Walmart contributes to the development of Chile's first eco-friendly hydrogen-powered long-distance truck

SANTIAGO, Chile, Dec. 3 Chile has unveiled its first long-distance truck powered entirely by green hydrogen, made possible through a $15 million investment. The vehicle, developed with the involvement of Walmart Chile, produces zero carbon emissions and is the first of its type in Latin America.

The truck relies on a water electrolysis process that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable electricity. It offers a driving range of approximately 465 miles, supported by a hydrogen storage capacity of 165 pounds, and can transport up to 54 tons of cargo, performing on par with traditional diesel trucks. Hydrogen will be supplied from Walmart Chiles green-hydrogen plant in Santiago, which generates up to 530 pounds daily.

Walmart Chile highlighted that this local initiative aligns with its decarbonization strategy for logistics and promotes the adoption of sustainable technologies in the region. The company aims for 40% of its delivery routes to be low-emission by 2029, leveraging hydrogen to achieve zero-emission operations.

The project was executed under the HydroHaul Technology Program, a collaborative effort combining private sector innovation with government support through Chiles Economic Development Agency. Walmart Chile emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing green hydrogen technologies and demonstrating practical applications.

The Ministry of Transport has certified the truck for use on Chilean roads, and a dedicated hydrogen refueling station is being installed at the Quilicura Distribution Center in preparation for its deployment.

Ana Mara Ruz, executive director of the Green Hydrogen Industry Development Committee, described the initiative as a technological milestone for Chile. She noted that such innovations foster local expertise in manufacturing, services, and technology, while enabling vehicles to operate over long distances and contribute to carbon-neutral goals in transportation.

The model is expected to be scalable nationwide, with potential to inspire other industries to explore economically and technically feasible green hydrogen solutions. Walmart Chile has already seen benefits from hydrogen-powered forklifts at the Quilicura Distribution Center, which increased productivity by 5% due to reduced refueling downtime.

Additional projects are underway, including the use of hydrogen in refrigerated trucks, aiming to decarbonize sectors such as food transport. Sustainability experts highlight that pilot programs testing real-world conditionsrange, charging times, maintenance, and environmental factorsare crucial for making green hydrogen competitive in Chile.

Chile is leveraging its abundant renewable resources to produce green hydrogen and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, targeting a 25% reduction in national greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The Atacama Deserts solar potential and Magallanes wind resources position Chile as a potential global leader in green hydrogen production.

Author: Riley Thompson