Iveco and Nikola today (Sep 15) inaugurated the manufacturing facility that will produce the Nikola Tre trucks in Ulm, Germany.
The first battery-electric Nikola Tre models will be delivered to select customers in the US in 2022, with the fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) model to enter production by the end of 2023.
“Despite all the industry and global pandemic challenges we have been facing since we first announced this partnership in September 2019, it is extremely rewarding to be able to stand here today as a team and witness the execution of all of our hard work delivered on time and according to our original plans,” said Gerrit Marx, President of Commercial & Specialty Vehicles at CNH Industrial, during his opening address.
“Thanks to Iveco’s proven expertise and established footprint we have provided a platform upon which Nikola’s technology can thrive.
“Now our focus is on ensuring the success of this operation and jointly taking the lead when it comes to climate-neutral long- and short-haul heavy-duty transport.”
The Nikola Tre is based on the Iveco S-WAY truck platform with an electric axle co-designed and produced by FPT Industrial.
It features Nikola’s advanced electric and fuel cell technology, along with key components provided by Bosch.
Together, the teams have designed a modular platform capable of fuel cell as well as battery propulsion technology.
Launching the battery technology first will drive the maturity of the underlying platform before adding the fuel cell as a range-extension technology, Iveco and Nikola said.
