DHL Supply Chain and Diageo North America have announced plans to add two Nikola-manufactured hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks to their fleet in Plainfield, Illinois, marking the first Class 8 hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles to operate daily in the state.
The trucks will be fueled using a HYLA modular refueler at Diageo’s Plainfield campus. The initiative is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 80% compared to diesel trucks over a year.
Jim Monkmeyer, President of Transportation at DHL Supply Chain, said: “We are thrilled to integrate Nikola’s hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks into our U.S. fleet. As a global logistics company with the goal of decarbonising its business, we’ve integrated sustainability as a fourth strategic bottom line named ‘Green Logistics of Choice’ in our newly announced Strategy 2030.”
Marsha McIntosh, President of North America Supply at Diageo, said: “We are extremely excited to be a part of this partnership delivering the first set of heavy-duty hydrogen trucks to Illinois, home to our largest manufacturing hub in North America.”
The trucks can travel up to 500 miles on a single hydrogen fill and produce no tailpipe emissions. The deployment required 18 months of preparation, including coordination with state and local stakeholders, operational testing, and securing permissions for hydrogen fueling assets.
Plainfield Mayor John F. Argoudelis commented: “We’ve prioritised sustainability and green initiatives in Plainfield and are thrilled to see DHL Supply Chain and Diageo North America introducing hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks and battery electric vehicles as part of their fleet.”
The initiative builds on DHL and Diageo’s existing sustainability partnership, which began in 2015 with the deployment of electric yard trucks. Currently, ten electric yard trucks operate at Diageo’s Plainfield campus, with nearly 100 across DHL Supply Chain facilities in North America.
The project supports Diageo’s goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions in direct operations by 2030 and across its value chain by 2050.
