Karmactive Team
Nikola Corporation, under the HYLA brand, pulled the curtain back on its hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle on September 28, 2023, in a vibrant ceremony at its Coolidge, Arizona manufacturing facility, signaling a new chapter in zero-emissions transit. The event, a melting pot of fleet customers, Nikola dealers, government dignitaries, and Phoenix’s business and community leaders, was a testament to collective strides towards a sustainable future. “Today, we mark the official commercial launch of our advanced technology hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks into the North American marketplace,” expressed a proud Steve Girsky, Nikola President and CEO.
The Nikola hydrogen fuel cell electric truck isn’t just a vehicle; it’s a statement with its staggering up to 500 miles range and a refueling time that can be as swift as 20 minutes. This beast is not just about the miles; it’s about versatility, conquering everything from drayage and intermodal to metro-regional truckload and less-than-truckload, and even certain specialized hauling use cases. The market has responded with open arms, with Nikola and its dealers securing 223 non-binding orders from 23 customers, including notable fleet operators like J.B. Hunt and AJR Trucking.
The Coolidge manufacturing facility, having completed its Phase 2 assembly expansion, now stands as a beacon of mixed-model production, capable of crafting both hydrogen fuel cell and battery-electric trucks. With an annual production capacity of approximately 2,400 trucks across three shifts, it’s not just a facility; it’s a powerhouse of sustainable manufacturing. Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, shared the excitement, stating, “We are proud to celebrate the launch of Nikola’s innovative hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle production facility in Coolidge.”
Incentives and financial support have not been scarce for Nikola trucks, with eligibility for the California Air Resources Board Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project and additional incentives from the Innovative Small e-Fleet program in California. Nikola customers are also in for a treat with a $40,000 clean commercial vehicle tax credit per vehicle from the federal government, thanks to the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. The HYLA team, devoted to ensuring a reliable hydrogen supply, is not just working; they’re crafting the future, ensuring the demands of 2023 and beyond are met with sustainable solutions.
Collaborations and grants have been pivotal in Nikola’s journey, with potential grant funds awarded for the ongoing development of hydrogen refueling stations along key California freight corridors and a partnership with Voltera aiming to establish up to 50 HYLA stations across North America over the next five years. Joe Cappello, Nikola President of Energy, encapsulated the spirit by remarking, “As we receive these significant grants and form strategic partnerships, we’re forging ahead on our mission to build a comprehensive zero-emission transportation solution.”
Nikola is not just a corporation; it’s a mission, pioneering solutions for a zero-emissions world and integrating truck and energy companies to transform commercial transportation with its Class 8 vehicles, including battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks. The company, with its headquarters strategically nestled in Phoenix, Arizona, and a manufacturing facility in Coolidge, Arizona, invites individuals to be part of their sustainability journey at nikolamotor.com. Engaging with Nikola goes beyond the vehicles, extending to various social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter, where the journey towards establishing an integrated hydrogen ecosystem unfolds
