Chile has positioned itself as a potential global hub for green hydrogen, aiming to exploit its vast solar and wind resources.
Walmart Chile has rolled out the country’s first long-haul truck powered by green hydrogen, marking a significant step in the retail giant’s push toward low-emission logistics.
The vehicle, developed in partnership with logistics company Grupo Marval, runs on hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources. Unlike diesel trucks, it emits no carbon dioxide and operates at noise levels below 20 decibels, making it quieter than conventional freight vehicles.
With a range of up to 750 kilometres and a load capacity of 49 tonnes, the truck mirrors the performance of a traditional diesel vehicle but is designed to reduce the environmental footprint of long-distance freight in Chile. Refuelling takes between 20 minutes and an hour, depending on the system, an important consideration given the country’s challenging geography.
Hydrogen ambitions in Chile
Chile has positioned itself as a potential global hub for green hydrogen, aiming to exploit its vast solar and wind resources. In 2023, Walmart Chile opened its first hydrogen plant at its Quilicura distribution centre in partnership with French energy company ENGIE. The facility produces 240 kilograms of hydrogen per day, avoiding an estimated 1,600 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.
The deployment of the truck is part of Walmart’s broader strategy to cut emissions in its transport operations. The company has set a target for 10% of its distribution journeys to be made with low-emission vehicles by the end of 2024, with plans to scale that to 40% by 2029. Globally, Walmart has pledged to become a “regenerative company” by 2040.
Alongside its investment in hydrogen, Walmart Chile is experimenting with double-deck trucks to improve freight efficiency and transitioning diesel-powered yard trucks and refrigerated trailers to electric models.
Hydrogen advocates see the fuel as particularly well-suited for heavy-duty freight, where battery-electric vehicles face limits in range and charging times. However, challenges remain, including infrastructure, costs, and the speed at which fleets can transition away from fossil fuels.
