MISSISSAUGA, ON – Walmart Canada’s new hydrogen-powered electric semi-trailer is now on the roads of Mississauga , Ontario , as the retailer continues its ambitious journey toward a full fleet. alternative propulsion.
Walmart Canada is the first major retailer in Canada to introduce a hydrogen-powered electric semi-trailer into its fleet. Emitting zero tailpipe emissions, the hydrogen-powered Nikola EV Class 8 semi-trailer has a range of approximately 800 kilometers and can on average avoid 97 metric tons of CO2 tailpipe emissions per year claims the manufacturer.* According to Nikola , Walmart Canada is also the first retail fleet to operate one of these trucks in North America.
The introduction of hydrogen-powered trucks opens the door to longer trips with alternative power, expanding the range that is currently possible with electric fleet options. This first hydrogen-powered VEPC vehicle was purchased by Etobicoke , Ontario -based ITD Inc. , an industry-leading transportation solutions provider, and will be deployed in Ontario for longer trips .
“We are proud to introduce Walmart Canada’s first hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle as an important step in 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 an example of how we will continue to move forward, adopt new technologies and drive change within the industry . »
“ At Nikola , we are incredibly proud to support Walmart’s sustainability initiatives and their historic goal of being the first retail fleet in Canada to operate a hydrogen fuel cell electric semi-truck,” said Steve Girsky , President and CEO of Nikola. “This collaboration with Walmart Canada, a brand committed to a more sustainable future, is a perfect fit with our mission to drive innovation and environmental responsibility in the transportation industry. This achievement underscores our shared vision of a zero-emission future and the positive impact we can have together for our communities and the planet.”
“As our government massively increases the production of clean, reliable and affordable energy, we are creating an environment for businesses to invest and create new jobs,” said Stephen Lecce , Ontario Minister of Energy and Electrification . “It’s no surprise that Walmart has chosen to deploy its first hydrogen-powered semi-truck in its fleet here in Ontario . We are rapidly building Ontario ’s hydrogen economy with new production projects that will help the province’s forward-thinking businesses transition to hydrogen-powered vehicles and reduce their emissions.”
“Walmart Canada has an ambitious plan to power 100% of our fleet with alternative energy. We are proud to be the first retailer in Canada to introduce a hydrogen-powered electric semi-truck to our fleet. This is an important step toward achieving this goal,” said Michael Buna , Senior Director, National Fleet, Walmart Canada. “As we strive to be more sustainable in the day-to-day operations of our fleet, adopting additional types of alternative energy allows us to go further, faster.”
The Nikola hydrogen fuel cell electric semi-trailer transports high-pressure hydrogen gas in specialized tanks, much like a conventional truck transports diesel. The hydrogen then passes through the fuel cell stack, and is converted to electricity by combining it with oxygen, with water vapor as the only byproduct. The electrical energy is transferred to the high-voltage power grid, which can charge the semi-trailer’s batteries and transfer power to the roadway via an electric 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 all fuels and plays a vital role in the pursuit of a neutral future in carbon.
* Assumes replacement of a Class 8 diesel truck with an average MPG of 6.5 MPG, or 62,169 annual miles traveled. Uses 2024 US EPA emission factors and specified averages.
About Walmart Canada
Walmart Canada operates a network of more than 400 stores nationwide and serves 1.5 million Canadians every day. Walmart Canada’s online store, Walmart.ca , is visited daily by more than 1.5 million customers. Walmart Canada is one of the largest employers in the country. With more than 100,000 associates, Walmart Canada ranks among the top 10 most influential brands nationally. Walmart Canada delivers on its commitment to action on regeneration, focusing its efforts on equitable opportunity, sustainability, supporting communities and promoting standards of ethics and integrity. Since 1994, Walmart has raised and donated more than $750 million to Canadian charities. Additional information can be found at walmartcanada.ca
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