Precursor to the Broad Deployment of Zero-Emission Class 8 Drayage Trucks
VANCOUVER, Aug. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - Loop Energy announced today that the company's heavy-duty fuel cell range extender will power two new zero-emission hybrid-electric Class 8 drayage trucks that will operate for a one-year period as part of a FAST TRACK Fuel Cell Truck Project in southern California.
The Loop-powered, long-haul trucks will work in demanding road operations, towing up to 80,000 pounds of freight throughout the San Diego and Los Angeles regions. The hybrid-configured trucks will incorporate a range of technological advancements including Loop's state-of-the-art FC-REX fuel cell range extender, TransPower's latest "T-NMC" energy storage technology that is built around batteries provided by Nissan, and battery-electric drive systems supplied by TransPower, to extend the operating range of Peterbilt trucks beyond 200 miles without the need for refueling or recharging.
"To meet the commercial demands of heavy-duty freight movement, zero-emission heavy-duty trucks must provide sufficient vehicle range, quick refueling and meet the power needs demanded by fleet operators, without any impact to freight load," said Ben Nyland, President and Chief Executive Officer of Loop Energy. "Loop's robust, no-compromise range extender means truck operators do not have to choose between hauling batteries or freight, and they can transition to zero-emissions without any impact to cost of ownership."
Funded by California Climate Investments (a program administered by the California Air Resources Board to fund projects that accelerate the commercial viability of low carbon freight and passenger transportation vehicles and equipment) and consortium partners, FAST TRACK will be led by GTI, a leader in the development and deployment of technology solutions to address energy and environmental challenges, and the fuel cell/battery-electric drive system integrator TransPower, a leader in electrification technologies and system-integration for large commercial vehicles. Additional partners include heavy-duty truck manufacturer Peterbilt Motors Company (a division of Paccar), fleet operator Bill Signs Trucking, mobile fueling hydrogen infrastructure supplier OneH2, and data collection and analysis provider Frontier Energy. In addition, Frontier Energy and the Center for Sustainable Energy will provide outreach and education services to local communities.
"As the largest gateway for international trade and domestic commerce in North America, California has 50,000 trucks in frequent drayage service" said Michael Baker, an engineer with the California Air Resource Board. "It is important to have a broad range of zero-emission technologies that can meet the diverse needs of CA trucking fleets, in order to achieve future emissions goals."
The FAST TRACK project will provide industry partners and government with extensive performance data and analysis collected from multiple heavy-duty trucks operating in real-world conditions to help California analyze the impact of broadly deploying zero-emission Class 8 trucks in port operations, and on local air quality in the test regions.
"GTI has assembled a consortium of partners who excel in their respective fields of fuel cell, battery, electric drive, and on-board power system technologies to help the transition to a post-petroleum heavy-duty trucking economy," stated Ted Barnes, GTI Research and Development Manager. "We are very excited about showcasing this breakthrough technology and its ability to provide a zero-emission solution for heavy-duty truck operators and the citizens of California."
Loop fuel cell range extenders will be integrated by TransPower into two Peterbilt 579 truck gliders in early 2019. Following on-road testing by Peterbilt at their PACCAR Technical Center in Mount Vernon, Washington, the trucks are scheduled to enter daily operational service in California in the second quarter of 2019.
"Peterbilt is committed to investing in sustainable transportation solutions and looks forward to working closely with FAST TRACK to validate the performance of Loop Energy's fuel cell hybrid-electric powertrains in real-world operating conditions," said Bill Kahn, Manager of Advanced Concepts of Peterbilt.
For more information or to learn more about Loop Energy, please visit www.loopenergy.com
About the California Air Resources Board (CARB)
CARB's mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. CARB oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health-based air quality standards. www.arb.ca.gov
The Fast Track Fuel Cell Truck Project is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of cap-and-trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy and improving public health and the environment—particularly in disadvantaged communities. The cap-and-trade program also creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution. California Climate Investment projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture, recycling and much more. At least 35 percent of these investments are made in disadvantaged and low-income communities. For more information, visit http://www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov/
About GTI
GTI is a leading research, development and training organization that has been addressing the nation's energy and environmental challenges by developing technology-based solutions for consumers, industry, and government for more than 75 years. www.gastechnology.org
About TransPower
TransPower is a privately-held California company that develops, supplies and integrates state-of-the-art battery-electric, hybrid-electric and fuel cell hybrid propulsion systems for large trucks, tractors, and buses. TransPower recently entered into a strategic partnership with Meritor, the leading supplier of axles and brake systems to the commercial trucking industry, to help accelerate the commercialization of both companies' electric propulsion technologies. www.transpowerusa.com
About Loop Energy
Loop Energy provides zero-emission power systems for heavy-duty transportation applications. Loop works with vehicle manufacturers to design and deliver carbon-free motive solutions using both electric and hydrogen fuel cell technologies. For more information about how Loop Energy is driving the future of zero-emissions, visit www.loopenergy.com.
SOURCE Loop Energy
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