Prototype of hydrogen forklift developed for commercial use in 2023

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SEOUL -- The prototype of a forklift powered by hydrogen fuel cells has been developed for commercial use in 2023 at seaports, airports and logistics centers. It can lift a maximum load of five tons and operate for five consecutive years on a full single charge.

Hyundai Motor and its parts-making wing, Hyundai Mobis, have partnered with Hyundai Construction Equipment (HCE) affiliated with the Hyundai shipbuilding group to develop the world's first construction machines with hydrogen fuel cell systems. The auto group is responsible for hydrogen fuel cell solutions, performance tests and quality evaluations.

Hyundai Mobis said in a statement on September 24 that it has provided a fuel cell powerpack while HCE designed and built the body of hydrogen forklifts. The company aims to produce the prototype of a fuel cell excavator this year for commercial operation in 2023.

"In addition to automobiles, there are many areas around us that can utilize hydrogen fuel cell systems," an unnamed Hyundai Mobis official was quoted as saying. "We will explore various new business models to advance the popularization of hydrogen."

The auto group seeks to become the first mover in the commercial eco-friendly vehicle market with a hydrogen-powered heavy-duty truck. Because of tightening global emissions standards, commercial vehicle makers are forced to move onto clean energy from conventional fossil fuels. Hyundai and other vehicle makers are developing hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles.

Lim Chang-won cwlim34@ajunews.com

Prototype of hydrogen forklift developed for commercial use in 2023

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