DHL Supply Chain (CCJ Top 250, No. 35) is adding two hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks to its U.S. fleet.
Replacing two diesel trucks with fuel cell electric vehicles is expected to reduce 80% carbon emissions over the course of a year.
The Class 8 Nikola trucks will be deployed and fueled with a HYLA modular refueler at a premium beverage company Diageo's campus in Plainfield, Illinois. The fuel cell technology converts hydrogen into electricity, powering the vehicle's electric motors and providing up to 500 miles in range on a single fill.
The two H2 tractors will be the first to operate in the Illinois, Diageo's largest North American manufacturing hub for brands like Captain Morgan and Smirnoff, and are "part of our continued work to decarbonize our footprint in Plainfield, Illinois, making our operations more efficient and sustainable,” said Marsha McIntosh, President of North America Supply at Diageo. Incorporating hydrogen fuel cell trucks into its fleet contributes to Diageo’s broader efforts to reach net zero carbon emissions across direct operations by 2030 and its value chain by 2050.
Diageo’s presence in Plainfield, Illinois has expanded significantly over the years, playing a strategic role in its regional operations. This hub is home to manufacturing, bottling, and warehousing facilities, and it is instrumental in producing some of the company’s most iconic brands, like Captain Morgan and Smirnoff.
DHL Supply Chain, Diageo North America, and Nikola collaborated for more than 18 months to ensure a successful deployment, 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.
DHL and Diageo North America have a longstanding partnership focused on sustainability, beginning in 2015 with the deployment of the first ever Class 8 Orange electric vehicle yard trucks in the U.S. Since then, the EV fleet has grown significantly, with over 10 EV yard trucks now operating at Diageo in Plainfield and close to 100 across DHL Supply Chain facilities in North America.
