Toyota unveils fuel cell forklift
November 7th 2005

Toyota showed off its latest breakthrough – a fuel cell hybrid system for forklifts – at last month’s CeMAT expo in Hannover. Although the Toyota says some technical issues remain to be solved before the use of fuel cell forklifts becomes widespread, the company is bullish regarding the technology’s viability.

The company leveraged the experience of its motor division to produce this first in the forklift industry, which it says will reduce harmful emissions and reduce costs due to minimal refilling and less maintenance when compared to electric forklifts. In addition, Toyota claims the hybrid system ensures constant power delivery and performance, eliminating the reduction in voltage output that occurs as batteries discharge.

At the time of going to press, Toyota was unable to provide an answer as to when the fuel cell might be commercially available

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