Nikola Corporation announced a “landmark” order 2,500 Battery-Electric Waste Trucks for Republic Services, one of the largest waste-disposal companies in the US
The deal is for a minimum of 2500 cars with an option for a maximum of 5,000, which is really two orders of magnitude above anything we have seen so far in the US. According to the press release, it is the largest single order in the waste industry.
The Nikola Refuse (which is apparently the name) will be based on the battery-powered Nikola Tre truck for Europe (complete package including batteries, controls, inverters and e-axis). The short specs show that it will be able to take up to 1,200 cans per charge.
Nikola Refuse Specifications:
- to reach 240 kilometers
- up to 720 kWh battery
- up to 1,000 HP power
- up to 1,200 cans / charge
Nikola boss Trevor Milton said Niokola can share the Tre platform “Reduce costs for both programs by using the same parts”.
With 1,000 HP, Nikola Refuse is expected to outperform the conventional diesel and natural gas counterpart, as it will be able to ascend hills with full loads “without problem”.
The plan is to “probably” start beginning 2022 on the road and full production shortly thereafter deliveries in 2023. Nikola to produce chassis and body (previously Republican Services was normally forced to buy these things separately). For comparison, the production of Nikola Tre trucks will begin in 2021.
Nikola CEO Mark Russell said:
‘This is a game changer. Customers refusing trucks have always ordered chassis from OEMs of trucks and bodies from other suppliers. Nikola has fully integrated the chassis and body, satisfying both with a single factory warranty. Trucks will include both automated sideloaders and front-end loaders – all of which will be zero-emission. ”
The waste cargo segment is one of the perfect applications for electrification. We will take a closer look at Nikola’s project – another is promised, and indeed another without hydrogen fuel cells.
