier service is driving these hydrogen FCEV vans to facilitate package deliveries in underserved communities within the Inland Empire.
The project team successfully retrofitted and converted diesel delivery vans to a hybrid electric drive, incorporating on-board hydrogen storage and a fuel cell range extender. Frequent stops made during deliveries allow the onboard hydrogen system to recharge the battery, extending the vehicle range and allowing the courier service to meet their route range requirements.
The pilot project aims to demonstrate the potential of hydrogen FCEV vans for delivery operations. It is being developed in partnership with Accelera by Cummins, Unique Electric Solutions (UES), and the University of Texas – Center for Electromechanics (CEM) and is backed by U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO) , South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD), California Energy Commission (CEC), and California Air Resources Board (CARB). This project was supported by the “California Climate Investments” (CCI) program.
“This project is a successful private, public partnership that showcases green technology and environmental stewardship,” said Wayne Nastri, South Coast AQMD Executive Officer. “With every package delivered using these emission free vans, we are closer to reducing air pollution in our communities.”
“Collaborative efforts among companies and organizations are essential to help achieve California’s climate goals and this innovative project exemplifies such cooperation,” said Neil Navin, Chief Clean Fuels Officer at SoCalGas.”The integration of hydrogen storage, fuel cell technology, battery packs, and power electronics is designed to ensure sufficient vehicle power, maintain cargo capacity and weight limitations, all while upholding a zero-emission standard.”
“We couldn’t be more excited to see years of hard work and development come to fruition by putting these clean trucks into service. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our sponsors and dedication of our partners. Through this type of technology demonstration and advancement we believe we will continue to dri
SOURCE : PRNewswire