The pickup truck market that is so popular in the USA will soon be enriched by another variant: the vehicle is called “Badger”. However, it does not serve the cliché that SUVs and trucks are per se gas-guzzling climate killers, on the contrary: the Badger runs electrically. The manufacturer Nikola Motor Company promises a range of 300 miles (around 480 kilometers) for the purely battery-powered version (BEV, battery-electric vehicle). Those who drive longer distances or tow trailers may want to consider the more powerful model with a range of 600 miles. Its batteries are supplemented by a hydrogen drive with fuel cells (FCEV, hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle). The sales prices with basic equipment should be 60.000 dollars (53.000 euros) or 80.000 dollars.
According to the company, the Badger's features include a high-quality infotainment system, over-the-air updates, keyless entry, independent torque control for each wheel, a refrigerator and waterproof displays. The external dimensions are 5,89 meters long, 2,18 meters wide and 1,87 meters high.
So far, however, the vehicle is only available virtually. It will be presented for the first time at the beginning of December at a large road show at the company headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. Nikola is now advertising for pre-orders; the deposit is between $250 and $5.000, depending on the overall package you want.
Electrolysers from Norway
At the beginning of June, Nikola Corporation and Norway's Nel ASA also signed a purchase order for 85 megawatt electrolysers. These can cumulatively produce over 40.000 kilograms of hydrogen per day. The order volume is 30 million dollars (26,7 million euros). According to the information, the systems will be delivered from a new electrolyzer factory that is currently being built in Norway. “These electrolyzers will support five high-capacity hydrogen fueling stations,” said Trevor Milton, founder and CEO of Nikola Corporation, and are expected to cover multiple U.S. states and transportation routes. According to Nel, the framework agreement was “one of the key triggers for Nel’s decision to develop its mega alkaline electrolyzer factory in Norway.” This also enables Nikola to reserve capacity for itself in the new facility, said Jon André Løkke, CEO of Nel.
Nikola Corporation was founded in Phoenix in 2015. The company wants to design zero-emission battery and hydrogen-powered vehicles, as well as build vehicle components and energy storage systems as well as an infrastructure for hydrogen filling stations.
Deep link:
https://nikolamotor.com/press_releases/nikola-badger-preorders-open-june-29-at-11-am-et-83
Photos:
Nikola Motor launches the hydrogen-powered “Badger”/ © Nikola Motor Company
