UPS Unveils First Extended Range Fuel Cell Electric Delivery Vehicle
May 02 2017 - 10:00AM
- First-of-its-Kind, Zero Tailpipe Emissions, Class 6 Delivery
Truck
- Uses Fuel Cell to Energize Vehicle Propulsion System
- Prototype to Start Street Testing Later This Year
UPS (NYSE: UPS) today announced it will deploy a prototype
extended range Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) in its Rolling
Laboratory fleet of alternative fuel and advanced technology
vehicles. UPS is working with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
and other partners to design a first-of-its-kind, zero tailpipe
emissions, Class 6 medium-duty delivery truck that meets the same
route and range requirements of UPS’s existing conventional fuel
vehicles.
Unlike fuel cell auxiliary power units, this vehicle will use
the onboard fuel cell to generate electricity to propel the
vehicle. This project is an important step toward demonstrating the
commercial viability of zero tailpipe emissions trucks to fleet
operators and the developing FCEV supply chain.
The first FCEV prototype will be deployed in Sacramento, Calif.,
where UPS will validate its design and core performance
requirements by testing it on the street starting the third quarter
of 2017. Current project plans call for additional UPS trucks to be
validated with at least 5,000 hours of in-service operational
performance. All of the trucks will be deployed in California due
to that state’s ongoing investment in zero tailpipe emissions
transportation and installment of hydrogen fueling stations around
the state.
“The challenge we face with fuel cell technology is to ensure
the design can meet the unique operational demands of our delivery
vehicles on a commercial scale,” said Mark Wallace, UPS senior vice
president global engineering and sustainability. “This project is
an essential step to test the zero tailpipe emissions technology
and vehicle on the road for UPS and the transportation industry. We
have a long history of developing and promoting the use of more
sustainable alternative fuels with our Rolling Laboratory, and hope
that by bringing our unique expertise to the development of
hydrogen fuels, we can help advance the technology.”
Each FCEV produces electricity which continuously charges the
batteries, thereby providing additional power and an extended range
of 125 miles. The UPS trucks are equipped with a 32kW fuel cell
coupled to 45kWh of battery storage and 10kg of hydrogen fuel. The
drive train runs on electricity supplied by batteries. Unlike other
fuel cell applications, this will support the full duty cycle of
the truck, including highway driving.
The project is part of a fuel cell project grant awarded by DOE
in 2013 focused on verifying the proof of concept in commercial
delivery vehicles. UPS is committed to evaluating these
technologies that support the nation’s energy security, fuel
diversity, and economic growth priorities. The project calls for
retrofitting conventional fuel trucks with fuel cell electric
systems designed specifically for use in a delivery truck duty
cycle. UPS is partnering with the Center for Transportation and the
Environment as well as Unique Electric Solutions LLC and the
University of Texas’ Center for Electromechanics.
UPS has invested more than $750 million in alternative fuel and
advanced technology vehicles and fueling stations globally since
2009. UPS has deployed more than 8,300 vehicles using its Rolling
Laboratory approach to determine what works best in each situation.
From old-fashioned pedal power and electric-assisted bicycles in
dense urban areas to electric, hybrid electric, natural gas,
renewable natural gas, propane and renewable diesel fueled
vehicles, UPS puts sustainability innovation into action all over
the world.
About UPS
UPS (NYSE: UPS) is a global leader in logistics, offering a
broad range of solutions including transporting packages and
freight; facilitating international trade, and deploying advanced
technology to more efficiently manage the world of business. UPS is
committed to operating more sustainably – for customers, the
environment and the communities we serve around the world.
Learn more about our efforts at ups.com/sustainability.
Headquartered in Atlanta, UPS serves more than 220 countries and
territories worldwide. The company can be found on the web at
ups.com® and its corporate blog can be found at longitudes.ups.com.
To get UPS news direct, visit pressroom.ups.com/RSS.
Kristen Petrella
404-828-4182
kpetrella@ups.com
United Parcel Service (NYSE:UPS)
Historical Stock Chart
From Mar 2024 to Apr 2024
United Parcel Service (NYSE:UPS)
Historical Stock Chart
From Apr 2023 to Apr 2024