Nikola Corp. and its European partner Iveco commercially launched the European Nikola Tre battery-electric truck and unveiled the European Nikola Tre fuel-cell electric beta version at the IAA Transportation Show in Hanover, Germany, Sept. 19.

The European 4x2 Artic (tractor) version of the Nikola Tre BEV is a zero-emissions heavy-duty truck. According to the company, it has a best-in-class range of up to 530 km and the performance to fit a wide range of regional applications.

The European Nikola Tre FCEV in beta version also made its debut, offering a glimpse of the soon-to-come electric propulsion semi-truck for long hauling. The fuel-cell truck is expected to launch in the second half of 2023 in North America and first half of 2024 in Europe.

The Nikola Tre FCEV Artic 6x2 in beta version features a steering tag axle and a new cab with improved aerodynamic performance. It can accommodate approximately 70 usable kilograms of hydrogen at 700-bar pressure. This capacity, together with its fast-refueling time of under 20 minutes, enables a range of up to 800 km.

Orders Open for European Nikola Tre BEV

The press conference marked the official opening of orders for the European 4x2 Artic version of the Nikola Tre BEV. The tractor features nine batteries with a total energy storage up to 738 kWh, which delivers a range of up to 530 km. An 80% charge takes an estimated 100 minutes at 350 kW.

With 480 kW continuous power of the FPT Industrial e-Axle, the truck has the power, torque and range to perform applications such as hub-to-hub deliveries and regional hauling, according to the announcement, and its mileage can be extended with opportunity charging.

The European Nikola Tre BEV is produced by the Nikola Iveco Europe joint venture in its dedicated manufacturing plant in Ulm, Germany. The facility, inaugurated in 2021, features a final assembly process specifically designed for electric vehicles and operates to world-class manufacturing standards.

Nikola marked the beginning of its commercial serial truck production of its Nikola Tre battery-electric Class 8 truck for North America in Coolidge, Arizona, earlier this year.

“The Nikola Tre battery-electric and fuel cell electric zero-emission trucks are true game-changers in commercial trucking,” said Michael Lohscheller, president of Nikola Corp., in a news release. “Specifically developed as electric vehicles, they deliver the performance and driving experience able to compete with their diesel-powered peers in the toughest heavy-duty missions. They offer operationally and financially viable zero-emissions solutions for regional applications and long-distance hauling that will give customers a true competitive advantage.”

Luca Sra, Iveco Group’s Truck Business Unit president, said, “It is the first-ever electric-born modular platform for articulated heavy-duty tractors hosting both energy sources: battery-electric for missions of approximately 500 km and fuel cell electric powertrain for hauling up to 800 km in its first generation. A true revolution that marks a tangible step towards our ambitious goal of achieving a zero-emissions transport.”

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