Integrating alternative fuel technology is a reality for Crown Equipment Corporation, a leading global manufacturer of lift trucks. At the Defense Distribution Depot Warner Robins Georgia (DDWG) at Robins Air Force Base, 20 Crown sit-down counterbalanced lift trucks will be upgraded with hydrogen-powered fuel cell power packs.

Lead-acid batteries currently being used in Crown lift trucks will be replaced with HyPX Power Packs, provided by Hydrogenics Corp., a leading global developer of clean energy solutions. Concurrent Technologies Corp. (CTC), a nonprofit scientific research organization, will be responsible for successfully replacing the lead-acid batteries with the new HyPX Power Packs.

The HyPX Power Packs, designed to fit within the existing battery pack compartment on Crown lift trucks, incorporate fuel cell power modules for base load requirements and energy-storing ultracapacitors to handle load peaks and capture energy through regenerative braking.

“The partnership with Hydrogenics and CTC is a great opportunity as it showcases our efforts for integrating fuel cell technology in the material handling arena,” said Eric Jensen, Manager of Research and Development for Crown. “We are pleased to offer this advanced technology which supports Crown’s ongoing environmental sustainability commitment.”

“Hydrogen-powered lift trucks can lead to significant productivity gains though efficiencies,” said Jensen. “Power packs save time because refueling only takes two or three minutes, compared to 30 minutes for changing out a lead-acid depleted battery. In addition, less space is needed for servicing and it is environmentally cleaner."

Crown and Hydrogenics

Crown is focused on the research and development of fuel cells. Expanding on its long history of environmental stewardship, the company was recently awarded a research grant from the state of Ohio to explore development of a fuel cell powered line of lift trucks.

About Crown Equipment Corporation

Crown is the number one brand of electric lift trucks in the United States and the sixth largest lift truck manufacturer in the world. Crown’s award-winning line of lift trucks has earned a reputation for exceptional product design, engineering and manufacturing. From the smallest hand pallet truck to the highest lifting turret truck, Crown seeks to provide users with safe, efficient and ergonomic lift trucks that lower total cost of ownership and maximize uptime. Headquartered in New Bremen, Ohio, Crown lift trucks are manufactured and sold throughout the world.