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DHL Supply Chain and Diageo North America have expanded their sustainability efforts by introducing two hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks into their U.S. fleet. These Class 8 trucks, manufactured by Nikola Corporation, are the first of their kind to operate daily in Illinois, marking a significant milestone in sustainable transportation. The collaboration between DHL, Diageo, and Nikola aims to reduce emissions and support a cleaner environment.
Key Highlights
- First hydrogen fuel cell trucks in Illinois, powered by Nikola, for DHL and Diageo’s logistics operations.
- Expected to reduce carbon emissions by 80% annually compared to diesel trucks.
- Hydrogen fuel cell trucks produce no tailpipe emissions, contributing to cleaner air.
- Enhanced driver experience with reduced noise, improved safety, and comfort.
DHL Supply Chain has been a trusted logistics partner for Diageo North America for over 20 years, working together on innovative solutions to decarbonize logistics operations. The introduction of hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks is part of a broader sustainability strategy that includes the use of battery electric vehicles, route optimization, and collaboration with US EPA SmartWay partner carriers to reduce carbon emissions.
“We are thrilled to integrate Nikola’s hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks into our U.S. fleet,” said Jim Monkmeyer, President of Transportation, DHL Supply Chain. “As a global logistics company with the goal of decarbonizing its business, we’ve integrated sustainability as a fourth strategic bottom line named ‘Green Logistics of Choice’ in our newly announced Strategy 2030. The deployment of these fuel cell electric vehicles is one of many initiatives that demonstrates how we are putting action behind our words.”
Nikola’s hydrogen trucks utilize fuel cell technology to convert hydrogen into electricity, providing up to 500 miles of range on a single fill. Replacing diesel vehicles, these trucks are set to reduce local emissions like particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, enhancing air quality. The trucks also feature improved driver comfort and safety, with advanced camera support and reduced noise.
Marsha McIntosh, President of North America Supply at Diageo, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “We are extremely excited to be a part of this partnership delivering the first set of heavy-duty hydrogen trucks to Illinois, home to our largest manufacturing hub in North America. This initiative is part of our continued work to decarbonize our footprint in Plainfield, Illinois making our operations more efficient and sustainable.”
The introduction of these trucks is also part of Diageo’s commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions across its operations by 2030, aligning with its Spirit of Progress action plan. The Plainfield, Illinois hub, home to several of Diageo’s iconic brands, plays a strategic role in their sustainability journey.
The partnership between DHL, Diageo, and Nikola involved 18 months of collaboration to ensure a successful deployment. Extensive coordination with state and local stakeholders, trial runs, and technology education ensured the smooth rollout of these hydrogen trucks. This milestone builds on the companies’ ongoing efforts, which began in 2015 with the introduction of electric vehicle (EV) yard trucks at the Diageo campus.
Steve Girsky, President and CEO of Nikola, commented, “We’re proud to work alongside visionary partners like DHL and Diageo in driving the transition to zero-emissions transportation. Their commitment to sustainability aligns perfectly with our mission, and we are honored to provide the HYLA hydrogen as well as the hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks that power this shared goal.”
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