Oorja Protonics Introduces Methanol-Based, On-Board Battery Charger, 50 Times More Powerful Than Competition

FREMONT, Calif.--Oorja Protonics, the leader in ultra-powerful liquid methanol fuel cell technology, adds OorjaPac^TM Model 1 to its product line. This addition to the OorjaPac family is 50 times more powerful than other direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) products available in the market. With a 4.5kW power output, Model 1 has the highest power output in the methanol fuel cell industry. Moreover, with an operating cost of $0.18/kW-hour, the Model 1 is an economical solution for forklift operators and fleet managers.

“Oorja’s newest product answers the needs of Class I and II forklifts for extended shift runtime as well as improved productivity costs. Additionally, the product allows other underserved industries to benefit from Oorja's Model 1.”

OorjaPac addresses low vehicle runtime and operational cost challenges facing material handling fleet managers. OorjaPac continuously trickle-charges the on-board battery in a material handling vehicle, regardless of whether it is operating or parked, which ensures the battery never reaches a state of deep discharge. Battery charge and power are maintained at high levels and the battery is not subject to heat damage caused during recharging. This significantly increases productivity by eliminating the labor and equipment costs associated with battery swapping.

“The Model 1 introduction is an innovation in technology and product development in the methanol fuel cell industry," said Sara Bradford, Principal Consultant for the Frost & Sullivan North American Energy and Power Systems Practice. “Oorja’s newest product answers the needs of Class I and II forklifts for extended shift runtime as well as improved productivity costs. Additionally, the product allows other underserved industries to benefit from Oorja's Model 1.”

OorjaPac operates on liquid methanol. The eleven gallon methanol fuel tank is sufficient to power two eight hour shifts. Methanol is a widely available and easy to handle energy source. It is produced from natural gas and from land fill gases and bio-waste. The process of fueling the OorjaPac is as simple as refueling a car.

“Oorja is leading the commercialization of fuel cells in forklifts by using inexpensive, abundant and easy-to-handle methanol instead of volatile and expensive hydrogen for material handling operations,” said Sanjiv Malhotra, Founder and CEO of Oorja Protonics. “A single refuel of the new Model 1 takes less than one minute, and can last two eight-hour shifts. We’ve seen payback in as little as six months, with companies seeing full payback in 12-15 months.”

About Oorja Protonics

Oorja Protonics designs, develops and manufactures the most powerful direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) in the world. In development for three years and on its fifth generation of technology, Oorja’s products are customer proven, reliable, affordable and available today. Oorja’s customers include Fortune 50 companies in retail, automotive, logistics, and food processing. Founded in 2005, Oorja is a privately-held company and is backed by venture capital firms Sequoia Capital, Spring Ventures, McKenna Management and DAG Ventures. For more information, visit www.oorjaprotonics.com.