Memphis Business Journal - Congressman Cohen test drives zero emission FedEx tractors

U.S. Congressman Steve Cohen joined FedEx Corp. team members for a test drive of the world’s first zero-emission, hydrogen fuel cell ground support equipment Thursday.

FedEx collaborated with CharlatteAmerica, Plug Power Inc. and the U.S. Department of Energy to create 15 hydrogen fuel cell-powered Charlatte GSE cargo tractors and a Plug Power Inc. hydrogen fueling station.

“Whether helping secure the $15 million TIGER grant that is funding the Main2Main project or promoting forward-looking clean energy programs, I have long worked to make Memphis a more sustainable and innovative community,” Cohen said. “I am pleased that FedEx and Fred Smith share these goals, not just with their cutting-edge air cargo and distribution efforts, but with environmentally advanced projects like these that improve our environment by reducing carbon footprints while bolstering our economy.”

The company is operating the equipment under a $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.

The hydrogen fuel cell-powered tractors are part of a fleet of more than 1,500 gas, diesel and electric cargo tractors at the FedEx World Hub that move an average 20 million pounds, or approximately 2 million shipments, each day.

“While these hydrogen fuel cell-powered cargo tractors may not look big, they are capable of pulling 40,000 pounds of cargo on airport dollies in even the harshest weather conditions; and they embody our strong commitments to innovation and to reducing our environmental footprint,” said John Dunavant, vice president of the FedEx Express World Hub in Memphis.