Walmart Canada has introduced a hydrogen fuel cell-powered electric semi-truck, the Nikola Hydrogen Fuel Cell EV (FCEV) Class 8 tractor, in Mississauga, Ontario, to achieve a 100% alternatively-powered fleet.
According to the manufacturer, the vehicle has a range of about 800 km and avoids an average of 97 metric tons of CO2 tailpipe emissions annually. According to Nikola, Walmart Canada also operates one of these trucks in North America.
The FCEV was sourced by ITD Industries, a transportation solutions provider, and will be deployed for longer-haul trips in Ontario.
"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,” said Nikola President and CEO Steve Girsky. 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."
The Nikola hydrogen fuel cell electric semi-truck carries high-pressure gaseous hydrogen onboard in specialized tanks, similar to a conventional truck carrying diesel. The hydrogen runs through the fuel cell stack, which is converted to electricity by combining it with oxygen, with water vapor as the only byproduct.
The electric power is transferred to the high-voltage power-net, which can charge the onboard batteries, and transfer power to the pavement through an e-axle with integrated electric motors.
"As our government massively expands production of clean, reliable, and affordable energy, we're creating an environment for businesses to invest and create new jobs," said Stephen Lecce, Ontario's Minister of Energy and Electrification. "We're 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."
