Hyundai Construction Equipment Co. is set to develop small-sized, hydrogen cell-powered forklifts. It will team up with S-Fuelcell Co., a local hydrogen fuel cell maker, to commercially produce 1-3 ton forklifts that will be powered by hydrogen cells by 2023, the subsidiary of Hyundai Genuine Co. said on Tuesday.
Hyundai Construction Equipment and S-Fuellcell to work in synergy
As per their deal, Hyundai Construction Equipment will produce the hydrogen forklifts, communication systems, and power pack control, while S-Fuelcell will be responsible for developing and delivering the hydrogen fuel cell power packs.
A regular forklift produces a range of harmful greenhouse gases, thus making these hydrogen fuel cell-powered forklifts much safer for both the operators and the environment, as the only emissions from a hydrogen fuel cell forklift are water and heat. On top of that, charging a hydrogen fuel cell forklift is quick, thus saving time and boosting productivity.
The hydrogen fuel cell power packs can last for 8 hours on a single charge.
Hyundai strives to solidify its position in the market further
With this, Hyundai Construction Equipment Co. can further solidify its leading position in the now growing market for eco-friendly forklifts. S-Fuelcell can secure its stance as a stable supplier of hydrogen cells in the future.
In cooperation with Hyundai Mobis Co., South Korea’s biggest auto parts maker, Hyundai Construction Equipment developed 5-ton hydrogen fuel cell-powered forklifts in 2020, the South Korean construction machinery maker said.
“Hyundai Construction Equipment and Hyundai Mobis succeeded in developing the first 5-ton medium-sized hydrogen forklift truck in Korea in 2020. We will lead the eco-friendly logistics business by expanding our product lineup to a ~3-ton class small hydrogen forklift truck.”
Last month, Hyundai Heavy Industries Group set up its second sub-holding company Hyundai Genuine, with two construction equipment makers, Doosan Infracore Co. and Hyundai Construction Equipment.
The group completed a deal with Doosan Group to take over Doosan Infracore last month.
