DHL Supply Chain, a leader in contract logistics in the Americas, and Diageo North America, a premium drinks manufacturer, are set to enhance their U.S. fleet with the addition of two hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric trucks. These Class 8 trucks, produced by Nikola Corporation, will be fuelled by a HYLA modular refueler stationed at Diageo’s campus in Plainfield, Illinois, marking a significant milestone for the state.
As Diageo North America’s trusted logistics partner for over two decades, DHL has been committed to developing innovative solutions aimed at decarbonizing logistics operations for its clients. The integration of hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks is part of a broader sustainable supply chain initiative that also includes utilizing battery electric vehicles, optimizing routes, adopting a multimodal approach, and collaborating with US EPA SmartWay partner carriers. These initiatives have led to year-over-year reductions in carbon dioxide emissions for both companies.
We are excited to add Nikola’s hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks to our U.S. fleet,” said Jim Monkmeyer, President of Transportation at DHL Supply Chain. “As part of our Strategy 2030, we are committed to decarbonizing our operations and have established sustainability as a key strategic focus, termed ‘Green Logistics of Choice.’ The deployment of these fuel cell electric vehicles is a tangible step toward fulfilling our commitment.
Nikola’s hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks present a sustainable alternative to traditional diesel vehicles. The trucks use fuel cell technology to convert hydrogen into electricity, enabling a range of up to 500 miles per fill. By replacing two diesel trucks with hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, DHL and Diageo expect to cut carbon emissions by 80% annually, while also producing no tailpipe emissions that contribute to cleaner air and reduced greenhouse gases.
The transition from diesel to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will significantly lower local emissions, including particulate matter and nitrogen oxides. Furthermore, the new trucks enhance driver comfort and safety, minimizing noise and vibrations to reduce fatigue while providing improved visibility through advanced camera systems.
Marsha McIntosh, President of North America Supply at Diageo, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are thrilled to introduce the first set of heavy-duty hydrogen trucks to Illinois, which is home to our largest manufacturing hub in North America. This initiative is a crucial step in our efforts to decarbonize our operations in Plainfield.”
Diageo’s facility in Plainfield plays a pivotal role in its regional operations, encompassing manufacturing, bottling, and warehousing for iconic brands like Captain Morgan and Smirnoff. The integration of hydrogen fuel cell trucks aligns with Diageo’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions across direct operations by 2030 and its entire value chain by 2050, as outlined in its Spirit of Progress action plan.
Plainfield Mayor John F. Argoudelis commended the initiative: “We are excited to see DHL Supply Chain and Diageo North America lead the way in introducing hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks as part of their fleet, showcasing their commitment to innovation and sustainability.”
State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel highlighted the importance of such efforts for Illinois: “Companies like Diageo are taking essential steps toward a sustainable environment, helping Illinois meet its clean energy goals.”
Nikola President and CEO Steve Girsky added, “We are proud to partner with DHL and Diageo in advancing zero-emissions transportation. Their commitment to sustainability aligns perfectly with our mission, and we are honored to provide the hydrogen and fuel cell electric trucks to support this goal.”
The introduction of these trucks marks a pioneering effort in Illinois, with DHL, Diageo, and Nikola collaborating for over 18 months to ensure a successful deployment. This groundbreaking initiative involved coordination with state and local stakeholders, operational trials, and educational efforts about the new technology, demonstrating a commitment to pioneering sustainable transportation solutions.
DHL and Diageo’s partnership on sustainability began in 2015 with the introduction of the first Class 8 electric yard trucks in the U.S. Since then, the electric fleet has expanded, with over 10 electric yard trucks currently operating at Diageo’s Plainfield campus and nearly 100 across DHL Supply Chain facilities in North America. By applying lessons learned from their electric yard truck deployment to on-road applications, DHL and Diageo aim to continue leading the charge in sustainable logistics and transportation.
DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry, offering a comprehensive range of services, including parcel delivery, e-commerce solutions, and industrial supply chain management. With approximately 395,000 employees in over 220 countries, DHL connects people and businesses securely, enabling sustainable trade. The DHL Group generated revenues of over 81.8 billion euros in 2023 and is committed to achieving net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.
