ST. LOUIS — Nestlé Purina PetCare has teamed up with The Kenan Advantage Group, Inc. (KAG) and the Nikola Corporation to launch its first zero-tailpipe-emission delivery using an electric semi-truck. The truck is currently embarking on its first journey, transporting Purina’s products throughout three cities in California: Stockton, Maricopa and Modesto. 

Based in Phoenix, Nikola aims to pioneer solutions for a zero-emissions world merging trucks and sustainable energy. The company offers Class 8 vehicles, including battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks. It operates a manufacturing facility in Coolidge, Ariz.

As part of its sustainability efforts, Purina specifically uses regional production and distribution, aiming to minimize the number of long-distance semi-trucks on the road. To advance this, Purina has partnered with KAG, which will deliver pet products using Nikola’s Class 8 hydrogen fuel cell electric truck. Additionally, using Nikola’s truck represents a small part of Purina’s overall strategy to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

“We are continuously identifying new opportunities within our business and through partnerships to help us meet our sustainability goals,” said Travis Krous, senior director of supply chain operations at Purina. “This truck represents an exciting opportunity to test new technology and determine if it’s feasible to scale.”

The semi-truck has a maximum range of up to 500 miles, can be refueled in 20 minutes or less, and produces zero tailpipe emissions. According to Nikola, one truck avoids producing 97 metric tons of CO2 tailpipe emissions, annually. 

“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, president and chief executive officer of Nikola. “This collaboration aligns with our mission to drive innovation and environmental responsibility in the transportation industry.”

Tyler Coventry, executive vice president of KAG Food Products, added, “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. We’re committed to implementing more sustainable practices within the supply chain by optimizing the use of energy-efficient technologies.”

Read more about sustainability efforts across the pet food and treat industry.