New “game changer” electric-hydrogen truck from Nikola Corporation will help drive down the cost of fuel cell components on its semi-truck while accelerating the hydrogen station rollout, the US startup said.
Nikola yesterday revealed its Nikola Badger electric-hydrogen pick-up truck, which the company said will be the “world’s most advanced zero emission FCEV/BEV pick-up truck”.
With an estimated range of 600 miles, Nikola said it is unlike anything on the market and is designed to target and exceed every electric or petrol pick-up in its class.
The Badger is engineered to deliver 980 ft. lbs. of torque, 906 peak HP and 455 continuous HP. It will be built in conjunction with another OEM utilising their certified parts and manufacturing facilities.
The electric-hydrogen pick-up is designed to handle what a construction company could throw at it and is engineered to outperform all electric pickup trucks on the market in both continuous towing, HP and range.
The Badger will be outfitted with a 15-kilowatt power outlet for tools, lights and compressors, which is enough power to assist a construction site for approximately 12 hours without a generator.
The Badger was designed to handle 0-100 mph launches with minimal loss of performance and to operate on grades up to 40% through advanced software blending of batteries and a fuel cell.
With a fully loaded trailer and combined vehicle weight of 18,000lbs., the Badger will be able to launch from a standstill on a 30% grade without motor stall.
© Nikola Corporation
“Nikola has billions worth of technology in our semi-truck program, so why not build it into a pick-up truck?” said Trevor Milton, CEO of Nikola Corporation.
“I have been working on this pick-up program for years and believe the market is now ready for something that can handle a full day’s worth of work without running out of energy.”
“This electric truck can be used for work, weekend getaways, towing, off-roading or to hit the ski slopes without performance loss. No other electric pickup can operate in these temperatures and conditions.”
Heavy D, a reality TV star from the Diesel Brothers, has partnered with Nikola to design, build and test the Badger in real world environments, which is anticipated to attract millions of viewers and followers through the process.
The partnership will follow the Badger build from concept through production.
“The Nikola Badger is a game changer,” said Mark Russell, President of Nikola Corporation.
“The program will help drive down the cost of the fuel cell components on our semi-truck while accelerating the hydrogen station rollout.
“Giving customers the option to order a fuel-cell or battery electric version will ensure we drive the cost down for everyone across our line up.”
The Nikola Badger will make its first appearance at Nikola World 2020 in Phoenix.
© Nikola Corporation
