IVECO, the commercial vehicle brand of Iveco Group, and Nikola Corporation (Nasdaq: NKLA), open a new era in zero-emissions transport at the IAA Transportation 2022 with the commercial launch of the Nikola Tre battery- electric vehicle (BEV) and the unveiling of the Nikola Tre fuel cell electric vehicle beta version. The two vehicles were presented to the press at the conference held today on the IVECO stand, where they are on display. Visitors to the exhibition will also be able to view demonstrations in the Outdoor Area and test drive the Nikola Tre BEV to experience its performance, comfort and advanced intuitive features.
Michael Lohscheller, President, Nikola Corporation said:
“The Nikola Tre battery-electric and fuel cell electric zero-emission trucks are true game changers in commercial trucking. 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, President, Truck Business Unit, Iveco Group said:
“Today we are launching the first products for the European market of IVECO’s powerful partnership with Nikola Corporation. Together, our teams have designed a modular platform capable of hosting both fuel cell and battery propulsion technologies, starting with the European 4×2 Artic version of the Nikola Tre BEV heavy-duty truck making its debut here today. 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.”
The European Nikola Tre BEV is produced by the Nikola IVECO Europe joint venture in its dedicated manufacturing plant in Ulm, Germany. The facility, which was inaugurated in 2021, features a final assembly process specifically designed for ‘electric-born’ vehicles and operates to world-class manufacturing standards.
The Nikola Tre platform is based on the successful IVECO S-WAY truck and features an electric axle co-designed and produced by FPT Industrial, and Nikola’s advanced electric technology. The IVECO and Nikola teams adopted a modular approach to this platform so that it’s capable of hosting both battery and fuel-cell propulsion technologies – an industry first which is paving the way for the development of their electric offering for the European market.
IVECO and Nikola announced today the official opening of orders for the Nikola Tre BEV Artic 4×2 in Europe. The vehicle, which has a wheelbase of 4.021 mm, features 9 batteries with a total energy storage up to 738 kWh, which delivers a range of approximately 500 km. Charging (10-90% SOC) only takes an estimated 162 minutes, with a 175 kW charger. Charging up to 350 kW is expected later this year. With a total 738 kWh of energy and the 480 kW continuous power of the FPT Industrial e-Axle, it has the power, torque and range to perform applications such as hub- to-hub deliveries and regional haulage – and its mileage can be extended with opportunity charging. This performance comes with low Total Cost of Ownership, making it an operationally and financially viable zero-emission solution.
In line with IVECO’s driver-centric approach, every detail in the Nikola Tre BEV’s cab is designed to enhance life on board with a spacious and well laid out environment rich in comfort features and advanced functionalities. The infotainment system is based on Nikola’s new-generation proprietary operating technology that integrates infotainment and navigation functions, as well as controls for most of the vehicle’s functionalities. The exceptionally smooth ride and a quiet environment add to the superior driver experience, which will make the Nikola Tre a true favourite of drivers across Europe.
The Nikola Tre FCEV Artic 6×2 in beta version unveiled at the exhibition features a steering tag axle and a new cab with improved aerodynamic performance. With a wheelbase of 3.932 mm, it can accommodate approximately 70 usable kilograms of hydrogen at 700-bar pressure. This capacity, together with its fast-refuelling time of just under 20 minutes, enables a range of up to 800 km. When Nikola Tre FCEV enters the European market in 2024, zero-emission electric propulsion for long-haul missions will become a reality – a key milestone in IVECO’s progress towards its target of net zero carbon by 2040.
