Walmart Canada adds hydrogen fuel cell electric semi-truck to its fleet

Walmart Canada’s new hydrogen fuel cell electric semi-truck is now on the roads in Mississauga, Ont.

The addition is part of the retailer’s plans to fuel 100% of its fleet with alternative power.

Operating with zero tailpipe emissions, the Nikola Hydrogen Fuel Cell EV Class 8 tractor has a range of about 800 kilometres.

According to Nikola, Walmart Canada is the first retail fleet to operate one of these trucks in North America.

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

The Nikola hydrogen fuel cell electric semi-truck carries high-pressure gaseous hydrogen onboard in specialized tanks. 

Hydrogen then runs through the fuel cell stack, which is converted to electricity by combining it with oxygen, with water vapor as the only byproduct. 

This electric power is transferred to the high-voltage power-net, which can charge the on-board batteries, and transfer power to the pavement via an e-axle with integrated electric motors.