Anheuser-Busch has teamed up with its innovative fleet partners, Nikola Corporation and BYD Motors, to deliver Bud Light NEXT, the brand’s first-ever zero carb beer that breaks the barriers of a traditional lager, with zero-emissions.
The special ‘zero-emission delivery’ leveraged the technology of both partners to sustainably deliver beer from Anheuser-Busch’s brewery in Van Nuys, CA to bars and retailers in Los Angeles using only zero-emission vehicles. The extended range Nikola Tre hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) picked up a load of beer from the brewery and delivered it to the Anheuser-Busch AB One distribution facility in Carson, CA. From there, a BYD battery-electric 8TT day cab tractor delivered the beer to local bars and retailers to be enjoyed by consumers.
“At Anheuser-Busch, we continuously strive to lead our industry by delivering our products in the most sustainable way possible – including by investing in the cutting-edge technology of our logistics partners,” said John Rogers, Chief Sustainability and Procurement Officer, at Anheuser-Busch. “We are driving forward with this zero-emission delivery to inspire others to leverage the power of partnership and join us in creating a sustainable future with more cheers for our consumers, partners and communities.”
This milestone delivery also marked the expansion of Anheuser-Busch’s partnerships with both Nikola and BYD in California as part of the brewer’s global net-zero ambition and commitment to reducing carbon emissions across their U.S. value chain by 25% by 2025.
In 2018, Anheuser-Busch entered into a partnership with Nikola for an order of hydrogen-electric powered semi-trucks to help transition its entire long-haul dedicated fleet to zero-emission vehicles.
This month, Anheuser-Busch and Nikola began a three-month pilot by placing two Nikola Tre alpha FCEVs into daily service within the brewer’s Southern California network. This pilot is an important step for both companies to refine the production specifications and features of the Nikola vehicles and to demonstrate the viability of fuel cell trucking and hydrogen refilling in beverage hauling.
“Our long-term partnership with Anheuser-Busch in support of their leading commitment to sustainability has been an incredible honour for Nikola,” said Nikola CEO, Mark Russell. “We’re very proud of the part played by the long-range and zero-emission Nikola Tre hydrogen electric truck in delivering zero carb beer to celebrate this year’s big game.”
At their distribution facilities, Anheuser-Busch is also adding an additional 20 BYD electric trucks into their California fleet this year. The brewer currently operates 25 BYD trucks across four California distribution centres.