Nikola has released the design of the Nikola Badger electric pickup truck, with an estimated range of 600 miles, the company announced.
The advanced electric pickup is designed to target and exceed every electric or gasoline-powered pickup in its class. The Badger is engineered to deliver 980 ft. lbs. of torque, 906 peak HP and 455 continuous HP.
The Badger will be built in conjunction with another OEM, using their certified parts and manufacturing facilities.
The Badger will be outfitted with a 15-kilowatt power outlet for tools, lights and compressors, which is enough power to assist a construction site for approximately 12 hours without a generator, according to the company.
The Badger was designed to handle 0-100 mph launches with minimal loss of performance and to operate on grades up to 40% through advanced software blending of batteries and fuel-cell. With a fully loaded trailer and combined vehicle weight of 18,000 pounds, Nikola said, the Badger will be able to launch from a standstill on a 30% grade without motor stall.
"The program will help drive down the cost of the fuel-cell components on our semi-truck while accelerating the hydrogen station rollout," Mark Russell, president of Nikola, said in a statement. "Giving customers the option to order a fuel-cell or battery electric version will ensure we drive the cost down for everyone across our lineup."
“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.
Heavy D, a reality TV star from the “Diesel Brothers,” has partnered with Nikola to design, build, and test the Badger in real world environments, which is anticipated to attract millions of viewers and followers through the process. The partnership will follow the Badger build from concept through production.
“My audience, hard-core truck enthusiasts, has expected me to push the limits of truck power and capabilities since my beginnings,” Dave "Heavy D" Sparks said in a statement. “Being able to pull back the curtain of a production truck build is a rare opportunity where we can include the everyday truck owner to participate in the final outcome of design, exterior choices and performance specs. I wanted to be part of that story and now I have the opportunity with Nikola.”
The Nikola Badger will make its first appearance at Nikola World 2020 in September in Phoenix, Arizona. Prototypes will be available for select customers and media to ride in at Nikola World.
