DHL Supply Chain has launched a pilot programme in Japan deploying hydrogen-powered fuel cell (FC) trucks, marking its first such initiative in the Asia-Pacific region. The trial forms part of a Japanese government-backed project to support the country’s transition towards a decarbonised society.
The FC trucks generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen, stored in high-pressure tanks, and atmospheric oxygen within the fuel cell. With an operational range of around 260 kilometres, they are designed to combine environmental performance with commercial utility.
The pilot will begin with transportation operations for Japanese IT services provider Fujitsu Limited, before expanding later this year to serve other DHL Supply Chain Japan customers.
Jerome Gillet, President and CEO Japan and Korea, DHL Supply Chain, said: “This pilot aligns with our ambition to be the Green Logistics of Choice by leading the deployment of low and zero-carbon transport solutions. By 2030, 30 per cent of our air, maritime, and road transport is targeted to run on sustainable fuels.”
Fujitsu’s Executive Vice President and Chief Sustainability Strategy Officer, Takashi Yamanishi, added: “We are committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions across our value chain by 2040. This collaboration with DHL allows us to explore hydrogen-powered transport as a viable new energy solution.”
The initiative is supported by Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and coordinated under the Japanese government’s programme led by Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Corporation (CJPT). DHL Supply Chain said the project is part of its broader Strategy 2030 to develop end-to-end logistics solutions for emerging sectors including wind, solar, EVs, battery storage, charging infrastructure, alternative fuels, and hydrogen.
Sachiko Kokue, ESG & Sustainability Head, DHL Supply Chain Japan, described the deployment of hydrogen trucks as “an important breakthrough” towards decarbonising transport, adding that the trial aims to demonstrate a practical pathway for integrating next-generation energy solutions into logistics.
