With only water vapor and heat as byproducts, hydrogen fuel cells produce zero harmful emissions. On average, companies that use hydrogen fuel cell-powered lift trucks can expect a 33 percent average reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to lead-acid battery systems charged from the electrical grid – a critical reduction for companies that prioritize green initiatives and strive to reduce their carbon footprint.
The disposal of batteries affords further financial and environmental advantages for hydrogen fuel cell-powered systems. Lead-acid batteries typically require replacement every three to five years, accumulating replacement costs and burdening operations with the disposal of depleted units. However, on average, fuel cells only need replacement approximately every ten years, resulting in a lower life cycle cost, reduced disruption to operations and minimal environmental impact.