Comments on: Hydrogen Fuel Cell-Powered Forklifts

By: Chicago Forklift

Chicago Forklift — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 19:52:50 +0000

That’s such a great idea. I can’t wait for more battery powered options to be available. Especially around food I would think it extremely important to not pump fossil fuel into the air around it.

Sincerly,
Jared Haquin

By: Forklift

Forklift — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 06:50:48 +0000

I like this is so nice.Is very useful.

By: Adam M

Adam M — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 14:31:34 +0000

I didn’t know that Whole Foods was going to go through with the fuel cell. This is a great value in your warehouse, hopefully soon it will be more common and more cost efficient. I believe that now all of the govt money is gone so good luck buying a fuel cell for $3,000. Plug power is a great supplier, he is a video from another supplier from Promat. I find this video very interesting, http://warehouseiq.com/video-nuvera-shows-off-hydrogen-fuel-cells-for-lift-trucks-at-promat-2011/

By: M Sharp

M Sharp — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 21:06:21 +0000

Great article. I really appreciate large companies such as Whole Foods taking steps even behind the scenes to minimize their carbon footprint. Who would’ve thought that forklifts are such an energy vampire!? Well done Whole Foods!

By: Hal Helms

Hal Helms — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 16:38:59 +0000

I’m not clear on the adjusted cost of $3000. If this is a subsidized price then we are still a long way from a marketable product. But at least its a start.

By: Jenny

Jenny — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 23:25:57 +0000

On the important topic of energy use, are there plans for Whole Foods stores to change from open to closed refrigerator cases? It’s such a significant use of energy, with the only advantage to open cases being a more appealing visual display. Of course I realize that translates to sales dollars, but considering the state of things it’s a very logical place where we could all agree to go back to the more sensible, if slightly less convenient, way of maintaining perishables. And I promise to still shop Whole Foods even if I have to open doors to reach yogurt!

I would love to see Whole Foods become the major grocery store chain to lead the charge on this one. It’s such a common-sense move that I’m sure I’m not your only customer who would be glad to see the change.

By: lynda harmon

lynda harmon — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 22:11:05 +0000

that is too cool….

By: Vancouverite

Vancouverite — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:57:22 +0000

This is a great story. However, I am curious about the statement that the fuel cells resulted in 80% less GHG emissions. I’d be interested to see the numbers behind that. While hydrogen can and will do many great things, it isn’t an energy solution in itself because it has to be produced using energy or fossil fuels (whether by electrolysis of water using electricity or by reforming natural gas to make H2). So the equation is complicated. If your electrical energy comes from coal burning power plants, then switching to H2 is a good idea emissions wise. But if your electricity comes from hydro power, and your H2 comes from natural gas, then you may be creating more GHG emissions by going to fuel cells.

Well, I’m off now to go shopping at WF.

By: Ira

Ira — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:03:29 +0000

Hi there, I really commend Whole Foods for making this move. I also have to give credit to the government for making all of this possible. I support funds given towards these sustainable goals for reasons exactly like this!

I just have one question…what happened to all of the old lead-acid batteries?

By: Haderade

Haderade — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:56:18 +0000

Yet another reason to love Whole Foods, besides their awesome food. I’ve worked warehousing and I know how those things work. Its amazing to be able to refill the fuel cell and continue on your way. Kudos!