Walmart Canada: First Major Canadian Retailer Introduces Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Truck

Source: Walmart Canada

Walmart Canada’s new hydrogen fuel cell-powered electric semi-truck is now on the roads in Mississauga, Ontario as the major retailer continues its ambitious journey toward a 100% alternatively-powered fleet. Walmart is a member of the Food Shippers of America.

Walmart Canada is the first major retailer in Canada to introduce a hydrogen fuel cell electric semi-truck to its private fleet. 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 also is the first retail fleet to operate one of these trucks in North America.

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 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.

“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,” says Gonzalo Gebara, President and CEO of 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,” adds 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.”

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.

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.

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• Walmart Canada Becomes First Major Retailer in Canada to Introduce Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Semi-Truck (Source)

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