Global logistics company UPS has said it is to deploy a prototype extended range Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) in its Rolling Laboratory fleet of alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles.

In a statement UPS said it is working with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and other partners to design a “first-of-its-kind, zero tailpipe emissions, Class 6 medium-duty delivery truck” will be able to meet the same route and range requirements of UPS’s existing conventional fuel vehicles.

The vehicle will use the fuel cell to generate electricity for propulsion.

The first FCEV prototype will be deployed in Sacramento, California and UPS plans to start road tests in the third quarter of 2017. “Current project plans call for additional UPS trucks to be validated with at least 5,000 hours of in-service operational performance,” said UPS. “All of the trucks will be deployed in California due to that state’s ongoing investment in zero tailpipe emissions transportation and installment of hydrogen fueling stations around the state.

Mark Wallace, UPS senior vice president global engineering and sustainability, commented: “The challenge we face with fuel cell technology is to ensure the design can meet the unique operational demands of our delivery vehicles on a commercial scale.

“This project is an essential step to test the zero tailpipe emissions technology and vehicle on the road for UPS and the transportation industry. We have a long history of developing and promoting the use of more sustainable alternative fuels with our Rolling Laboratory, and hope that by bringing our unique expertise to the development of hydrogen fuels, we can help advance the technology.”

Each FCEV produces electricity which continuously charges the batteries, thereby providing additional power and an extended range of 125 miles. The UPS trucks are equipped with a 32kW fuel cell coupled to 45kWh of battery storage and 10kg of hydrogen fuel.  
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