NFI Adding Hyliion Hybrid-Electric Trucks to Green Fleet

NFI has ordered 10 Hyliion Hypertruck ERX trucks, backed by deposits to secure production slots.

The 4,500-truck fleet has long had a focus on sustainability, from focusing on fuel efficiency to adopting alternative fuels such as natural gas and, most recently, battery-electric trucks. By 2023, NFI has said it plans to operate the first 100% zero-emission drayage fleet.

The order comes after NFI, a Hypertruck Innovation Council member, visited Hyliion’s Austin, Texas, headquarters to experience the Hypertruck ERX.

The Hypertruck ERX is an electric powertrain for Class 8 trucks that is recharged by an onboard natural gas generator for long range and quick refueling. And when fueled with renewable natural gas, it can provide net-negative carbon emissions.

“NFI has been providing logistics solutions for 90 years, and our commitment to sustainability initiatives will allow us to continue to serve our valued customers for decades to come,” said James O'Leary, VP of assets at NFI, in a statement. “By investing in green technology like the Hypertruck ERX, we’re able to take another transformative step toward a zero-emissions freight industry, and I look forward to seeing the impact these Hypertruck ERX units will have in further reducing our carbon footprint.”

Bill Bliem, NFI SVP of fleet services and a former HDT Truck Flet Innovator, explained in a video, "We would like to work with Hyliion to develop the truck that works best for NFI and our customers. It's becoming more of a demand than a request as some of these bigger companies start focusing more and more on sustainability. So it's our job to help them reduce their carbon footprint."