The aim of HyLIFT-EUROPE is to demonstrate more than 200 fuel cell material handling vehicles and associated refuelling infrastructure at 2 sites across Europe (the initial plan foresaw 5-20 sites), making it the largest European trial of hydrogen fuel cell material handling vehicles so far. This continues efforts of the previous FCH JU supported HyLIFT-DEMO project.

In the HyLIFT-EUROPE project the partners demonstrate fuel cell systems in material handling vehicles from the partner STILL and from non-participating OEMs. STILL purchases fuel cell systems from suppliers according to the FCH JU purchasing rules (“principles of economy, efficiency and effectiveness”). Fuel cell vehicles from other non-participating OEMs are also demonstrated due to identified customer needs. The high volume combined with the FCH JU support is enabling a cost-neutral demonstration operation for vehicle-users. Dialogues have been established with 33 vehicle-users with a combined fleet of 2,097 vehicles of the types targeted for demonstration.

At the vehicle-user sites 2 hydrogen refuelling stations (HRSs) are to be deployed (initially the deployment of 5-20 HRS was planned) using the latest technology by Air Liquide. To arrive at the target hydrogen price of 8-12 €/kg (average target < 10 €/kg) dispensed at the pump, vehicle deployment locations are to be chosen close to hydrogen production locations whenever possible in order to arrive at the lowest hydrogen supply cost.

The project partners cover the entire value chain and all the disciplines and technologies required for providing fully working hydrogen powered fuel cell material handling solutions ranging from vehicle manufacturers, infrastructure operators to SME companies.

The partners will also plan and ensure initiation of supported market deployment beyond 2018 and validation of performance targets on durability, efficiency and costs from the demonstration activities. Project results and experiences will be disseminated throughout Europe targeting early adopters of hydrogen vehicles, focused on large European industrial users of material handling vehicles, as well as on key policy and industry stakeholders.