DHL Supply Chain and Diageo North America are introducing two hydrogen-powered Class 8 fuel cell electric trucks, manufactured by Nikola Corporation, to Diageo’s U.S. fleet at its Plainfield, Illinois campus.
Fueled by a HYLA modular refueler, this launch marks a pioneering step for Illinois and reflects the companies’ commitment to decarbonizing logistics.
For over two decades, DHL has been Diageo North America’s logistics partner, helping reduce carbon emissions through a mix of battery electric vehicles, route optimization, multimodal shipping, and partnerships with EPA SmartWay carriers.
These hydrogen trucks are part of DHL’s Strategy 2030 goal of “Green Logistics of Choice,” advancing efforts to cut emissions and reduce environmental impact. According to Jim Monkmeyer, President of Transportation at DHL Supply Chain, integrating these trucks embodies DHL’s strategy to drive tangible sustainability results.
Nikola’s trucks bring a substantial reduction in emissions: each vehicle converts hydrogen into electricity with zero tailpipe emissions and a range of up to 500 miles on a single fill.
Replacing two diesel trucks with these hydrogen fuel cell vehicles is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 80% annually, while also cutting local pollutants like particulate matter and nitrogen oxides. Additionally, these trucks enhance driver safety and comfort, minimizing noise, vibration, and fatigue.
Diageo, a major presence in Plainfield, has long focused on sustainability, aiming for net-zero carbon emissions in its operations by 2030. Marsha McIntosh, Diageo North America’s President of Supply, highlighted the trucks’ contribution to decarbonizing Diageo’s operations in Illinois, where the company manufactures and bottles brands like Captain Morgan and Smirnoff.
The initiative is supported by Plainfield Mayor John F. Argoudelis, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, and Nikola CEO Steve Girsky, who underscored the alignment between Nikola’s mission and the sustainability goals of DHL and Diageo.
The trucks represent Illinois’ first hydrogen-powered heavy-duty vehicles, brought to fruition after 18 months of collaboration among DHL, Diageo, Nikola, and local stakeholders. This included operational trials, hydrogen fueling permissions, and extensive community outreach.
DHL and Diageo’s partnership has previously set sustainability milestones, beginning in 2015 with the introduction of electric yard trucks in Plainfield, which now includes over 10 EV yard trucks there and close to 100 across DHL’s North American network.
This new hydrogen fuel cell deployment reflects a continued evolution in sustainable logistics, setting a model for the future of zero-emissions transportation.
READ MORE: Hyundai XCIENT Fuel Cell Trucks Set Record: 10 Million km Driven in Switzerland
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