On June 27, 2024, Walmart Canada became the first major retailer in Canada to introduce a hydrogen fuel cell electric semi-truck to its fleet. The truck manufacturer, Nikola, added that Walmart Canada is the first retail fleet to operate such a truck in North America.
Operating with zero tailpipe emissions, the Nikola Hydrogen Fuel Cell EV Class 8 tractor has a range of about 800 kilometers (497.1 miles) and, on average, can avoid 97 metric tons of CO2 (carbon dioxide) tailpipe emissions annually, according to the manufacturer.
The removal of GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions is based on the assumption of the replacement of one Class 8 diesel truck with an average of 6.5 miles per gallon and 62,169 annual miles traveled. It uses 2024 US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) emission factors and specified averages.
The Nikola hydrogen fuel cell electric semi-truck carries high-pressure gaseous hydrogen onboard in specialized tanks, similar to how a conventional truck carries diesel.
The hydrogen then runs through the fuel cell stack, which is converted to electricity by combining it with oxygen, with water vapor as the only byproduct.
This electric power is transferred to the high-voltage power-net, which can charge the on-board batteries and transfer power to the pavement via an e-axle with integrated electric motors.
The introduction of trucks powered by hydrogen fuel opens the door to longer-haul travel with alternative power, extending the range that’s currently possible with the fleet’s electric options. This first hydrogen FCEV (fuel cell electric vehicle) was sourced by ITD Industries Inc., a Toronto, Ontario, Canada-based leader of transportation solutions, and will be deployed in Ontario for longer-haul trips.
“We’re proud to be introducing Walmart Canada’s first hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle as a major milestone on our journey to becoming a regenerative company,” said Gonzalo Gebara, President and Chief Executive Officer, Walmart Canada. “This is a first for a retailer in Canada and is an example of how we will continue to push forward, embrace new technology, and spark change within the industry.”
Nikola President and Chief Executive Officer Steve Girsky added, “At Nikola, we are incredibly proud to support Walmart's sustainability initiatives and to be supporting their historic milestone of being the first retail fleet in Canada to operate a hydrogen fuel cell electric semi-truck.”
He continued: “This collaboration with Walmart Canada, a brand committed to a more sustainable future, aligns perfectly with our mission to drive innovation and environmental responsibility in the transportation industry. This achievement underscores our shared vision for a zero-emissions future and the positive impact we can make together for our communities and the planet overall."
Stephen Lecce, Minister of the Ontario Ministry of Energy and Electrification, chimed in: “As our government massively expands production of clean, reliable, and affordable energy, we’re creating an environment for businesses to invest and create new jobs. It’s no surprise that Walmart has chosen to deploy its first hydrogen-powered semi-truck in its fleet here in Ontario. We’re rapidly building out Ontario’s hydrogen economy with new production projects that are going to help forward-looking businesses across the province transition to hydrogen vehicles and reduce their emissions.”
Lastly, Michael Buna, the Senior Director of the National Fleet for Walmart Canada, commented, “Walmart Canada has an ambitious plan to power 100 percent of our fleet with alternative power. We’re proud to be the first retailer in Canada to introduce a hydrogen fuel cell semi-truck to our fleet as a major milestone towards achieving that goal.
He summed up: “As we work to be more sustainable in our day-to-day fleet operations, embracing additional types of alternative power allows us to go further, faster.”
According to Natural Resources Canada, hydrogen is the simplest, lightest, and most abundant element on earth, has the highest energy per unit of any fuel, and plays a critical role in working towards a carbon-neutral future.
Walmart Canada operates a chain of more than 400 stores across Canada, serving 1.5 million customers each day, while more than 1.5 million customers daily visit its online portal. www.walmart.ca.
For information on Nikola, visit www.nikolamotor.com/tre-fcev.