Nikola Corporation, a global provider of zero-emissions transportation and energy infrastructure solutions partnered with multinational transport vehicle manufacturer IVECO to launch the European Nikola Tre battery-electric vehicle (BEV), while also unveiling the European Nikola Tre fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) beta version.

The European 4x2 Artic version of the Nikola Tre BEV is a zero-emissions heavy-duty truck with the best-in-class range of up to 530 km (329 miles). The vehicle, with a wheelbase of 4,021 mm (about 13 feet), features nine batteries with a total energy storage up to 738 kWh. An 80% charge takes an estimated 100 minutes at 350 kW.

The European Nikola Tre FCEV in beta version, offering a glimpse of the future electric propulsion semi-truck for long hauling, is expected to launch in the second half of 2023 in North America and first half of 2024 in Europe.\

“The Nikola Tre battery-electric and fuel-cell electric zero-emission trucks are true game changers in commercial trucking,” said Michael Lohscheller, president, Nikola Corporation.

“Specifically developed as electric vehicles, they deliver the performance and driving experience able to compete with their diesel-powered peers in the toughest heavy-duty missions. They offer operationally and financially viable zero-emissions solutions for regional applications and long-distance hauling that will give customers a true competitive advantage,” Lohscheller explained.

The Nikola and Iveco teams “have designed a modular platform capable of hosting both fuel cell and battery propulsion technologies,” said Luca Sra, Truck Business Unit President, Iveco Group. 

The European 4x2 Artic version of the Nikola Tre BEV heavy-duty is the first-ever electric-born modular platform for articulated heavy-duty tractors hosting both energy sources: battery-electric for missions of approximately 500 km (310 miles) and fuel-cell electric powertrain for hauling up to 800 km (497 miles) in its first generation, according to Sra.

Orders are now being taken for the European Nikola Tre BEV, produced by the Nikola IVECO Europe joint venture in its dedicated manufacturing plant in Ulm, Germany. Further details are available at the Nikola website.