We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.
  • INDUSTRY PRESS ROOM
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
  • MEDIA FILE
  • Create Account
  • Sign In
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Free Newsletters
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
    • Mobile Apps
  • TRANSPORTATION
  • MATERIAL HANDLING
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • LIFT TRUCKS
  • PODCAST ETC
    • Podcast
    • Webcasts
    • Blogs
      • One-Off Sound Off
      • Global Logistics and Risk
      • Empowering Your Performance Edge
      • Analytics & Big Data
      • Submit your blog post
    • Events
    • White Papers
    • Industry Press Room
      • Upload Your News
    • New Products
      • Upload Your Product News
    • Conference Guides
    • Conference Reports
    • Newsletters
    • Mobile Apps
  • DCV-TV
    • DCV-TV 1: News
    • DCV-TV 2: Case Studies
    • DCV-TV 3: Webcasts
    • DCV-TV 4: Viewer Contributed
    • DCV-TV 5: Solution Profiles
    • Parcel Forum 2022
    • MODEX 2022
    • Upload Your Video
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
    • Mobile Apps
  • TRANSPORTATION
  • MATERIAL HANDLING
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • LIFT TRUCKS
  • PODCAST ETC
    • Podcast
    • Webcasts
    • Blogs
      • One-Off Sound Off
      • Global Logistics and Risk
      • Empowering Your Performance Edge
      • Analytics & Big Data
      • Submit your blog post
    • Events
    • White Papers
    • Industry Press Room
      • Upload Your News
    • New Products
      • Upload Your Product News
    • Conference Guides
    • Conference Reports
    • Newsletters
    • Mobile Apps
  • DCV-TV
    • DCV-TV 1: News
    • DCV-TV 2: Case Studies
    • DCV-TV 3: Webcasts
    • DCV-TV 4: Viewer Contributed
    • DCV-TV 5: Solution Profiles
    • Parcel Forum 2022
    • MODEX 2022
    • Upload Your Video
Home » Wal-Mart DCs may go green: retailer tests fuel-cell powered forklifts
newsworthy

Wal-Mart DCs may go green: retailer tests fuel-cell powered forklifts

November 1, 2006
DC Velocity Staff
No Comments

When it comes to exploring new technologies, Wal-Mart isn't stopping with RFID. The mega retailer currently has tests under way to determine the feasibility of replacing the traditional lead acid batteries in its forklift trucks with fuel cells.

In a four-month pilot project, Wal-Mart is using 14 Cellex hydrogen fuel cells to power trucks used in two Ohio DCs. The objective of the trial is to determine how the fuel cells stack up against traditional batteries in both performance and health and safety benefits. The fuel cells being tested are said to increase productivity by enabling trucks to stay on the floor longer, and to provide safety benefits by eliminating the need to handle lead and acid as is required with industrial batteries.

The trial's outcome could have far-reaching environmental implications. Given its size and global presence, the retailer could achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gases and other pollutants. "Wal-Mart's leadership in testing hydrogen fuel cells is very important not only for the material handling sector but also for the global environment," says Tom Hoying, vice president of sales and marketing at Cellex.

The project, a consortium led by Cellex Power Products Corp., has received a $1 million grant through the Third Frontier Fuel Cell Initiative. BOC, a global hydrogen supplier, is supplying hydrogen for the trial. New Bremen, Ohio-based Crown Equipment Corp. has supplied pallet trucks for the testing at Wal-Mart's DC in Grove City, Ohio. In addition, OKI Systems, a lift truck servicing dealer, is providing service and support. The Cellex units use fuel cell stacks from Ballard Power Systems Inc., a developer of zero-emission proton exchange membrane fuel cells.

Material Handling Internal Movement Lift Trucks, Personnel & Burden Carriers
  • Related Articles

    small may be beautiful, but Wal-Mart's sticking with big

    Teamsters target Wal-Mart DCs

    Wal-Mart's "green" campaign pays off in Canada

Recent Articles by DC Velocity Staff

Air cargo demand slumped in 2022 after “extraordinary” levels in 2021

Logistics gives back: February 2023

Intermodal sector weathered a “challenging” year in 2022, IANA says

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Most Popular Articles

  • Schneider welcomes first battery-electric truck

  • Fred Smith is not worried about Amazon

  • RJW LOGISTICS GROUP EXPANDS RETAIL LOGISTICS OPERATION TO DALLAS

  • Maersk deploys indoor drones for warehouse inventory counts

  • Outlook 2023: What’s in store for logistics/supply chain?

Now Playing on DCV-TV

C8c3bc6b a91d 4181 a18f 35f288257630

ACPaQ: Fast and reliable automated mixed case palletizer

DCV-TV 4: Viewer Contributed
Fully Automated Mixed Case Palletizing ACPaQ is a universally applicable solution for fully automated order picking of mixed case pallets based on customers‘ requirements. Its software allows you to customize the palletizing order to increase efficiency during in-store replenishment. The mixed case palletizer...

FEATURED WHITE PAPERS

  • The five best applications for robotic lift trucks in warehouse environments

  • Fulfillment Facility Improved Efficiencies by 4x

  • 3PLs: Complete Orders Faster with Flexible Automation

  • Reusable Packaging for the New Wave of Supply Chain Automation

View More

Subscribe to DC Velocity Magazine

GET YOUR FREE SUBSCRIPTION
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • NEWSLETTERS
  • ADVERTISING
  • CUSTOMER CARE
  • CONTACT
  • ABOUT
  • STAFF
  • PRIVACY POLICY

Copyright ©2023. All Rights ReservedDesign, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing