Nikola plans $1bn plant to make fuel cell trucks in Arizona

Nikola Motor announced plans to set up shop in Arizona to make its H2 semi truck. A new factory will be build close to Phoenix from 2019 with production to start 2 years later. The start-up earmarked 1 billion dollars and says it will create 2,000 jobs.

The Nikola One is Nikola’s first fuel cell truck that has caught the eyes of the entire industry. Already Nikola Motor says is has received more than 8,000 pre-orders for its semi truck.

Nikola currently makes hydrogen vehicles and filling equipment in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Nikola One is their first hydrogen truck and will utilise the eAxle by Bosch (we reported).

The facility in Arizona is to cost one billion dollars and Nikola is relying on investors’ trust. The startup expects construction to be underway by the end of 2019. Production would then start in 2021. The factory is expected to create 2,000 jobs.

Nikola’s announcement comes amid a beginning shift in the industry. Tesla continues to receive large orders for its electric Semi truck. Also Daimler as well as Volvo Trucks have made plans public to launch all-electric heavyweights from next year, while Scania just teamed up with Northvolt to develop batteries for commercial vehicles.

In terms of fuel cell utility vehicles, Nikola is alone on the market. Almost. Toyota is working on hydrogen applications in the medium and heavy duty sector and is already running trials (we reported).

reuters.com, fortune.com

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