Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Anheuser-Busch Orders 800 Nikola Hydrogen-Electric Trucks

Anheuser-Busch has placed an order for up to 800 hydrogen-electric heavy-duty trucks from Nikola Motor Co. as part of a plan to convert its entire dedicated fleet to renewable power by 2025.

May 3, 2018
Anheuser-Busch Orders 800 Nikola Hydrogen-Electric Trucks

Nikola's hydrogen-electric truck technology got a major endorsement from Anheuser-Busch in the form of an order for up to 800 trucks. Illustration: Nikola

Photo: Anheuser-Busch

3 min to read


Anheuser-Busch has placed an order for up to 800 hydrogen-electric heavy-duty trucks from Nikola Motor Co. as part of a plan to convert its entire dedicated fleet to renewable power by 2025.

The zero-emission trucks — which will be able to travel between 500 and 1,200 miles and be refilled within 20 minutes, reducing idle time — are expected to be integrated into Anheuser-Busch’s dedicated fleet beginning in 2020.

Ad Loading...

It will also help Nikola build out its hydrogen-fueling network. “All of our stations will be open to all our fleets,” Nikola spokesperson Colleen Robar told HDT. “But this order helps us get 28 stations operating on key Anheuser Busch routes.”

Through this agreement, Anheuser-Busch aims to convert its entire long-haul dedicated fleet to renewable powered trucks by 2025. Nikola’s technology will enable the brewer to achieve this milestone across its long-haul loads, while also helping to improve road safety through the trucks’ advanced surround viewing system, according to an announcement from the two companies.

“At Anheuser-Busch we’re continuously searching for ways to improve sustainability across our entire value chain and drive our industry forward,” said Michel Doukeris, CEO of Anheuser-Busch. “The transport industry is one that is ripe for innovative solutions, and Nikola is leading the way with hydrogen-electric, zero-emission capabilities. We are very excited by the possibilities our partnership with them can offer.”

Ad Loading...

Trevor Milton, CEO of Nikola, noted that "Anheuser-Busch has a long history of investing in progressive, sustainable technology, and we are excited to partner with them to bring the largest hydrogen network in the world to the USA. By 2028, we anticipate having over 700 hydrogen stations across the USA and Canada. With nearly $9 billion in pre-order reservations, we are building to order, not speculation, and are very excited for what’s to come.”

About a month ago, Sweden-based Nel ASA, which Nikola tapped late last year to be the equipment supplier for its planned network of hydrogen refuelling stations, announced it had received an additional order from Nikola in the wake of a deal with a major fleet.

“The Nikola hydrogen electric semi-trucks will begin testing with fleets in 2019 and begin full production in 2021,” Milton said as part of that announcement, noting that the then-undisclosed deal with A-B would require an additional 28 stations to go up on top of the previous Nel purchase order.

Anheuser-Busch had previously ordered 40 Tesla electric Semi tractors.

The partnership with Nikola will contribute to Anheuser-Busch’s recently announced 2025 Sustainability Goals, which include reducing CO2 emissions by 25% across its value chain. Once fully implemented, the carbon reductions gained from these 800 trucks will reduce the brewer’s carbon emissions from logistics by more than 18% — equivalent to taking more than 13,000 passenger vehicles off the road annually.

Ad Loading...

Emission reduction has, and continues to be, a long-term focus for Anheuser-Busch. In 2006, the brewer joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay Transport program; and since 2008, has reduced its total energy use in U.S. breweries by more than 30%.


Related: Watch Nikola Hydrogen Fuel Cell Truck on the Road

More Equipment

Gray Volvo tractor pulling trailer on open highway
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeMay 1, 2026

New High-Horsepower Natural Gas Engine Could Expand Fleet Options

Westport and Volvo are demonstrating a 500-hp truck with diesel-like efficiency — one that also offers what Westport says is a better pathway to using hydrogen fuel in trucks.

Read More →
Aurora Innovation self-driving truck.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseApril 30, 2026

Hirschbach Announces Plan to Deploy 500 Aurora Autonomous Trucks

Hirschbach and Aurora Innovation have inked a non-binding deal outlining a path to deploy 500 Aurora Driver-powered trucks into fleet operations.

Read More →
Bosch-Kodiak self-driving truck partnership.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseApril 30, 2026

Bosch, Kodiak AI Advance Toward Scaled Production of Autonomous Truck Hardware

New sensor integrations and component validation signal a shift from strategy to execution as Kodiak and Bosch push toward high-volume driverless truck deployment.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Great American Trucks: REO
Equipmentby Jack RobertsApril 29, 2026

Great American Trucks: REO

The evolution of the modern truck was a long, slow affair. But perhaps no other company did more to establish the template for what a modern truck should be, and how it should perform, than REO.

Read More →
Western Star's Star Nation customer event.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseApril 27, 2026

Western Star Doubles Down on Driver Pride With 2026 Star Nation Experience

Western Star has expanded its operator-focused Star Nation competition and outreach to spotlight skill, attract new drivers, and strengthen industry ties.

Read More →
HDT Spotlight: Volvo VNR test drive.
Equipmentby Jack RobertsApril 23, 2026

Is the All-New VNR Volvo's Safest Truck Ever?

The all-new Volvo VNR is jam-packed with advanced safety features. Join HDT for a first-hand look at how Volvo is keeping drivers safer and productive on the road.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
2026 Volvo VNR
Equipmentby Jack RobertsApril 22, 2026

Volvo Redesigns the VNR With Drivers and Tight Turns in Mind

At Volvo’s New River Valley customer center, the all-new VNR proves that maneuverability, safety, and driver confidence can coexist in a regional-haul workhorse.

Read More →
Great Dane trailer.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseApril 21, 2026

FTR: Trailer Orders Jump in March, but Demand Still Lags

March trailer orders posted an unexpected monthly jump, but demand still trails historical norms as fleets prioritize power units over trailing equipment.

Read More →
Humble cabless autonomous freight hauler.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseApril 21, 2026

Autonomous Start-Up Humble Announces Cabless Autonomous Electric Hauler

A new autonomous truck startup company is targeting yard, port, and short-haul freight with a lighter, fully autonomous platform designed for dock-to-dock moves.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Circles with trucks demonstrating sustainable features and Top Green Fleets logo
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 16, 2026

Top Green Fleets of 2026: Nomination Deadline Extended

Is your company a leader in sustainability efforts among trucking fleets? If so, Heavy Duty Trucking's editors want to hear from you.

Read More →