Nikola unveils the Badger, a zero-emission fuel cell electric, battery electric pickup truck

Nikola Corporation announced the launch of the Nikola Badger electric pickup truck with an estimated range of 600 miles.

The advanced electric pickup is designed to target and exceed every electric or petrol pickup in its class, according to the company. The Badger will be available in fuel cell electric (FCEV) or battery electric (BEV). The Badger is engineered to deliver 980 ft lbs of torque, 906 peak hp and 455 continuous hp. The Badger will be built in conjunction with another OEM utilizing their certified parts and manufacturing facilities.

The electric pickup is designed to handle what a construction company could throw at it. The Badger will be outfitted with a 15-kilowatt power outlet for tools, lights, and compressors, which is enough power to assist a construction site for approximately 12 hours without a generator.

The Badger was designed to handle 0-100 mph launches with minimal loss of performance and to operate on grades up to 40 percent through advanced software blending of batteries and fuel cell. With a fully loaded trailer and combined vehicle weight of 18,000 lbs, the Badger will be able to launch from a standstill on a 30 percent grade without motor stall, according to the company.

“Nikola has billions [of dollars] worth of technology in our semi-truck program, so why not build it into a pickup truck,” said Trevor Milton, CEO, Nikola Corporation. “I have been working on this pickup program for years and believe the market is now ready for something that can handle a full day’s worth of work without running out of energy. This electric truck can be used for work, weekend getaways, towing, off-roading, or to hit the ski slopes without performance loss.”

Heavy D, a reality TV star from the “Diesel Brothers,” has partnered with Nikola to design, build, and test the Badger in real world environments, which is anticipated to attract millions of viewers and followers through the process. The partnership will follow the Badger build from concept through production.

“My audience, hardcore truck enthusiasts, has expected me to push the limits of truck power and capabilities since my beginnings,” said Dave Sparks, also known as Heavy D. “Being able to pull back the curtain of a production truck build is a rare opportunity where we can include the everyday truck owner to participate in the final outcome of design, exterior choices, and performance specs. I wanted to be part of that story and now I have the opportunity with Nikola.”

“The Nikola Badger is a game changer. The program will help drive down the cost of the fuel cell components on our semi-truck while accelerating the hydrogen station rollout. Giving customers the option to order a fuel cell or battery electric version will ensure we drive the cost down for everyone across our lineup,” said Mark Russell, president of Nikola Corporation.

Nikola Badger Specifications*:

• 600 miles on blended FCEV / BEV
• 300 miles on BEV alone
• Operates on blended FCEV / BEV or BEV only by touch of a button
• 906 hp peak
• 455 hp continuous
• 980 ft lbs of torque
• 160 kWh, flooded module – lithium-ion battery
• 120 kW fuel cell
• Advanced Supercapacitor Launch Assist that blends with lithium ion and fuel cell
• -20 degrees F operating environments without major performance or SOC losses
• Towing capacity of over 8,000 lbs
• Operating targets without motor stalls up to 50 percent grade
• 15 kW power export outlet
• Compatible with industry standard charging for BEV mode
• Five seats
• Truck dimensions: 5900 mm long by 1850 mm tall by 2160 mm wide; a 1560 mm bed width

*Specifications may vary according to FCEV or BEV-only mode, temperature, elevation, tires, wheels, software packages, production requirements, hardware, and/or regulations.