Walmart Canada has become the first major retailer in Canada to introduce a hydrogen fuel cell electric semi-truck.
The truck is operational in the Mississauga, Ontario area as the company continues its journey towards the goal of having a 100 per cent alternatively-powered fleet.
“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, in a statement. “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.”
Operating with zero tailpipe emissions, the Nikola Hydrogen Fuel Cell EV Class 8 tractor has a range of about 800 kilometres and on average can avoid 97 metric tons of CO2 tailpipe emissions annually according to the manufacturer. According to Nikola, Walmart Canada is also the first retail fleet to operate one of these trucks in North America.
Lillo Puma, Vice President of Transportation for Walmart Canada, said the truck will travel shorter distances at first and the company anticipates it will be deployed throughout southern Ontario, bringing goods from the distribution centres to the stores.
“It’s very similar in size and scale of other trucks we have in our fleet, which is just standard for the industry,” said Puma.
Walmart said 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.
This first hydrogen FCEV was sourced by Etobicoke, Ontario-based ITD Industries Inc., an industry-leading transportation solutions provider, and will be deployed in Ontario for longer-haul trips.
“This is very exciting. We have a very ambitious journey towards a 100 per cent alternatively-powered fleet. This truck is another introduction to the great work that we’re doing,” said Puma.
“Earlier in the year in British Columbia we launched our three Freightliner eCascadia semi-trucks. Those are our EV-powered trucks and this is adding to our ambition of wanting to having 100 per cent alternatively-powered fleet.”
Steve Girsky, Nikola President and CEO, said the collaboration with Walmart Canada, a brand committed to a more sustainable future, aligns perfectly with its 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,” he said.
Puma said the latest development for the retailer is an example of how it wants to push forward, embrace new technology and spark change in the industry.
“And that’s really what we’re most excited about,” he said.
Puma said safety is a top priority at Walmart. All drivers go through a rigorous training course. Every new vehicle, regardless of what type, or fuel, requires a full, extensive training package for the company’s drivers so they can understand all the particulars of the vehicle.
Stephen Lecce, Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Electrification, said the province is 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.
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.
*Assumes replacement of one Class 8 diesel truck with an avg. 6.5 MPG, 62,169 annual miles traveled. Uses 2024 U.S. EPA emission factors and specified averages.
The EV trucks are operating out of the retailer’s grocery distribution centre in Surrey, BC.
The use of these vehicles will help to prevent the use of more than 100,000 litres of fuel each year, said Walmart.
The Freightliner eCascadia is an all-electric, zero-emissions semi-truck that can travel approximately 400 kilometers from just one charge. At Walmart, these trucks will each be used to travel approximately 110,000 kilometres annually. Designed with innovative safety technology and ergonomic seating, these vehicles are built to keep roads safe and drivers comfortable.
Walmart Canada operates a chain of more than 400 stores nationwide serving 1.5 million customers each day.
