Hydrogen trucks: DHL and Nikola deliver booze and zero emissions for Diageo
DHL Supply Chain and Diageo North America are bringing hydrogen-powered logistics to Illinois.
Partnering with Nikola Corporation, the logistics giant is introducing two Class 8 hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks to Diageo’s U.S. fleet.
These zero-emission heavy-duty trucks will shuttle Diageo’s premium drinks like Smirnoff and Captain Morgan from the company’s Plainfield, Illinois site – a first for hydrogen-powered trucking in the state.
Diageo’s operations in Plainfield play a key role in bottling and distributing their most iconic brands. Now, with hydrogen trucks on the scene, the company is adding a greener twist to its operations.
Marsha McIntosh, Diageo North America’s President of Supply, shared her enthusiasm for the hydrogen upgrade:
“This initiative is part of our continued work to decarbonize our footprint in Plainfield, making our operations more efficient and sustainable.”
The trucks, which are powered by Nikola’s HYLA modular refueler, deliver up to 500 miles on a single tank of hydrogen, producing zero tailpipe emissions.
The benefits of hydrogen power are clear: cleaner air, less noise, increased productivity.
DHL sustainability
For DHL, hydrogen trucks are part of its larger commitment to sustainable logistics, outlined in the company’s “Green Logistics of Choice” strategy.
Jim Monkmeyer, President of Transportation at DHL, explains it simply: “The deployment of these fuel cell electric vehicles is one of many initiatives that demonstrates how we are putting action behind our words.”
Since deploying the first Class 8 electric yard trucks at Diageo’s campus in 2015, the partnership has gone electric with over 100 EVs (electric vehicles) across DHL’s North American sites.
But now, DHL and Diageo are taking things a step further, putting heavy-duty hydrogen trucks on the road.
Cutting emissions
The two hydrogen trucks are expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 80% annually.
Nikola’s CEO, Steve Girsky, said about the milestone: “We’re proud to work alongside visionary partners like DHL and Diageo in driving the transition to zero-emissions transportation.”
This initiative took more than a year and a half of preparation. The companies worked with state and local agencies, held trial runs, and ensured the HYLA modular refueller would meet the demands of day-to-day operations.
