At least in Europe, Nikola starts with a battery-electric Tre model, which is expected to get a hydrogen fuel cell version later.
Nikola Corporation, in partnership with IVECO truck manufacturer and the FPT Industrial powertrain brand (both are part of CNH Industrial) has unveiled a battery-electric Nikola TRE for the European market, hinted at back in February 2019.
It was actually a maquette (sculpture of sorts), built in just three months since CNH Industrial invested in Nikola, on the IVECO S-WAY heavy-duty truck launched last July.
“The integration of the Nikola design on the IVECO S-WAY has been jointly carried out by Nikola and Italdesign – in its Head Quarters in Moncalieri (Turin). The design integration is a natural consequence of a partnership dating back to 2018 between the two companies, that already output the making of the first maquette of NIKOLA TRE, unveiled in Scottsdale, Arizona, United States, during the NIKOLA World Event in April 2019.”
Nikola plans to unveil the prototype at the IAA in 2020 and start sales of the all-electric Tre in 2021. Two years later, in 2023, there will also be a hydrogen fuel cell version Tre, on the same platform.
In other words, BEVs are expected to appear quicker on the market, which does not surprise us at all, as there is no refueling infrastructure for hydrogen.
On the technical side, the Nikola Tre will be equipped with a modular battery system with up to 720 kWh of capacity, which is a lot, but less than the previously hinted 1,000 kWh.
With the biggest battery, the range is expected to be up to 400 km (249 miles), which should be enough for local and mid-range distribution.
Taking into consideration IVECO, the BEV might be a serious product in an emerging electric truck market. At least if the pricing is reasonable.
Here’s a quick look at the interior of the Nikola Tre:
New-generation proprietary infotainment and navigation system
The Nikola TRE will feature a new infotainment system based on Nikola’s proprietary operating system that integrates infotainment and navigation functions, as well as controls for the bulk of the vehicle’s functionalities. The system’s features include climate control, mirror adjustment, suspension height adjustment, 360-degree camera system, navigation, Bluetooth audio system, comprehensive vehicle settings and admin vehicle diagnostics.
The vehicle leverages Bluetooth low energy technology to create a secure link between the vehicle and the customer’s mobile device, creating a truly hands-free media experience. This also enables a smart keyless entry system to unlock as the driver approaches the vehicle. The system can even adjust settings such as ride height and climate temperature to driver preference.
Nikola Tre 4×2 specs:
- up to 400 km (249 miles) of range of range in an undisclosed test cycle
- up to 720 kWh modular battery system
- system output of 480 kW continuous power output and 1,800 Nm peak torque
- will also be available in 2- and 3-axle rigid versions
- GVW ranging from 18 to 26 tonnes for urban distribution and municipality missions
Gerrit Marx, President Commercial and Specialty Vehicles, stated:
“The IVECO S-WAY is a stand-out product, which embodies IVECO’s concept of customer-centricity and has already gained momentum in the markets with well-deserved success. It is the bones of the Nikola TRE and marks the beginning of a new journey towards zero-emissions trucking, providing the platform for us to introduce disruptive features that will change the transport industry.”
Gallery: Nikola Tre
The next step of the partnership is a European joint venture:
“The partnership includes the creation of a European joint venture to develop and distribute cab-over hydrogen fuel-cell and battery-electric trucks for the European market. Nikola will provide its class-leading fuel-cell expertise and advanced technologies, as well as its disruptive business model that foresees an industry-first all-inclusive lease rate. IVECO, together with FPT Industrial, will contribute their engineering and manufacturing expertise to industrialise the fuel-cell and battery electric trucks.
IVECO, FPT Industrial and Nikola have started development of the joint-venture’s first truck: the battery electric Nikola TRE, which is based on the new IVECO S-WAY platform and integrates Nikola’s truck technology, controls and infotainment. Testing is expected to begin in mid-2020, with the European public launch planned for the IAA 2020 commercial vehicle exhibition. Sales and aftersales support of the Nikola TRE will be provided by IVECO’s widespread European dealer network.”
IVECO, FPT Industrial and Nikola Corporation unveil the Nikola TRE
IVECO and Nikola unveiled the maquette of their first battery electric vehicle (BEV) for European markets, the Nikola TRE – just three months after the announcement of the partnership.
The battery electric Nikola TRE, which is based on the IVECO S-WAY and integrates Nikola’s class-leading technology, will be launched at the IAA 2020 commercial vehicle exhibition in Hannover, Germany, with the first units reaching customers in 2021.
The Nikola TRE is the first step on the path towards the Nikola fuel cell electric model (FCEV), which will be available to customers by 2023.
IVECO, FPT Industrial and Nikola unveiled the maquette of the Nikola TRE, the first vehicle resulting from the joint venture between CNH Industrial and Nikola, which involves the commercial vehicle brand and the powertrain specialist.
The vehicle is based on the IVECO S-WAY heavy-duty truck launched last July in Madrid, which has been extremely well received by customers and industry experts alike. The Nikola TRE integrates Nikola’s advanced electric technology and new-generation proprietary infotainment system.
The integration of the Nikola design on the IVECO S-WAY has been jointly carried out by Nikola and Italdesign – in its Head Quarters in Moncalieri (Turin). The design integration is a natural consequence of a partnership dating back to 2018 between the two companies, that already output the making of the first maquette of NIKOLA TRE, unveiled in Scottsdale, Arizona, United States, during the NIKOLA World Event in April 2019.
Gerrit Marx, President Commercial and Specialty Vehicles, stated: “The IVECO S-WAY is a stand-out product, which embodies IVECO’s concept of customer-centricity and has already gained momentum in the markets with well-deserved success. It is the bones of the Nikola TRE and marks the beginning of a new journey towards zero-emissions trucking, providing the platform for us to introduce disruptive features that will change the transport industry.”
The battery electric Nikola TRE: zero-emission regional transport
The vehicle displayed at the event is a maquette of the Nikola TRE 4×2 tractor for regional missions, with a range of up to 400 km and dynamic performance equal or better than a diesel equivalent model.
The vehicle will feature a modular battery system with a total capacity of up to 720 kWh, which can be tailored to match different customers’ missions. The electric driveline will deliver 480 kW Continuous Power Output with 1,800 Nm Peak Torque.
The Nikola TRE will also be available in 2- and 3-axle rigid versions, with GVW ranging from 18 to 26 tonnes for urban distribution and municipality missions.
New-generation proprietary infotainment and navigation system
The Nikola TRE will feature a new infotainment system based on Nikola’s proprietary operating system that integrates infotainment and navigation functions, as well as controls for the bulk of the vehicle’s functionalities. The system’s features include climate control, mirror adjustment, suspension height adjustment, 360-degree camera system, navigation, Bluetooth audio system, comprehensive vehicle settings and admin vehicle diagnostics.
The vehicle leverages Bluetooth low energy technology to create a secure link between the vehicle and the customer’s mobile device, creating a truly hands-free media experience. This also enables a smart keyless entry system to unlock as the driver approaches the vehicle. The system can even adjust settings such as ride height and climate temperature to driver preference.
The bridge to fuel-cell electric heavy-duty trucking
IVECO, FPT Industrial and Nikola have adopted a modular approach in developing their electric offering for the European market, which is unique in the industry. Nikola’s fuel cell will be the starting point for the design of the electric battery, so that the Nikola TRE Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) can be converted to fuel-cell technology. With this approach, the partners are taking the long view, bringing both technologies on stream now to pursue BEV and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) in their offering in the next few years.
This approach enables the partners to launch the Nikola TRE at the IAA 2020 exhibition and Nikola World 2020, delivering the first units to customers in 2021, while the FCEV will be available to customers by 2023.
IVECO, FPT Industrial and Nikola Corporation launch their partnership to achieve zero-emissions transport
IVECO, FPT Industrial and Nikola held a joint event for the European press and industry stakeholders in Turin to present the scope of their partnership and its aggressive goal of achieving zero emissions.
The joint venture unveiled the NIKOLA TRE – just three months after the announcement of the partnership.
IVECO, FPT Industrial and Nikola Corporation today presented the scope and plans of the joint venture and collaboration agreement established to accelerate industry transformation towards emission neutrality of Class 8 heavy-duty trucks in North America and Europe through the adoption of fuel-cell technology.
This comes three months after CNH Industrial’s September 3rd announcement of the strategic partnership with Nikola, involving its IVECO commercial vehicles brand and its powertrain division FPT Industrial.
The primary focus of the agreement is to leverage the partners’ respective expertise to successfully deploy zero-emission heavy-duty trucks and to disrupt the industry with a new business model.
The partnership includes the creation of a European joint venture to develop and distribute cab-over hydrogen fuel-cell and battery-electric trucks for the European market. Nikola will provide its class-leading fuel-cell expertise and advanced technologies, as well as its disruptive business model that foresees an industry-first all-inclusive lease rate. IVECO, together with FPT Industrial, will contribute their engineering and manufacturing expertise to industrialise the fuel-cell and battery electric trucks.
IVECO, FPT Industrial and Nikola have started development of the joint-venture’s first truck: the battery electric Nikola TRE, which is based on the new IVECO S-WAY platform and integrates Nikola’s truck technology, controls and infotainment. Testing is expected to begin in mid-2020, with the European public launch planned for the IAA 2020 commercial vehicle exhibition. Sales and aftersales support of the Nikola TRE will be provided by IVECO’s widespread European dealer network.
The partnership was launched at an event held in Turin and hosted by Hubertus M. Mühlhauser, CNH Industrial CEO, Gerrit Marx, CNH Industrial President Commercial and Specialty Vehicles, Annalisa Stupenengo, CNH Industrial President Powertrain, Trevor Milton, Nikola CEO and Mark Russell, Nikola President.
Hubertus M. Mühlhauser, CNH Industrial CEO, stated: “The increasing focus on the recognition that there needs to be fundamental reductions in automotive emissions is driving our industry to rapidly seek advanced technological solutions. This joint-venture with Nikola is testament to both partners technical expertise, which will result in tangible environmental benefits for Europe’s long distance hauliers.”
Gerrit Marx, President Commercial and Specialty Vehicles, added: “Our industry is changing fast, driven by tightening emissions regulations and younger generations demanding the creation of a circular economy to preserve the environment for their future. Hydrogen and battery – depending on the mission – are the only viable solutions for green energy, and have the advantage of enabling nations to become more independent from fossil fuels. Now is the time to act and deliver a Zero-Emissions solution that relies on fuel-cell electric technology. We are embracing this technology early, and thoughtfully, as an opportunity to benefit from this approaching moment of technological discontinuity and start the proactive transformation of the transport sector.”
Trevor Milton, Nikola Motors CEO, concluded: “This partnership is a win-win for everyone involved. From the moment we launched the Nikola ONE in 2016, truck drivers and government officials have been asking for us to bring Nikola to Europe. The Nikola TRE is gorgeous and innovative and unlike any other truck in the world. We needed the right partner to help us enter the European market and CNH Industrial is the right commercial partner. While other OEMs are laying off tens of thousands of employees, Nikola is creating thousands of jobs and forcing the trucking industry to react and go zero emission. Look at what we have accomplished in three months, now imagine what we will accomplish in three years with CNH Industrial as our partner.”
“3 2 1 0” – Unlock the Next Level: the theme of the event, an appointment with the future of Zero-emissions
The theme of the launch event, “3 2 1 0”, sums up the joint venture: Three, as in Nikola TRE, the joint venture’s first innovative product; the Two companies – Nikola and CNH Industrial – coming together to form One partnership sharing the final goal of zero emissions.
With this event, the partners set an appointment with the future and give the guests the access code to Unlock the Next Level, where they will find the Truck to the Future of zero emissions.
The launch kicked off at the Officine Grandi Riparazioni (OGR), an impressive industrial venue in Turin, with an event organised with the collaboration of production company Filmmaster Events. The evening culminated in the surprise unveiling of the new-generation zero-emission truck as an architectural installation featuring an automated chrome prism opened to reveal the maquette of the Nikola TRE.
The event was livestreamed for North American viewers and a recording is available for viewing on IVECO’s YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/iveco?hl=it