In the US, Nikola Corporation, a global electric vehicle (EV) transportation and energy infrastructure solutions company, and Proterra Inc, a leading innovator in commercial vehicle electrification technology, have announced a collaboration.
The multi-year supply agreement is to power Nikola’s zero-emission semi-trucks with Proterra’s battery technology. These batteries are expected to be incorporated in the Nikola Tre battery-electric vehicle (BEV) and Tre fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV).
The first Proterra Powered Nikola semi-trucks are expected to be produced in the fourth quarter of 2022, with Proterra delivering prototype systems to Nikola starting in the second quarter of 2022.
Proterra are a big name in battery technology for trucks and commercial electric vehicles. They supply many big names including Volta Trucks, Van Hool and Daimler.
Gareth Joyce, Proterra CEO, said: “Class 8 trucks play a vital role in the US and global economy but today are some of transportation’s worst polluters.
“Decarbonising the trucking industry is core to Proterra’s mission and we are excited to join Nikola on this journey to help drive heavy-duty trucking to zero-emissions.
Designed and manufactured in the United States, Proterra battery systems use industry-leading energy density and a customisable design to fit within a variety of vehicles.
Mark Russell, Nikola CEO, said: “With the growing demand for the Nikola Tre BEV and FCEV, we have actively pursued battery supply through a dual source strategy.
“We look forward to collaborating with Proterra, which is expected to bring industry-leading heavy-duty EV battery solutions to Nikola’s battery-electric and fuel cell electric vehicle platforms.”