Lidl, Jacky Perrenot, and Lhyfe have announced the launch of the first green hydrogen vehicle in the French mass retail sector, marking a significant milestone in Lidl’s energy transition efforts aimed at substantially reducing its greenhouse gas emissions.
After inaugurating Europe’s first green hydrogen-powered logistics platform in Carquefou (Loire-Atlantique) in March 2022, Lidl has reaffirmed its dedication to eco-friendly transportation solutions. Together with Jacky Perrenot and Lhyfe, the company committed to deploying the very first green hydrogen-powered heavy goods vehicle (HGV), as affirmed in a charter signed at the Salon de l’Agriculture 2022.
This truck has been operational at the Carquefou platform since the beginning of this year, serving Lidl supermarkets in the Nantes region, representing a pioneering initiative in French logistics.
The state-of-the-art 26-tonne truck is equipped with a 100 kW fuel cell and boasts a range of 400 kilometres. It will be refueled at the multi-energy station in La Roche-sur-Yon, operational since December 2021, and will exclusively use 100% renewable green hydrogen supplied by Lhyfe.
“We’re pleased to have launched this initial green hydrogen vehicle, marking a significant stride in our commitment to energy transition,” said Xavier Pierre, Head of Transport and Environment at Lidl. “This partnership with Lhyfe and the Jacky Perrenot Group exemplifies our collaboration with like-minded partners who share our values and ambitions.”
The vehicle was customized by transport specialist Jacky Perrenot, which has championed climate action since 2012 and holds the “Objectif CO2” label for its efforts in reducing carbon emissions. Beginning their collaboration with Lidl in 2020 with an initial charter at the Salon International de l’Agriculture, this partnership led to the gradual replacement of part of the fleet with alternative energy vehicles, starting with fully electric deliveries in 2021. The introduction of the new green hydrogen-powered truck marks a further evolution in their shared commitment.
