Nikola Motors was created in 2014 to create alternative energy vehicles. Most of his designs were heavy trucks with hydrogen and/or electric engines. Nikola has also positioned himself as a rival to Tesla, not only does his name suggest the company, but he also launched his first electric pickup amid the growing popularity of the Cybertruck.
The Nikola Badger differs from most electric pickup trucks in that it offers two systems for powering the vehicle. Both a battery electric system and a hydrogen fuel cell are available. These motors can work simultaneously to provide power and, when combined, result in twice the base range.
Let's look at more design details that can be featured on Nikola's first electric pickup truck.
Electrical project
The Badger has a unique FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle)/BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) design. The battery electrical system consists of a 160 kWh battery which can give the Badger up to 300 miles of range on a single charge. The fuel cell system, implemented in many of Nikola's heavy trucks, includes an 8kg hydrogen tank that can also provide up to 300 miles of range. As hydrogen only produces water as a by-product, the company is able to market these captures as zero emissions.
Customers who choose the battery electric model can add the hydrogen system later if they wish. While the prevalence of hydrogen fuel cell technology has not taken hold in the market, Nikola plans to implement significant infrastructure to handle the demands of hydrogen-powered models. The Badger can also implement a 15kW outlet at the rear for tools or other equipment. It has been said that the water produced by the hydrogen system will be harnessed in a water source resource for fresh drinking water.
power and performance
According to Nikola, the Badger will have a maximum power of 906 horsepower and an astonishing 980 lb-ft of torque. . Continuous power is fixed at 455. Its electric drive will allow it to go from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 2.9 seconds. Independent 4×4 drive provides dynamic handling for the truck, which has a 16″ ground clearance and 35º approach angle for off-road maneuverability. The proposed dimensions of the Badger are 231.89″ x 85.83″ x 73.62″. Nikola claims it will also have a water passage depth of 48″ .
Reach and efficiency
The FCEV and BEV systems, when combined, provide a range of 600 miles. That's greater than the claimed range of Cybertruck and Rivian R1T . The pickup has a towing capacity of 8,000 pounds. Nikola typically builds heavy-duty fuel cell vehicles like semis, so the Badger is likely to benefit from some beefed-up construction. Obviously, the company reminds us in a notice that “specifications may change due to weather , altitude, hydrogen output, battery charge state, thermal needs and customer requirements”.
Nikola's future
These remain projected statistics until the end of this year. Nikola will host a “Nikola World” event from December 3-5, where it will likely reveal more concrete information about the upcoming truck. Trevor Milton, CEO of Nikola, said, "I've been working on this collection program for years and I believe the market is now ready for something that can handle a full day's work without running out of energy."
Significant funds were provided to the company to fuel its efforts. The US Department of Energy awarded them US$ 1.7 million for their work on fuel cell membrane electrode assembly technology. We can see more of Nikola's utility vehicles, such as the "Refuse" electric garbage truck, appearing on the streets. They have also developed several fuel cell/semi electric concepts that are likely to be released around the same time as Tesla's electric semi.
The viability of mass-produced hydrogen vehicles is limited by the number of hydrogen stations available in the US. THE Nikola devoted approximately US$ 30 million to the purchase of electrolysis equipment which are said to be capable of 44 tonnes of H2 per day. They plan to open 700 hydrogen stations as well. Nikola's Fuel Cell Heavy Vehicles are configured to operate through stations powered by renewable energy. These stations are capable of performing on-site electrolysis, storing the hydrogen and processing it through a 70mPa filling station.
Customers who have made a deposit at Nikola Badger will receive a full refund of the deposit in the form of a discounted purchase price. Mark Russell, President of Nikola Corporation, explained “The Nikola Badger is a game changer” . subsidies provided to them, it is possible for Nikola to participate in establishing the growing hydrogen network.
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Sources: Nikola Motors, Car & Driver, Popular Mechanics, Electrek
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