Charged Fleet Logo

Nikola Unveils the Badger Electric Pickup

Nikola, which has yet to sell a truck, saw its market valuation surged to $31 billion — higher than Fiat Chrysler and Ford — in its first week of public trading.

by Staff
June 10, 2020
2 min to read


Nikola Motor Company, the startup automaker better known for its plans for a hydrogen-electric semi, has announced the product launch of the Nikola Badger electric pickup, according to a statement by Nikola on June 10.

The Badger will be available as a battery-electric (BEV) or fuel cell-electric (FCEV) model. Customers who initially bought the BEV model can later upgrade to the FCEV, as hydrogen infrastructure advances, according to Nikola.

Ad Loading...

The Badger will have an estimated range of 300 miles as a BEV and 600 miles as an FCEV. It is estimated to deliver 980 ft. lbs. of torque with 906 peak HP and 455 continuous HP. Towing capacity is slated to be 8,000 lbs.

The Badger will be built in conjunction “with another OEM utilizing their certified parts and manufacturing facilities,” the statement said.

The Badger will be outfitted with a 15-kilowatt power outlet for tools, lights, and compressors, which will deliver enough power to assist a construction site for about 12 hours without a generator.

The Badger’s performance won’t suffer from payload or grade, according to Nikola. With a fully loaded trailer and combined vehicle weight of 18,000 lbs., Nikola estimates the Badger will be able to launch from a standstill on a 30% grade without motor stall.

“Nikola has billions worth of technology in our semi-truck program, so why not build it into a pickup truck?” said Trevor Milton, CEO, Nikola Corporation. “I have been working on this pickup program for years and believe the market is now ready for something that can handle a full day’s worth of work without running out of energy.”

Ad Loading...

In a bit of showmanship usually seen by Elon Musk, Milton contracted Heavy D, a reality TV star from the “Diesel Brothers,” to design, build, and test the Badger in real world environments.

Preorders for the Nikola Badger begin June 29. The truck will make its first appearance at Nikola World 2020 in Phoenix in November.

Nikola severed ties with Ryder last week. Since debuting as a public company last week, Nikola’s market valuation has surged to $31 billion, higher than Fiat Chrysler and Ford. The company has yet to sell a truck.

Originally posted on Automotive Fleet

More Electric Vehicles

Gov. Newsom signs legislation on the hood of an EV.

California Governor Approves Instant ZEV Rebates For First-Time Buyers

That instant rebate is the centerpiece of a broader $600 million package Governor Newsom signed into law, keeping California active in the global clean transportation race.

Read More →
Green bar graphs showing quarterly increases and declines in EV sales volume
Hybridsby News/Media ReleaseJuly 10, 2026

New Vehicle Models Stabilize Electrified Market In Q2

But more credit goes to hybrids than to all-electric vehicles, as more buyers look for fuel-efficient alternatives amid high gas prices.

Read More →
A rendering showing solar panels and mobile chargers with battery storage at an open-air sports venue.
Chargingby News/Media ReleaseJuly 9, 2026

Xos White Paper Asserts LA Olympics Will Lack Enough EV Chargers

The commercial EV fleet company recommends some faster and more flexible remedies to relieve the anticipated shortfall.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A blue EV backed up against a charging station in a parking lot.
Chargingby News/Media ReleaseJuly 8, 2026

ChargePoint, Optimus Expand Fast-Charging Network Across Southeastern U.S.

ChargePoint will serve as the exclusive solutions provider, delivering hardware, software, and services to support Optimus’ growing charging network.

Read More →
Round head shots of Micah Bergdale and Martin Romjue on either side of a large video headline.
Operationsby Martin RomjueJuly 7, 2026

Running A Profitable Electric Rental Fleet

How do you successfully operate an all-electric rental car fleet? Whether you manage a rental fleet or another commercial fleet, this conversation offers practical lessons on deploying, operating, and scaling electric vehicles.

Read More →
Photo illustration of a gray hatchback EV charging and a gas vehicle filling up.
ChargingJuly 1, 2026

Why Charging May Never Be As Easy As Filling Up Gas

A seamless charge depends on a string of independent companies getting it right together, every time. How can electric fleets navigate the challenges to create a successful charging plan?

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Yellow Slate pickup truck on a platform.
Electric Vehiclesby Martin RomjueJune 26, 2026

Slate Debuts Colorful, Unique EV Models

A recent media and client event, studded with electric vehicles dressed up on platforms, planted a new position for the manufacturer in the wider EV market. Fleets will find cost-saving advantages.

Read More →
Yellow Slate Fastback on a raised platform in a warehouse.
Electric Vehiclesby Martin RomjueJune 25, 2026

Slate Electric SUV, Pickup Switchable Model Aims For Light-Duty Fleets

Everything about this EV is counterintuitive and understated, making it stand out from the crowd.

Read More →
Profile view of Polestar 3
Electric Vehiclesby Chris BrownJune 25, 2026

Polestar Barred from U.S. Market Under Connected Vehicle Rule

The automaker loses its authorization to sell new vehicles in the U.S., starting with the 2027 model year. Polestar owners will retain access to the brand's service network.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A Lucid Gravity robotaxi parked in front of the Houston skyline.
Operationsby News/Media ReleaseJune 23, 2026

Uber, Nuro and Lucid Plan Houston Robotaxi Service in 2027

The tripartite venture brings out the combined advantages of electric vehicles, mobility, and autonomy into ground transportation.

Read More →