Nikola Motor has introduced it has acquired a grant awarded by the California Transportation Fee (CTC). 41.9 million {dollars} are supposed to assist Nikola and its infrastructure department, Hyla, construct six hydrogen refuelling stations throughout Southern California.
Caltrans sponsored the applying and can accomplice with Nikola to deploy the brand new hubs for refilling heavy-duty FCEVs. The grant additionally comes forward of Nikola launching manufacturing of its gas cell truck Tre within the USA. Carey Mendes, President of Nikola Vitality, stated the award and infrastructure build-up had been “very important for the profitable launch of hydrogen gas cell electrical vans in July”.
As for Caltrans, it furthers the company’s zero-emission car technique and helps the statewide ‘Truck Parking Research’ by offering a spot for truck drivers to park.
The six hydrogen stations might be positioned alongside freight corridors inside the South Coast Air High quality Administration District, San Diego County Air Air pollution Management District, and the Mojave Desert Air High quality Administration District, the companions stated.
Different particulars stay scarce, although. Nikola solely stated that every hydrogen refuelling station could be designed to “scale up over time with the expansion of professional quality hydrogen refuelling wants whereas making an attempt to maximise truck parking at every website”.
Taking a look at earlier bulletins, Nikola plans to construct 60 hydrogen refuelling stations throughout North America by 2026 below its new Hyla model.
Whether or not the six hubs introduced fall below this settlement is unclear; nevertheless, Voltera was beforehand named as a accomplice to construct and function the hydrogen stations, whereas Nikola would provide hydrogen and supply technical experience.
As with the earlier targets, all Hyla/Nikola refuelling stations might be open to gas cell autos of any make. This open entry was additionally a requirement for the CTC grant.
Whereas having been within the information for difficulties currently, Nikola Motor focuses on launching the Class 8 hydrogen gas cell truck. CEO Michael Lohscheller anticipated the Tre FCEV to enter manufacturing “in a matter of weeks” when talking in June, and this timeline was confirmed immediately.
The corporate additionally expects to localize the availability chain additional and, for instance, plans to assemble Bosch gas cell energy modules in Coolidge, Arizona, to cut back the fabric value.
Nikola presently claims 178 gross sales orders from 14 clients for the Tre FCEV.
Its enterprise in battery-electric variations has gone primarily to Iveco in Europe, now buying and selling as EVCO, as reported. Nikola will make BEVs solely to order at most.
nikolamotor.com