DHL Supply Chain announced on October 23 that it will incorporate hydrogen-fueled trucks into its U.S. fleet, in partnership with Diageo North America, the U.S. branch of the British multinational alcoholic beverage company.

The Class 8 trucks, manufactured by Nikola Corporation, will be deployed and fueled at the Diageo campus in Plainfield, Ill., marking a milestone for the state.

DHL Supply Chain, which has been providing contract logistics services to Diageo for more than 20 years, said the hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks are part of a broader sustainable supply chain strategy. This includes use of battery electric vehicles, optimizing vehicle usage and routes, shifting to a multimodal approach, and increased use of U.S. EPA SmartWay partner carriers.

"We are thrilled to integrate Nikola's hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks into our U.S. fleet," said Jim Monkmeyer, president of transportation, DHL Supply Chain. "The deployment of these fuel cell electric vehicles is one of many initiatives that demonstrates how we are putting action behind our words.”

The Nikola electric trucks utilize fuel-cell technology to power the vehicle's electric motors for up to 500 miles in range on a single fill, using refueling technology provided by hydrogen fuel distribution and dispensing company HYLA. Replacing two diesel trucks with fuel cell electric vehicles is expected to reduce 80% carbon emissions over the course of a year, the companies say. The trucks produce no tailpipe emissions, contributing to cleaner air and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

“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. This initiative is part of our continued work to decarbonize our footprint in Plainfield, Illinois making our operations more efficient and sustainable,” said Marsha McIntosh, president of North America Supply at Diageo.