DHL Supply Chain Ventures into Hydrogen with Nikola Trucks for Illinois Operation
Key Ideas
- DHL Supply Chain is acquiring two Nikola-built hydrogen trucks to operate in Illinois exclusively for Diageo North America, marking DHL's first venture into hydrogen vehicles.
- The hydrogen trucks will run between Diageo facilities in Plainfield, with refueling utilizing gaseous hydrogen initially and potential transition to liquid hydrogen based on demand.
- The use of green hydrogen, produced using fully renewable energy, qualifies for proposed tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, offering incentives for hydrogen adoption.
- DHL anticipates an 80% reduction in carbon emissions within a year compared to diesel vehicles, with the hydrogen trucks providing a range of up to 500 miles and improvements in driver comfort and safety.
Truck companies and shippers are increasingly incorporating zero-emission vehicles into their fleets, with a rise in both battery-powered and hydrogen-powered trucks. DHL Supply Chain has made a notable move by acquiring two hydrogen trucks built by Nikola to operate in Illinois for Diageo North America. These trucks, which convert hydrogen to electricity through a fuel cell, will be refueled at Diageo's Plainfield campus using gaseous hydrogen initially. The use of green hydrogen, produced from fully renewable energy sources, makes DHL eligible for proposed tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. DHL aims to have these hydrogen vehicles on the road by the end of the year, expecting an 80% reduction in carbon emissions within a year compared to diesel vehicles. The benefits of these hydrogen trucks extend beyond emissions reduction, offering a range of up to 500 miles and improved driver comfort and safety. The decision-making process for incorporating hydrogen technology involved assessing sustainability benefits, operational constraints, and collaboration with various stakeholders like Diageo and first responders to ensure safety and preparedness. Overall, DHL's entry into hydrogen vehicles signifies a strategic move towards sustainable and efficient fleet management.
Topics
Power
Renewable Energy
Clean Energy
Sustainability
Logistics
Tax Incentives
Fleet Management
Vehicle Technology
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