(Source: PrimeNewswire)
LATHAM, N.Y., Sept. 23, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Plug Power Inc. (Nasdaq:PLUG), a leader in providing clean, reliable energy solutions, today announced that its GenDrive(tm) fuel cell solution has exceeded a combined total run time of one million operating hours at material handling customer sites across North America. Plug Power placed the first commercially available unit into the field in 2007 and currently is tracking 379 GenDrive units of its installed base.
The GenDrive fleets consist of a mix of 98 class-1 sit down counterbalance trucks, 2 class-2 standup reach trucks, and 279 class-3 units in pallet jacks and specialty vehicles at more than 20 customer sites. Accumulated runtimes include: class-1 units - 103,532 hours; class-2 units - 3,996 hours; and class-3 units - 903,276 hours.
GenDrive fuel cells are a superior alternative to lead acid batteries in electric lift trucks and allow for maximum performance from the truck for an entire shift. Customers experience increased productivity and reduced operating costs as operators move more product in less time during each shift. Powered by hydrogen, GenDrive eliminates the need to change, store, charge and maintain toxic lead acid batteries. For newly constructed facilities, customers can completely avoid the upfront investment necessary for the costly battery-charging electrical infrastructure. Operators can refuel the units at compact, strategically placed hydrogen stations throughout the distribution center in as little as 60 seconds, and it is safe and easy.
Plug Power's GenDrive units are used in daily operation by major commercial customers such as Wal-Mart, Nestle Waters, Central Grocers, Sysco and Bridgestone Firestone, who alone has accumulated over 440,000 hours of runtime on its GenDrive fleet, and over 20,000 hours of runtime on its first installed GenDrive unit. Parallel to unit operating hours, lift truck drivers have performed over 70,000 refuelings, dispensing 55,000 kilograms of hydrogen.
As Plug Power expands its product offering and extends its reach into the material handling market, hours continue to accumulate at an accelerated rate. "We're seeing operating metrics hitting 25,000 to 30,000 hours per week," said Tom Hoying, Vice President of Sales for Plug Power Inc. "This accomplishment marks yet another significant milestone for Plug Power. The commercial launch of our class-2 product in the fourth quarter will allow customers to fully transition their facilities, and realize the economic, operational and environmental benefits of Plug Power's GenDrive solution."
About Plug Power Inc.
Plug Power Inc.
