American brewing giant place order for hydrogen-electric powered trucks

US-based Anheuser-Busch, who brew Budweiser, has placed an order for ‘up to 800’ hydrogen-electric powered semi-trucks from Nikola Motor Company.

The zero-emission trucks which will be able to travel between 500 and 1,200 miles and can be refilled within 20 minutes. They are expected to be integrated into Anheuser-Busch’s fleet from 2020.

The partnership with Nikola will contribute to Anheuser-Busch’s recently announced 2025 sustainability goals, which include reducing CO₂ emissions by 25% across its value chain.

Once fully implemented, the company believe that carbon reductions gained from the 800 trucks will reduce the brewer’s carbon emissions from logistics by more than 18%, equivalent to taking more than 13,000 passenger vehicles off the road annually.

Michel Doukeris, CEO of Anheuser-Busch said: ‘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.’

Trevor Milton, CEO of Nikola Motor Company said: ‘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 $9bn dollars in pre-order reservations, we are building to order, not speculation, and are very excited for what’s to come.”

In 2006, the brewer joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay Transport program, and since 2008, has reduced its total energy use in U.S. breweries by more than 30%. Nikola says they are working with Anheuser-Busch to develop the first 28 of the 700 public hydrogen fueling stations with the first two opening later this year.