DHL has introduced hydrogen-powered Nikola semi trucks and a standalone hydrogen fueling station to support logistics for Diageo North America, the makers of Captain Morgan rum. The deployment aligns with DHL’s strategy to reduce emissions in its operations and explore alternative fuel options for long-haul trucking routes.
Since 2015, DHL has incorporated battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) into its fleet, starting with an Orange EV terminal truck at Diageo’s Plainfield, Illinois, terminal. However, in this initiative, DHL opted for fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) rather than BEVs, due to specific operational needs. Hydrogen-powered trucks are seen as a viable alternative for DHL’s long-haul routes of up to 400 miles in the Great Lakes region, where charging infrastructure for large trucks remains limited.
“With our focus on decarbonization, sustainability has become a key component of our Strategy 2030,” said Jim Monkmeyer, President of Transportation at DHL Supply Chain. “Deploying hydrogen-powered trucks aligns with our goal of green logistics and demonstrates our commitment to emissions reduction.”
The Nikola FCEVs provide over 500 miles of range per tank and are designed to improve driver comfort through lower noise and vibration, enhancing safety features like advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Marsha McIntosh, President of North America Supply at Diageo, stated, “We are excited to support our sustainability goals through this partnership, with the introduction of hydrogen trucks enhancing the efficiency of our operations in Plainfield, Illinois.”
