More Nikola Hydrogen Trucks Coming to the Logistics Industry in Illinois

DHL and Diageo Launch Nikola Hydrogen Trucks in Illinois Fleet

New Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles Aim to Cut Emissions and Improve Logistics

DHL Supply Chain and Diageo North America have teamed up to launch two hydrogen-powered trucks in Illinois. These Nikola hydrogen trucks are the first Class 8 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles to be used for daily operations in the state. This move is part of a broader push by both companies to reduce emissions and build a greener supply chain.

Nikola Hydrogen Trucks Join the Fleet in Plainfield, Illinois

The new trucks will run from Diageo’s campus in Plainfield, Illinois, with a special refueler on-site. The trucks use hydrogen to generate electricity, which powers the vehicle’s motors. Each truck can travel up to 500 miles on a single fill.

These trucks are expected to:

• Cut carbon emissions by 80% compared to diesel trucks.
• Produce zero tailpipe emissions, helping improve air quality.
• Lower noise levels and vibrations, making them more comfortable for drivers.

According to DHL’s President of Transportation, Jim Monkmeyer, these trucks align with the company’s new Strategy 2030, which focuses on “Green Logistics of Choice.” He said, “We are thrilled to integrate Nikola’s hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks into our U.S. fleet.”

DHL and Diageo’s Commitment to Sustainability

DHL and Diageo have been working together for over 20 years. Their partnership has focused on making logistics more sustainable. DHL has already introduced electric vehicles and improved route planning to cut emissions.

The hydrogen trucks are the latest step in their efforts to reduce their environmental impact. Diageo has been adding more electric yard trucks at its Plainfield site, with over 10 now in use. DHL operates nearly 100 electric yard trucks across North America.

Diageo is working toward a major goal—reaching net-zero emissions across its own operations by 2030. The company also plans to cut emissions throughout its supply chain by 2050. Meanwhile, DHL aims to achieve net-zero emissions across its entire logistics network by 2050.

Nikola Hydrogen Trucks’ Role in Zero-Emission Transportation

The trucks in this initiative come from Nikola Corporation, a company focused on zero-emission vehicles. Nikola’s hydrogen fuel cell technology offers an alternative to traditional diesel engines by turning hydrogen into electricity to power the trucks.

Steve Girsky, Nikola’s President and CEO, emphasized the importance of working with partners committed to sustainable transportation. “We’re proud to work alongside visionary partners like DHL and Diageo in driving the transition to zero-emissions transportation,” Girsky said.

Illinois Backs Green Transportation

Launching these trucks took over 18 months of preparation. DHL, Diageo, Nikola, and local officials worked together to test the trucks under real-world conditions. They also coordinated with the state to ensure the trucks could be safely refueled on-site.

Diageo’s Plainfield hub plays a key role in its North American operations. It houses manufacturing and storage for major brands like Captain Morgan and Smirnoff. This move aligns with the region’s efforts to promote clean energy and sustainable business practices.

State officials applauded the introduction of hydrogen trucks. State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel said the project “will help Illinois meet its clean energy goals.” Plainfield Mayor John F. Argoudelis also praised the companies, calling them “great companies at the forefront of innovation.”

A Potential Model for Sustainable Trucking

DHL and Diageo hope their work with hydrogen trucks will inspire others in the industry to adopt greener technologies. The companies have already seen success with electric yard trucks, and now they aim to expand those efforts to on-road vehicles.