Wiggins Lift has selected Loop Energy to provide the fuel cell system for its new hydrogen-powered eBull forklift product.
Loop Energy will deliver the system and begin commissioning in Q2 2023 to support commercial deployment of the hydrogen-electric forklifts in late 2023.
Wiggins’ transition to hydrogen-electric is partly motivated by the target of ports in California to achieve net zero by 2030. Faced with a strained electrical grid, hydrogen has emerged as an accessible, zero-emissions solution to complete port operations.
Powered by a Loop Energy S300 (30 kW) fuel cell system, Wiggins’ eBull forklift will transport boats, bulk cargo and equipment at ports and marinas. The intense and long-duty cycles of materials handling vehicles mean that operational uptime and fuel consumption are key contributors to an operator’s total cost of ownership.
Wiggins says it selected Loop Energy as its technology provider after impressing across key metrics, including fuel efficiency, operating lifetime and integration, and after-sales support.
“Wiggins’ vehicles operate in some of the world’s busiest and most productive ports. Their decision to choose our fuel cells further validates our technology and hydrogen’s role in transforming this large market segment,” says Loop Energy president and CEO Ben Nyland
“We see the increased operational uptime and capacity to achieve higher duty cycles that fuel cell-powered vehicles can offer as key points of difference for our customers,” says Wiggins Lift Co. CEO Michele Wiggins. “Loop Energy’s commitment to customer support and delivering a high-performing product made it easy to choose them as our technology provider.”
Wiggins Lift manufactures high-capacity forklifts for marine, industrial, agriculture, military, and other specialised applications.
Loop Energy is a leading designer and manufacturer of fuel cell systems for the electrification of commercial vehicles, including light commercial vehicles, transit buses and medium and heavy-duty trucks.