New Electric Vehicles, Fueling Stations Debut at Port of Los Angeles

The Port of Los Angeles is unveiling five new hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicles and two hydrogen fueling stations as part of an $82.5 million “shore-to-store” project that brings together over a dozen public and private stakeholders to conduct demonstrations of zero-emissions equipment and vehicles.

That includes Class 8 trucks, five more hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks, a pair of battery-powered yard tractors and two battery-charged forklifts, according to the port.

“Transporting goods between our port and (inland) is the first leg of this next journey toward a zero-emissions future,” said port Executive Director Gene Seroka. “This project is a model for developing and commercializing the next generation of clean trucks and cargo-handling equipment for the region and beyond. Just as the air we breathe extends beyond the port’s footprint, so should the clean air and economic benefits we believe this project will yield.”

Toyota Motor North America designed and constructed the powertrain’s fuel cell electric power supply system, while Kenworth Truck Co. used Toyota’s fuel cell electric system to build the Class 8 trucks, and Shell Oil Products US created and will run the two new high-capacity hydrogen fueling stations in Wilmington and Ontario, according to port officials.

Kenworth built all 10 of the T680 FCEVs involved in the project, with the first five vehicles delivered to fleets in California for commercial service at the port, said Kenworth General Manager and PACCAR Vice President Kevin Baney.

“This significant fuel cell electric vehicle program at the Port of Los Angeles is a key element of Kenworth’s industry-leading efforts of ‘Driving to Zero Emissions’ in the U.S. and Canada,” he said.

By Pacific Maritime