Nikola Motor Company (NMC) and Anheuser-Busch have announced that the US-headed brewery major has placed an order for up to 800 hydrogen-electric powered semi-trucks from the pioneer in hydrogen-electric renewable technology. The zero-emission trucks — which will be able to travel between 500 and 1 200 miles (≈ 800 and 1 900 km) and be refilled within 20 minutes, reducing idle time —are expected to be integrated into Anheuser-Busch’s dedicated fleet beginning in 2020.
According to a joint statement, through this agreement, Anheuser-Busch aims to convert its entire long-haul dedicated fleet to renewable powered trucks by 2025. Nikola’s cutting-edge technology will enable the brewer to achieve this milestone across its long-haul loads, while also helping to improve road safety through the trucks’ advanced surround viewing system.
At Anheuser-Busch, we’re continuously searching for ways to improve sustainability across our entire value chain and drive our industry forward. The transport industry is one that is ripe for innovative solutions and Nikola is leading the way with hydrogen-electric, zero-emission capabilities. We are very excited by the possibilities our partnership with them can offer, said Michel Doukeris, CEO of Anheuser-Busch.
The partnership with Nikola will contribute to Anheuser-Busch’s recently announced 2025 Sustainability Goals, which include reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 25 percent across its value chain. The company Anheuser-Busch owns and operates 22 breweries, 20 distributorships and 22 agricultural and packaging facilities across the United States (US).
Once fully implemented, the carbon reductions gained from these 800 trucks will reduce the brewer’s carbon emissions from logistics by more than 18 percent. In 2006, the brewer joined the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) SmartWay Transport program; and since 2008, has reduced its total energy use in its US breweries by more than 30 percent.
Hydrogen-electric technology is the future of logistics and we’re proud to be leading the way. Anheuser-Busch has a long history of investing in progressive, sustainable technology and we are excited to partner with them to bring the largest hydrogen network in the world to the USA. By 2028, we anticipate having over 700 hydrogen stations across the USA and Canada. With nearly US$9 billion in pre-order reservations, we are building to order, not speculation, and are very excited for what’s to come, said Trevor Milton, CEO of Nikola Motor Company.
