The hydrogen-powered ZECAP yard truck is showing that fuel cell technology can meet the rigorous demands at TraPac’s busy terminal at the Port of Los Angeles. Funded by Cap and Trade dollars, the project led by GTI Energy proves that hydrogen is a viable source of clean energy to haul heavy loads in a demanding 24/7 environment.
Piloting Zero-Emission Transportation
at the Port of Los Angeles
Webinar | December 14, 2022
Two plug-in zero-emission Class 8 yard trucks built by Capacity Trucks, BAE Systems, and Ballard Power Systems move heavy containers from dock to port gates. (Picture R5C26722)
Once a day, the trucks stop at the hydrogen refueling station developed by HTEC to refill the tank. Fueling takes just minutes, which is essential for a busy operation. (Picture R5C26865)
ZECAP’s deployment of fuel cell-electric hybrid yard trucks is delivering insightful information to validate the vehicles’ commercial viability. GTI Energy and Frontier Energy, with support from SoCalGas, are collecting data that is demonstrating that fuel cell powered yard trucks are safe, reliable, and operationally preferable to diesel equipment. This will inform design of a next-generation fuel cell yard truck that is a step closer to commercialization and stimulate adoption of other clean heavy-duty vehicles.
Yard trucks are the single largest source of emissions in all classifications of cargo handling equipment and are difficult to convert to zero emission due to their unique duty cycle and their requirements for power, versatility, and durability. The ultimate goal is to replace all 1,000 diesel-powered yard trucks that operate at the Port of Los Angeles with zero emission vehicles, which will significantly improve air quality and reduce noise pollution for the people who live near the busy port.
