Nikola Corporation, the US-based electric vehicle (EV) startup, has taken a significant step in its goal of zero-emission commercial trucks. The company recently delivered the first shipment of Nikola Tre models in Los Angeles, California.
The Nikola Tre was originally unveiled in 2018 as a hydrogen-powered semi-tractor truck. A year later, Nikola showcased a battery-electric version based on the Iveco S-Way. The production version has a mileage rating of 563 km or 350 miles. The semi gets power from a 753 kWh battery capable of 240 kW DC fast charging. With a power figure of 480 kW, the Tre churns out the equivalent of 645 hp.
Nikola delivered two Tre semis to Total Transportation Services Inc. (TTSI), a port trucking company servicing Southern California. TTSI will likely deploy the new trucks at the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports.
TTSI has a letter of intent to purchase 100 trucks from Nikola. The company ordered 30 battery-electric models and 70 hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. The remaining EVs will roll out next year, with the hydrogen trucks following suit in 2023.
The good news comes at the right time for Nikola. It has been the center of controversy in the US, where founder and former CEO Trevor Milton has been accused of criminal and securities fraud. Milton was charged in July for "lying about nearly all aspects of the business."
Nikola committed to make its first Tre BEV deliveries in Q4 2021 and it is a big honor to celebrate this milestone with our partner, TTSI, and dignitaries who are committed to advancing zero-emission transportation solutions to reduce truck emissions in port operations. TTSI has significant sustainability goals, and we are pleased to help them achieve their vision with our zero-emission trucks.
Nikola looks set to move forward from its rocky past. The company recently agreed to pay $125 million to settle charges from allegedly defrauded investors. With Milton and the fraud accusations out of the way, Nikola can focus on living up to its grand promises.
