Still has become the first original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in Europe to offer its own hydrogen fuel cell systems for forklifts and other warehouse equipment.

The milestone was reached as production of 24-volt fuel cell systems at Still’s Hamburg plant commenced in front of a gathering of special guests.

All Still’s fuel cell systems will be produced at the plant in future, from individual components through the production cycle to final quality checks. 

“The expansion of green hydrogen technology as an emission-free and resource-saving drive system plays a decisive role in this," says Dr Florian Heydenreich, executive vice president of sales and service at Still EMEA. 

"Today we are taking a big step forward on this important path and making the use of fuel cell systems possible and feasible for our customers." 

Still is collaborating with Hydrogentle, which specialises in the planning, design and implementation of green hydrogen projects, to ensure its customers receive everything from a single source, from industrial equipment including fuel cell systems to consulting, planning, service and the entire hydrogen infrastructure.

To give customers with smaller fleets access to fuel cell technology, Still will also offer a mobile hydrogen filling station for refuelling hydrogen and fuel cell powered vehicles as a rental solution from the first quarter of 2024.

This will give customers the opportunity to test fuel cell technology for around four weeks in real-life operating scenarios. 

Still is already working on a 48-volt fuel cell system, which will also be produced at the Hamburg plant.

The company developed the fuel cell system with the assistance of EUR1.9 million (USD2.1 million) in funding from the National Innovation Program for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology.