Nikola Corporation recieved a minimum order of 2,500 electrified refuse trucks from Republic Services with the order to begin full production deliveries in 2023 and on-road testing likely to begin in early 2022, according to the company. The truck chassis and body will be provided directly to Republic Services from the Nikola factory.

The electric platform is expected to offer up to 150 miles and 1,200 cans on a single charge, according to the companies. The refuse trucks are anticipated to carry up to an industry-leading 720kWh of energy storage.

“Nikola specializes in heavy-duty, zero-emission Class 8 trucks. The refuse market is one of the most stable markets in the industry and provides long-term shareholder value,” said Nikola Founder and Executive Chairman Trevor Milton. “The Nikola Tre powertrain is ideal for the refuse market as it shares and uses the same batteries, controls, inverters and e-axle. By sharing the Tre platform, we can drive the cost down for both programs by using the same parts. You couldn’t pick a better partner than Republic Services, a leader in long-term environmental sustainability and customer service. Republic Services will help us ensure the Nikola Tre meets customer and fleet lifecycle demands and we are excited to have them participate in the design process.”

The powertrain software will be limited to 1,000 hp and is expected to outperform current diesel and natural gas competitors. The new platform can give refuse trucks nearly three-times the hp of natural gas and diesel options, giving operators the ability to go up hills with full loads without issue — a challenge natural gas vehicle manufacturers have been working to solve.

“This is a game changer,” said Nikola CEO Mark Russell. “Refuse truck customers have always ordered chassis from truck OEMs and bodies from other suppliers. Nikola has fully integrated the chassis and body, covering both with a single factory warranty. Trucks will include both automated side loaders and front-end loaders — all of which will be zero-emission.”