Case Study: Lithion Battery and Hyster Yale’s Fully Electric Shipping Container Handler at the Port of Los Angeles

The Port of Los Angeles, one of the world's busiest ports, witnessed a sustainable innovation in the form of Hyster Yale’s hydrogen fuel cell-powered container handler, Powered by Lithion. This initiative exemplifies a growing trend towards zero-emission solutions in heavy-duty industrial applications, showcasing the potential of alternative energies and the role that lithium batteries can play in such systems. Lithium battery pack manufacturer Lithion specializes in customizing battery solutions that have been instrumental in realizing the project. 

Project Overview:

  • Location: Port of Los Angeles, Long Beach, California.
  • Key Players: Hyster Yale / Nuvera, LLC, Hyster®, Lithion Battery, Fenix Marine Services, Center for Transportation and the Environment, and the California Air Resources Board.
  • Objective: Introduce a zero-emission container handler, powered by fuel cells, to meet the rigorous demands of port operations without compromising the environment.

Key Features:

  • Fuel Cell Engines: The container handler is powered by two Nuvera® E-45 fuel cell engines + 96kWh lithium phosphate battery pack from Lithion Battery.  (EV version with 396kWh has also been built by Hyster Yale’s expert team in the Netherlands
  • Performance: Provides 8-10 hours of continuous operation, with refueling times estimated at a mere 15 minutes.
  • Hybrid Power: The hydrogen fuel cell engines work alongside an onboard lithium-ion battery. The battery not only powers the equipment directly but also captures and stores regenerated energy, thereby optimizing fuel efficiency.

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Benefits:

  • Sustainability: Zero-emission operations help combat greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to cleaner air quality.

  • Operational Efficiency: Nuvera's hydrogen-powered vehicles are aptly suited for the demanding cycles and lifting requirements of port operations.

  • Economic Competitiveness: In an age of tightening emission regulations, fuel cell solutions enable port authorities to remain compliant without compromising operational efficiency.

  • Community Impact: The project is part of the California Climate Investments initiative, aiming to strengthen the economy, enhance public health, and provide significant benefits to disadvantaged and low-income communities.

CEO’s Statement: Lucien Robroek, CEO at Nuvera, highlighted the potential of hydrogen-powered vehicles in port operations. Emphasizing the honor they feel by being a part of this pilot, he anticipates seeing the container handler's daily use at the Fenix terminal.

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Lithion's Role and Expertise:

Integral to the success of projects like the one at the Port of Los Angeles is the underlying battery technology. Lithion, a seasoned name in the realm of lithium solutions, brings over two decades of experience to the table. They are adept at creating custom solutions, catering to specific needs, making them an invaluable partner for bespoke applications such as Nuvera's container handler.

Lithion’s key offerings include:

  • Versatility: They can craft battery packs ranging from 12V to a 1000V and from kWh to MWh ensuring they can handle a variety of energy demands.
  • Customization: Lithion have “off the shelf” modules but can also offer full bespoke packs tailored to the customers’ requirements including energy, power, communications protocols, functional safety requirements etc.  
  • Wide range of expertise in multiple applications, Lithion has been used successfully in industrial, commercial marine, railway, and commercial automotive applications for many years.
  • Compliance: Lithion has experience in DNV, IEC, UL and many other certifications . 
  • Proven Track Record: With over 20 years in the business, Lithion isn't just a provider but a partner with a history of safe, reliable lithium solutions.

Given such capabilities, it's plausible that a leader like Nuvera would collaborate with an experienced partner like Lithion. Their shared commitment to innovation and sustainability could pave the way for more zero-emission solutions in ports and other heavy-duty applications globally.

Nuvera is not just restricted to the Port of Los Angeles. They are also:

  • Powering vehicles at Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) Container Terminal in Hamburg. 
  • Involved in the H2PORTS pilot project at the Port of Valencia.

Nuvera’s overarching vision is to make ports around the world greener by offering zero-emission fuel cell solutions tailored for various port operations.

Lithion's Role and Expertise:

Integral to the success of projects like the one at the Port of Los Angeles is the underlying battery technology. Lithion, a seasoned name in the realm of lithium solutions, brings over two decades of experience to the table. They are adept at creating modular solutions, catering to specific needs, making them an invaluable partner for bespoke applications such as Nuvera's container handler.

About Nuvera Fuel Cells, LLC:

A subsidiary of the Hyster-Yale Group, Nuvera Fuel Cells, LLC stands as a beacon for heavy-duty, zero-emission engines tailored for mobility applications. With a global presence, they're committed to meeting the demanding needs of various transportation markets.

Technological Synergy and Wider Implications:

The project at the Port of Los Angeles underscores the power of combining multiple technologies. While hydrogen fuel cells provide the core energy source, the integration with lithium-ion batteries, potentially like those from Valence Battery Manufacturer, brings about efficiency and fuel optimization. This symbiotic relationship between hydrogen fuel cells and batteries serves as a beacon for how industries can harness clean technologies to pave the way for a more sustainable future.

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