Walmart Canada in first with hydrogen-powered truck
Walmart Canada is making history in supply chain sustainability.
The Canadian subsidiary of Walmart is operating a hydrogen fuel cell electric semi-truck in its fleet. Operating with zero tailpipe emissions, the Nikola Hydrogen Fuel Cell EV Class 8 tractor has a range of about 500 miles and on average can avoid 97 metric tons of CO2 tailpipe emissions annually, according to the manufacturer.
The vehicle was sourced by Canadian transportation solutions provider ITD Industries Inc. and will be deployed in the province of Ontario for longer-haul trips. According to Nikola, Walmart Canada is also the first retail fleet to operate one of these trucks in North America. The retailer is working toward operating a 100% alternatively-powered fleet.
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 a high-voltage power-net, which can charge on-board batteries and transfer power to the pavement via an e-axle with integrated electric motors.
In June 2022, Walmart Canada parent company Walmart Inc. said it would pilot natural gas, hydrogen, and electric truck engines as part of its corporate sustainability efforts. Walmart, which set its zero-emissions goal in 2020, debuted the first North American 15-liter compressed natural gas engine that will be incorporated into the discount giant’s private Class 8 transportation fleet in 2023.
[READ MORE: Walmart moves forward with natural gas trucking pilot]
"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 CEO, 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."
"Walmart Canada has an ambitious plan to power 100% 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," said Michael Buna, senior director, national fleet, Walmart Canada. "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."
"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," said Steve Girsky, Nikola president and CEO. "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."
Established in 1994 and headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Walmart Canada operates a chain of more than 400 stores nationwide serving 1.5 million customers each day.
