The project team, led by the Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE), is building and deploying four fuel cell hybrid electric walk-in delivery vans designed to meet the needs of the end-user, the United Parcel Service (UPS). Linamar, a powertrain systems manufacturer, is leading the final analysis and design for fuel cell integration; integrating the Ballard fuel cell, power electronics, hydrogen storage system, and controls into the vehicle; and conducting all test and validation activities for the initial delivery van. The vehicles are produced, tested, and then shipped to UPS for a real-world demonstration and validation period. All required data for the demonstration phase are being collected, processed, and provided in accordance with the California Air Resources Board requirements.
The propulsion system and vehicle design criteria are based on the needs of UPS. The existing UPS battery electric vehicles meet approximately 70% of UPS route range requirements. When configured with the fuel cell hybrid electric propulsion system being deployed by this project, these vehicles are expected to meet almost 95% of UPS service needs. The team is confident that after a successful pilot deployment in the UPS fleet, additional fleet operators will be interested in adopting the same extended range zero-emission technology.
Deploying medium-duty delivery vans outfitted with fuel cell hybrid electric powertrains will allow fleet operators to replace traditional diesel-powered vans with a zero-emission alternative that has greater range than other clean vehicle technologies, such as battery electric vans. The increased range of the proposed fuel cell-powered system and the ability to supply it as a conversion kit to vehicle upfitters will accelerate its commercialization and widespread market acceptance. The project is also fulfilling an unmet need for zero-emission vehicles in the Class 6 delivery vehicle market that are capable of achieving all of the end-users’ duty-cycles.
