Big US brewer orders 800 Nikola trucks

Anheuser-Busch and Nikola Motor Company have announced that America’s leading brewer (think Budweiser, Bud Light and Michelob) has placed an order for up to 800 hydrogen-electric powered prime movers from the pioneering hydrogen-electric company.

The zero-emission trucks which Nikola says will be able to travel between 800 and 2000 kilometres and be refilled within 20 minutes, reducing down time, are expected to be integrated into Anheuser-Busch’s dedicated fleet beginning in 2020.

Anheuser-Busch said in a joint press statement that it aims to convert its entire long-haul fleet to renewable powered trucks by 2025.

“At Anheuser-Busch we’re continuously searching for ways to improve sustainability across our entire value chain and drive our industry forward,” said the company’s 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.”

Trevor Milton, CEO of Nikola Motor Company added: “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.”

Anheuser-Busch said that 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 thousand passenger vehicles off the road annually.