April 2015, a two year demonstration of fuel cell powered cargo tractor was launched at the Federal Express facility at Memphis International Airport in Tennessee with partners electric airport ramp vehicle manufacturer Charlatte America and fuel cell manufacturer Plug Power DOE provided $2.5 million, with $2.5 million in cost share. Fifteen cargo tractors will be tested at the airport and are expected to save more than 175,000 gallons of diesel fuel over two years, as well as reduce the airport’s carbon dioxide emissions by more than 1,700 metric tons. 16 The vehicles will operate at the airport for 87,600 hours over the course of the demonstration.There are more than 60,000 ground support equipment trucks in North America, representing an important market and opportunity to offer further energy and environmental benefits at airports.
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