Walmart Canada Debuts Nikola’s Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Semi-Truck

Walmart's new hydrogen-powered semi-truck in Mississauga, Ontario, advances its goal of a fully alternative-powered fleet.

Mississauga, North America- Walmart Store Inc., Canada has become the first major retailer in the country to introduce a hydrogen fuel cell electric semi-truck. The Nikola Hydrogen Fuel Cell EV Class 8 tractor, with a range of about 800 kilometers, operates with zero tailpipe emissions and can avoid an average of 97 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually. According to Nikola, Walmart Canada is also the first retail fleet in North America to operate one of these trucks.

Walmart Canada's new hydrogen fuel cell electric semi-truck, sourced by ITD Industries Inc., extends travel range for longer hauls in Ontario. It uses high-pressure hydrogen to generate electricity with zero emissions, charging batteries and powering electric motors directly.

Mr. Gonzalo Gebara, president and CEO, Walmart Canada, said “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. 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.”

Mr. Steve Girsky, Nikola President and CEO, said “At Nikola, we are incredibly proud to support Walmart’s sustainability initiatives and to be supporting their historic milestone of being the first retail fleet in Canada to operate a hydrogen fuel cell electric semi-truck. 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. 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.”

Mr. Stephen Lecce, Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Electrification, said “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. It’s no surprise that Walmart has chosen to deploy its first hydrogen-powered semi-truck in its fleet here in Ontario. 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.”

Mr. Michael Buna, senior director, national fleet, Walmart Canada said, “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. 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.”