US brewer invests in zero emission trucks

US-based brewing business, Anheuser-Busch, has ordered 800 hydrogen-electric-powered semi-trucks from hybrid vehicle manufacturer, Nikola Motor Company.

The zero-emission trucks — which will reportedly be able to travel between 800 and 1,900 kilometres and be refilled within 20 minutes, reducing idle time — are expected to be integrated into Anheuser-Busch’s dedicated fleet beginning in 2020.

Through this agreement Anheuser-Busch aims to convert its entire long-haul dedicated fleet to renewable powered trucks by 2025. Nikola’s 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,” said Anheuser-Busch CEO, Michel Doukeris.

“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,” he said.

“Hydrogen-electric technology is the future of logistics and we’re proud to be leading the way,” said Nikola CEO, Trevor Milton. “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 9 billion dollars in pre-order reservations, we are building to order, not speculation, and are very excited for what’s to come.”

The partnership with Nikola will contribute to Anheuser-Busch’s recently announced 2025 Sustainability Goals, which include reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 25 per cent across its value chain. Once fully implemented, the carbon reductions gained from these 800 trucks will reduce the brewer’s carbon emissions from logistics by more than 18 per cent — equivalent to taking more than 13,000 passenger vehicles off the road annually.