A German integrated energy solutions provider has signed a letter of intent to purchase 100 hydrogen-powered trucks from Nikola. It is the first potential European customer for fuel cell electric vehicle startup Nikola Tree.
A letter of intent is not the same as a purchase order. But it strengthens Nikola’s joint manufacturing venture with Iveco in Ulm, Germany. This is where the trucks will be built for delivery in 2024 and 2025.
GP Joule, based in Reussenkoege, Germany, wants the European model 6×2 Tre for its transportation and logistics customers.
Nikola’s orders are conditional on financial incentives
There is a catch. The matter depends on GB Goal obtaining incentives through the German financing program KsNI. The program supports the acquisition of vehicles equipped with alternative, climate-friendly engines. Hydrogen fuel cells emit only water vapor.
European production begins in Ulm in the first half of 2024. Thirty fuel cell trucks are expected to be delivered in 2024 and 70 in 2025. Through incentives, GP Joule and Iveco Group may market more fuel cell trucks in 2026 For European customers. GP Joule will supply 100% green hydrogen from its network of hydrogen refueling stations.
“Together with Nikola and IVECO, we offer our customers all components of climate-neutral heavy transport from a single source: from green hydrogen production and procurement to hydrogen filling stations to fuel cell trucks and services that meet their needs. Andre Steinau, Managing Director of GB Gol Hydrogen, said in Press release: “Needs.”
Production of Nikola’s fuel cell truck begins later this year
Nikola begins production of Tre fuel cell trucks this year at its plant in Coolidge, Arizona. The first LOI phase in the United States includes a PGT truck. The Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, flatbed carrier intends to lease 100 fuel cell trucks. Hydrogen processor Plug Power also plans to order up to 75 fuel cell trucks over the next three years.
U.S. orders also depend on incentives, such as one from California that could reduce the purchase price of a fuel cell truck by 40% to 70%.
In the United States and Europe, Nikola plans to offer a full range of trucks, maintenance, service and fuel for seven years for a single monthly payment. In Europe, Iveco Group Financial Services may use GATE — Green and Advanced Transportation Ecosystem — a comprehensive electric leasing model for fuel cell trucks.
“The order from GP Joule will be an example of how Nikola TR FCEV can continue to support commercial customers in Germany in their transition towards zero emissions several years ahead of other OEMs,” said Michael Loeschler, President and CEO of Nikola.
Related articles:
Incentives could cut price of Nikola’s fuel cell truck by 70%
Plug Power will purchase up to 75 Nikola fuel cell trucks
Nikola is getting realistic about hydrogen with 60 stations planned by 2026
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