Mercedes-Benz U.S. International Inc. is replacing the lead-acid battery systems in 72 of its Hyster electric lift trucks with GenDrive hydrogen fuel cell units from Plug Power Inc. These vehicles are in use at the Mercedes-Benz manufacturing facility in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
‘Mercedes-Benz is an exciting customer to add to Plug Power's growing list of fuel cell adopters,’ says Andy Marsh, CEO of Plug Power. ‘We intend to prove the value of GenDrive fuel cells in Tuscaloosa in order to reinforce the benefits experienced in auto manufacturing facilities across North America.’
The fueling of the fuel cell lift trucks will be handled via compact, on-site hydrogen stations provided by Air Products.
Companies such as Wegmans, Whole Foods and FedEx Freight are among Plug Power's largest customers. More than 2,500 GenDrive units have been shipped to date for use in material-handling applications.
