Zero-emission semi-trucks will hit the road soon
Nikola Motor Company to break ground with manufacturing facility in Arizona.
Apparently, there’s always room for one more when it comes to electric pickups.
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(Nikola)
Startup automaker Nikola has unveiled plans to offer an electric full-size pickup it is designing in collaboration with a major automaker that will produce it for the Phoenix-based brand.
The Badger will compete for customers with upcoming models from Tesla, GMC, Ford and Rivian when the order book opens later this year.
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(Nikola)
Renderings of the vehicle, which is being designed with help from Heavy D of the “Diesel Brothers” TV show, indicate it will feature a classic cab-and-bed pickup profile with modern bodywork and a high-tech interior equipped with large digital displays. Nikola says the Badger will be offered with both a pure battery-electric drivetrain and as a fuel-cell electric, which converts hydrogen gas stored in tanks into electricity.
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(Nikola)
Performance goals are similar to those proposed for the Tesla Cybertruck and GMC Hummer, with peak power outputs of 908 hp and 980 lb-ft of torque, and a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 2.9 seconds aided by supercapacitor technology.
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Additional specifications include an 8,000-pound tow rating, the ability to climb a 50 percent grade and a 300-mile per-charge range for battery-powered models, while fuel cell versions extend that to 600 miles between fill-ups.
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(Nikola)
Nikola is also working on several electric and fuel cell-powered semi-tractors that it claims to have $14 billion worth of orders for and will begin producing at a factory it is building in Coolidge, Ariz., starting in 2022.
A Nikola spokeswoman told Fox News Autos that the manufacturing partner for the pickup has been confirmed and will be announced at the company’s annual Nikola World event in September.