2:27pm | The Port of Long Beach will begin an 18-month program to test zero-emission trucks.
One big-rig truck and one terminal tractor, powered by plug-in electric/hydrogen fuel cells, will hit the streets around the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles in early 2011 as a partnership with Vision Motor Corp. Each port is contributing more than $200,000 toward the $1 million experiment.
No images are available yet because the trucks are in the process of being built, according to Port of Long Beach director of communications Art Wong.
Could these be the future of cleaner ports and roads? Full press release below:
Ports to Test Non-polluting Fuel Cell Trucks Project will demonstrate hydrogen-powered short-haul vehicles
December 16, 2010Two new non-polluting trucks powered by zero-emission plug-in electric/hydrogen fuel cells will soon hit the road in the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles in a demonstration of the cutting-edge green technology.
In an agreement with El Segundo-based Vision Motor Corp., one big-rig truck and one terminal tractor will be put to work for 18 months, with an anticipated start in early 2011. They will be tested under typical conditions for these short-haul vehicles. Each port has agreed to provide $212,500 from their Technology Advancement Program funds toward the cost of the $1 million project.
“This is another example of how the ports’ Clean Air Action Plan is continuing to look for new technology that can contribute further clean air improvements,” said Richard D. Steinke, Port of Long Beach Executive Director. “We’re looking forward to seeing how these vehicles perform.”
“Our partnership with Vision Industries reflects our commitment to bring promising zero-emission transportation solutions to market,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Geraldine Knatz, Ph.D. “It’s these type of vehicles that will help us significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
Both vehicles are electric trucks, with batteries recharged by hydrogen fuel cells. The fuel cell generates electricity from a reaction of hydrogen and oxygen. There is no combustion and no air pollution.
The on-road heavy-duty truck will be operated by Total Transportation Services Inc., a local trucking firm that serves both ports. The yard tractor will be operated on the property of California Cartage Express, another local trucking firm.
The ports’ Technology Advancement Program encourages the commercialization of clean goods-movement vehicles and equipment. Each port has budgeted $1.5 million annually for the TAP since 2007. Recently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency bestowed the 2010 Clean Air Technologies Award to the ports for the TAP program.