Nikola Corporation, a commercial vehicle manufacturer, and Plug Power, a developer of turnkey hydrogen solutions for the global green hydrogen economy, have established a strategic partnership aimed at delivering solutions for US commercial vehicle operators planning to run hydrogen vehicles.
The Nikola Tre fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) is a hydrogen-powered cabover with a range of up to 500 miles designed for extended or continuous metro-regional usage. Over the following three years, Plug will acquire up to 75 Nikola Tre FCEVs, with the first trucks arriving in 2023. As part of Plug’s commitment to furthering energy decarbonisation, the Nikola trucks will assist in delivering green hydrogen to consumers in North America. The purchased FCEVs will be combined with Plug’s liquid hydrogen tankers.
Plug Power has also been chosen to offer its fully integrated liquefaction system for the recently announced Nikola hydrogen hub project, which will be designed to generate 30 metric tonnes per day in its first phase and scale up to 150 metric tonnes per day in its second phase. The hub’s low-carbon hydrogen supply will aid in the rollout of the Nikola Tre FCEV programme and Nikola’s hydrogen energy business.
The firms also signed a Green Hydrogen Supply Agreement for 125 metric tonnes per day. This innovative green hydrogen supply partnership will provide Nikola with a minimum of 100 metric tonnes per day of hydrogen, with the option to increase volume over time, and will allow Nikola to source hydrogen from multiple locations across the country as Plug adds new supply facilities.
“Nikola and Plug share a common vision for sustainable, efficient, energy solutions which supports our commitment to decarbonize the transportation industry,” said Nikola President, Energy, Carey Mendes. “This strategic relationship will help underpin Nikola’s ambitious growth plans to expand the hydrogen energy business and to support the adoption of Nikola’s zero-emission Class 8 trucks.”
“Today’s announcement demonstrates Plug’s leadership in the green hydrogen economy and its ability to make the adoption of hydrogen as easy as possible by aligning with industry pioneers, such as Nikola,” said Sanjay Shrestha, CSO and General Manager of Energy Solutions for Plug. “Our vertically integrated solutions, which are designed to fit individual customer needs, include hydrogen production equipment or the delivery of hydrogen fuel, whichever is preferred. We look forward to our strategic relationship with Nikola as we advance the hydrogen economy together.”
