DHL Supply Chain, a provider of contract logistics, and Diageo North America, announced plans to incorporate two fuel-cell electric trucks, powered with hydrogen to their US fleet. The Class 8 trucks, manufactured by Nikola Corporation, will be deployed and fueled with a HYLA modular refueler at the Diageo campus in Plainfield, Ill., marking a milestone for the state.
Nikola trucks to be the first Class 8 hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles operated day-to-day in the state of Illinois.
The hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks are part of a broader sustainable supply chain strategy that has included the use of battery electric vehicles, optimizing vehicle usage and routes, shifting to a multimodal approach, and increased use of US EPA SmartWay partner carriers. These efforts have resulted in year-over-year reductions in carbon dioxide emissions for both Diageo and DHL.
Nikola‘s hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks offer a sustainable, and efficient alternative to traditional diesel-powered vehicles.
- The trucks use fuel cell technology to convert hydrogen into electricity, powering the vehicle’s electric motors providing up to 500 miles in range on a single fill.
- Replacing two diesel trucks with fuel-cell electric vehicles is expected to reduce 80% of the carbon emissions over the course of a year.
- The trucks produce no tailpipe emissions, contributing to cleaner air and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
- The switch from diesel to fuel cell electric vehicles will significantly reduce local emissions including particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions.
- The trucks also offer significant improvements in driver comfort and safety by reducing noise and vibrations, leading to less driver fatigue. It also enhances visibility with advanced camera support.
With the trucks being the first of its kind to operate in Ill., DHL Supply Chain, Diageo North America, and Nikola collaborated for more than 18 months to ensure a successful deployment. The initiative involved extensive coordination with state and local stakeholders to enable a smooth and safe rollout. The collaboration entailed reviewing critical operational parameters, conducting trial runs under real-world operating conditions, and securing permissions to operate hydrogen fueling assets.
Additionally, the companies provided education about the new technology, demonstrating the commitment of all parties involved to pioneering safe sustainable transportation solutions.
Filed Under: Technology News