Nikola Badger
Nikola unveils Cybertruck rival
Automotive start-up Nikola Corporation, traditionally a manufacturer of electric- and hydrogen-powered vehicles for heavy duty use, including semi-trucks, off-road sport vehicles, and jet ski-type craft, has entered the electric pickup market with its Badger truck – a Tesla Cybertruck and Rivian R1T rival.
The Badger, however, can operate as a Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) and a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) at any time. According to Nikola Motors CEO Trevor Milton, this combination gives the pickup truck a range of up to 960 km – nearly 160 km more than what the most expensive tri-motor Cybertruck can manage.
For those who do not prefer the hydrogen option, the 160 kwh lithium-ion battery powered version of the pickup will have a range of 480 km, and Nikola president Mark Russell claims the option to select a FCEV or BEV derivative will reduce costs for customers.
Engineered to deliver a monstrous 1 329 Nm of torque, peak power of 676 kw, and continuous power of
340 kw, Nikola claims the big bakkie can reach 100 km/h in about three seconds and tow over 3 600 kg. Its huge twisting force also means the Badger can start on a 30% incline and engage 50% inclines without stalling.
At 5,9 m long, 2,18 m wide, and 1,87 m high, with a load-bed-width of 1,56 m, the Badger is designed as a heavyduty truck that can operate at sub-zero temperatures. It also has a power outlet for plug-in tools that can last 12 hours without an external generator.
Hydrogen infrastructure
Nikola also announced it is creating 700 hydrogen stations in North America. To support this infrastructure, the automaker purchased electrolysis equipment valued at over R5 billion to produce more than 40 000 kg of hydrogen daily. This purchase is meant to supply the first five hydrogen fuelling stations with eight tons of hydrogen produced daily.
Reservations for the Badger has opened and pricing is steep, with the battery-electric derivative starting at about R1 million (before tax and import duties) and the hydrogen fuel-cell electric model with EV battery pack priced from R1,33 million.
The production version of the Badger will be unveiled on 4 December in Phoenix, Arizona, but meanwhile interested buyers can choose how much money to deposit to hold one, and the company will match it. Deposit holders will also secure spots at the Nikola World event in December and be entered to win a free truck.
Production of the Badger bakkie is set for 2022 and it will be built in conjunction with another OEM (to be announced at Nikola World) utilising their certified parts and manufacturing facilities. Prototypes will be available for select customers and media to ride in at Nikola World. More details at www.nikolamotor.com/badger.