DHL Supply Chain on Friday launched a pilot program using hydrogen fuel cell trucks in Japan, making it the first country in the Asia-Pacific region where the logistics giant will deploy the zero-emission vehicles.

The project, backed by the Japanese government, aims to test the feasibility and environmental benefits of hydrogen-powered transport as part of efforts to achieve a decarbonized society.

First Deployment in Asia-Pacific

“We are very proud of becoming the first country in Asia Pacific at DHL Supply Chain to introduce hydrogen-powered fuel cell trucks,” said Jerome Gillet, president and CEO for Japan and Korea, in a statement.

The initiative aligns with DHL Group’s target of running 30 percent of its air, maritime and road transport on sustainable fuels by 2030.

It follows other green logistics projects in Japan, including the deployment of electric trucks and a renewable energy partnership at the company’s Sagamihara Logistics Center.

Fujitsu First Customer in Trial

The pilot will begin with transport services for Japanese IT provider Fujitsu Ltd, whose executive vice president, Takashi Yamanishi, said the company aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2040.

DHL plans to introduce additional fuel cell trucks later this year to serve other customers.

Next-Generation Transport Technology

The trucks generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen stored in high-pressure tanks and oxygen from the air, producing only water as exhaust.

With a range of about 260 kilometers, they are designed for both environmental performance and commercial utility.

DHL’s hydrogen truck project is part of a wider “Green Innovation Fund Project” led by Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Corporation, a venture between Toyota Motor Corp, Isuzu Motors Ltd, Hino Motors Ltd, Suzuki Motor Corp and Daihatsu Motor Co., subsidized by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization.

“Through this project, we aim to demonstrate a realistic pathway for implementing next-generation energy solutions in logistics,” said Sachiko Kokue, head of ESG and sustainability at DHL Supply Chain Japan.

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