2 months ago - 3 mins read

Hydrogen trucks: Purina deploys low-carbon-pawprint Nikola truck in California

October 09, 2024
By Matt Lister, Editor
Nikola Trucks FCEV Truck Records Record Sale Q3 2024 Driving Hydrogen October 2024
Nikola’s FCEV hydrogen fuel-cell powered semi truck.

Nestlé Purina PetCare has introduced its first hydrogen fuel cell electric semi-truck, purring down the highway in California with a cargo of Tidy Cats litter.

In collaboration with Nikola and The Kenan Advantage Group (KAG), Purina’s shiny new zero-emission truck is now making deliveries between Stockton, Maricopa, and Modesto.

Purina is putting hydrogen to the test as part of a wider plan to cut its carbon pawprint.

Zero tailpipe emissions

Nikola’s hydrogen-powered truck can cover up to 500 miles with a quick refuel, with each truck cutting CO2 emissions by 97 metric tons a year – that’s the equivalent of taking 23 passenger cars off the road.

Purina are seeing whether hydrogen has legs when it comes to scaling across their logistics operations.

Travis Krous, Purina’s senior director of Supply Chain Operations, said: “This truck represents an exciting opportunity to test new technology and determine if it’s feasible to scale.”

Sustainability at Nestle Purina

Purina has always kept sustainability at the forefront, minimising long-haul transport by focusing on regional production.

But now with hydrogen-powered trucks in the mix, the company is ready to explore the next level of green logistics.

KAG, Purina’s logistics partner, is aligned on this push toward cleaner operations.

Tyler Coventry, executive vice president of KAG Food Products said: “We’re committed to implementing more sustainable practices within the supply chain by optimizing energy-efficient technologies.”

Nikola CEO Steve Girsky added: “This collaboration aligns with our mission to drive innovation and environmental responsibility in the transportation industry.”

Beyond the trucks

This hydrogen truck is just one part of Purina’s broader sustainability strategy. At its Tidy Cats factory in Maricopa, the company has implemented solar drying technology to reduce energy consumption.

And by the end of the year, all Tidy Cats litter jugs will be made from 100% recycled plastic – proving that Purina is committed to keeping its environmental impact on a short leash.

Is hydrogen the future of logistics?

Hydrogen trucks are making their way onto the scene, but partnerships like this one between Purina, KAG, and Nikola are helping to see whether the technology can go the distance.

If this trial delivers, we could see hydrogen trucks becoming the top dogs in the logistics world, moving products without leaving a trace of emissions.

Whether this becomes the norm depends on how well hydrogen performs, but for now, Purina’s hydrogen-powered deliveries are another step toward a greener supply chain.