Do you want to drastically reduce your fleet’s CO₂ emissions, improve its carbon footprint and keep an eye on costs at the same time? Sounds like a dream of the future? It’s not! Because hydrogen trucks are already being used successfully today and offer some tangible benefits – for you too.

Aldi Süd shows where the journey is heading. The discounter has now integrated the first hydrogen truck into its fleet. A clear step towards sustainability. And also a signal to the entire logistics sector that this drive is no longer just a project for the future. So why not think in this direction yourself?

Aldi’s hydrogen truck is expected to cover more than 80,000 kilometers a year. If it is soon – as planned – powered exclusively by green hydrogen, this could reduce CO₂ emissions by 90 percent compared to previous diesel trucks. This is because green hydrogen is produced exclusively with electricity from renewable energies.

To operate the truck, the discounter is cooperating with H2Mobility, an operator of public hydrogen refuelling stations in the Stuttgart region. Photo: © H2 MOBILITY Deutschland

Turn assist with radar from Continental

The Hyundai vehicle has a range of at least 350 kilometers and can be fully refueled in 15 minutes. It complements the existing fleet of four electric trucks at the Aldi regional companies in Rastatt and Helmstadt. The body and the turn assist system with the Continental radar come from the Münsterland-based vehicle manufacturer Wüllhorst.

To operate the truck, the discounter is cooperating with H2Mobility, an operator of public hydrogen filling stations in the Stuttgart region. According to Aldi, it plans to switch its filling stations completely to green hydrogen from the end of the year.

The project was funded by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport – with more than 367,000 euros.

Hydrogen drive: A clear step towards sustainability. Photo: Continental

The facts at a glance

• Range: 350 kilometers
• Annual mileage: 80,000 kilometers
• Refueling time: 15 minutes
• CO₂ savings: 90 percent
• State subsidy: 367,000 euros

No CO₂ on site, no particulate matter, no nitrogen oxides. Nothing but water vapor comes out the back of the hydrogen truck. This makes it a real game changer in the fight against climate change. And the fact that Aldi Süd uses its truck also on longer routes shows that there are no compromises when it comes to efficiency. This is underlined by the rapid refueling. Because time is money in logistics. And money from the state reduces the high acquisition costs. With hydrogen trucks, you can position yourself as a pioneer in your industry – a competitive advantage that you should not underestimate. Why not take the first step towards hydrogen right away?

Have you ever thought about buying a hydrogen truck? Let us know your thoughts!