Stories by Blake Herzog
Nikola Corporation began taking orders in July for its Coolidge-produced hydrogen fuel-cell semi-truck after cutting jobs and winning a major grant the preceding quarter.
The Tre FCEV is the Phoenix-based company’s first hydrogen cell-fueled vehicle to reach the open market, its stated goal since it was founded in 2014. Nikola began producing its electric-only Tre BEV trucks last year, and announced in July it had made 271 wholesale, retail and production BEV vehicles during the first two quarters of 2023.
In June, Nikola announced it was refocusing its efforts on the North American market and laying off about 270 employees to reduce spending. This included 120 workers at the Phoenix and Coolidge sites and 150 who had been supporting its European market activities, leaving about 900 on its payroll. “Transition assistance” is being offered to those affected.
In other news, Nikola and the California Department of Transportation were awarded a $41.9 million grant to build six heavy-duty hydrogen refueling stations across the southern part of the state by the California Transportation Commission. Also this summer, the company sold its Phoenix Hydrogen Hub project in Buckeye to Fortescue Future Industries to finance its development as a partnership.
It also reached an agreement with BayoTech Inc. to sell 50 hydrogen-fueled trucks and purchase hydrogen from its supply at low-carbon hubs.
