Nestlé Purina PetCare, through a collaboration with Kenan Advantage Group and Nikola Corporation, recently launched its first zero-tailpipe-emission delivery with the use of a hydrogen fuel cell electric truck.
The hydrogen-powered tractor transported Purina products between three California cities on its inaugural journey, the company reported.
“We are continuously identifying new opportunities within our business and through partnerships to help us reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” Travis Krous, Purina senior director of supply chain operations, said in a news release. “This truck represents an exciting opportunity to test new technology and determine if it’s feasible to scale.”
Purina’s manufacturing strategy promotes regional production and distribution, minimizing the number of long-distance trucks on the road. KAG will deliver Purina products using the Class 8 Nikola truck, which has a maximum range of up to 500 miles and can be refueled in 20 minutes or less.
According to Nikola, one truck avoids 97 metric tons of CO2 tailpipe emissions per year on average — the equivalent of taking 23 passenger vehicles off the road for a year.
“We are proud to support Purina’s sustainability initiatives by supplying KAG with its first-ever hydrogen fuel cell electric Class 8 truck,” said Steve Girsky, Nikola president and CEO. “This collaboration aligns with our mission to drive innovation and environmental responsibility in the transportation industry.”
KAG’s relationship with Purina began with one lane from Illinois to Pennsylvania, KAG reported. The carrier now delivers close to 30,000 loads a year for Purina.
“From inbound ingredients for Purina plants to outbound products for Purina customers, KAG is feeding America’s pets one truckload at a time,” said Michael Carter, KAG Food Products vice president of sales.
“And, we’re proud to support Purina’s sustainability strategy.”
KAG now dedicates over 120 tractors to Purina, including its first hydrogen truck.
“We’re excited to transport products on our first hydrogen fuel cell truck while helping our valued customer and partner, Purina, drive its sustainability goals forward,” said Tyler Coventry, KAG Food executive vice president. “We’re committed to implementing more sustainable practices within the supply chain by optimizing the use of energy-efficient technologies.”