Modular fuel cell and H2 storage system for vehicles

A method of adapting a lift truck frame to operate using an electrical system, the method comprising:

• arranging an electric drive train within a central opening between longitudinal frame members of the lift truck;
• connecting one or more vertically arranged pairs of brackets to one or more of the longitudinal frame members;
• securing a vertically arranged frame member of at least one modular frame to at least one of the one or more pairs of brackets, wherein the at least one modular frame houses one or more components selected from a group comprising a fuel cell, a hydrogen storage tank, a lithium-ion battery, and a battery cooling system;
• and
• providing one or more integration members including mechanical and electrical connectors for connecting the lift truck connection members to the components housed in the at least one modular frame, wherein the integration members are the same for a modular frame housing a battery and a modular frame housing a fuel cell, thereby permitting the modular frame to mechanically and electrically connect with the lift truck without modification of the connection members on the lift truck regardless of the components contained in the modular frame.

A reach truck comprising:

• a frame comprising two longitudinally arranged frame members having a space between them;
• one or more pairs of brackets vertically arranged along one or more of the longitudinally arranged frame members;
• at least one modular frame having a vertically arranged frame member connected to at least one of the pairs of brackets;
• a plurality of components arranged within the at least one modular frame based on user needs, wherein the plurality of components are selected from a group comprising a lithium-ion battery, a fuel cell, a hydrogen storage tank, and a battery cooling system;
• and
• integration members configured to mechanically and electrically connect the components arranged in the modular frame to the reach truck, wherein the integration members are the same regardless of whether the modular frame houses a fuel cell, a hydrogen storage tank, a lithium-ion battery, or a battery cooling system.