J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. of Lowell on Friday announced that it has added 20 Nikola Tre fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) to its fleet for freight operations along the West Coast.
Several of the new FCEVs are expected to support J.B. Hunt intermodal operations in California and will primarily be utilized for port and drayage transport, the company said in a news release. The trucks will help alleviate growing shipper concerns over new requirements in the state aimed at reducing carbon emissions and adopting zero-emission vehicle technology.
J.B. Hunt customers can eliminate California emission fees and reduce their carbon footprint by scheduling zero-emission vehicle pick-ups and deliveries.
“Our expertise, resources and relationships uniquely position us to help our customers pursue and realize their sustainability goals,” Greer Woodruff, executive vice president of safety, sustainability and maintenance at J.B. Hunt, said in a statement. “Zero-emission vehicles such as these will help along the path to generate viable, sustainable options that help customers advance their efforts to reduce carbon emissions in their supply chain while also helping J.B. Hunt progress on its sustainability journey.”
The FCEVs will join the 200-plus alternative-powered equipment vehicles that J.B. Hunt currently operates, including battery-electric, hydrogen-electric and renewable natural gas powered vehicles.
Fueling and infrastructure support will be provided by Phoenix-based Nikola through its HYLA brand.
J.B. Hunt purchased three Nikola FCEVs in 2023 that are currently supporting dedicated customer operations.
Incorporating alternative-powered equipment into its fleet, expanding the use of biogenic fuels and improving fuel economy are three key focus areas for J.B. Hunt to reach its goal to reduce carbon emission intensity 32% by 2034 from a baseline year of 2019.
The company said it surpassed the halfway mark for reaching its goal last year.
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