„Game-changer” order for Nikola: at least 2,500 electric trucks for one customer

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Nikola has won a huge contract for 2,500 electric trucks, with an option to expand it to up to 5,000 vehicles. The Tre model will go to Republic Services, the second-largest recycling and waste disposal operator in the United States. It is intended to ensure a quieter and emission-free collection of waste.

The garbage trucks that Nikola will produce will have a range of approximately 240 km (150 miles) and will be able to handle 1,200 waste containers per load. The manufacturer is to start on-road tests in early 2022 and Republic Services is to receive the first vehicle deliveries in 2023.

According to Nikola, the powertrain software will be limited to 1,000 HP and is expected to outperform current diesel and natural gas competitors. The new platform can give garbage trucks nearly three-times the HP of natural gas and diesel options, giving operators the ability to go up hills with full loads without issue – a challenge natural gas vehicle manufacturers have been working to solve.

What is interesting is that Nikola will provide not only chassis but also garbage truck body for Republic Services.

This is a game changer,” said Nikola CEO, Mark Russell. “Refuse truck customers have always ordered chassis from truck OEMs and bodies from other suppliers. Nikola has fully integrated the chassis and body, covering both with a single factory warranty. Trucks will include both automated side loaders and front-end loaders — all of which will be zero-emission.”

Image: Nikola

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