Talke USA has announced a new collaboration with Symbio North America to retrofit two Class 8 Freightliner Cascadia tractors into hydrogen-electric drayage trucks. The move is part of TALKE’s ESG initiative, Crafting Responsible Logistics, aimed at reducing emissions in the chemical logistics sector while preserving the safety and performance standards required in that industry.
Under the agreement, Symbio will install its proprietary fuel cell and hydrogen-electric powertrain systems into the existing tractors, enabling them to operate as zero-emission drayage vehicles designed for short-haul operations. TALKE expects the trucks to become fully operational in 2026.
TALKE executives emphasize that this is a strategic step in building out a hydrogen ecosystem for heavy transport. As stated by Alexander Boehm, TALKE USA’s COO, the investment supports their long-term vision of sustainability in logistics, while also reinforcing the need for partnerships to bridge technology gaps. Richard Heath, CEO and President of TALKE USA, noted that operating in Houston—a designated hydrogen hub—offers TALKE a locational advantage as they scale clean-energy transport infrastructure.
The retrofitted trucks will be tailored to TALKE’s drayage operations, prioritizing the rigorous demands of short-haul movement and the specialized requirements of chemical logistics. In announcing the deployment, TALKE reiterated its commitment to balancing reliability, safety, and operational performance alongside environmental goals.
