Nikola switches gears to short-range refuse collection trucks with a new order for 2,500 truck from Republic Services. This is an all-electric battery powered severe duty truck. This type of truck is not using a hydrogen fuel-cell to help generate electricity for the long haul. It will rely on a massive battery and latest charging capability. Here are all the specs we have so far.
Nikola Refuse Truck
This type of garbage collection truck is said to carry “up to” a 720 kWh battery pack. This is about 7.2 times more capacity than a current Tesla Model X SUV.
Electric motors on this heavy truck will be able to output up to 1,000 horsepower. This is about the same as GMC is promising for the upcoming 2022 Hummer EV truck.
The company estimates driving range of such a big commercial truck to be about 150 miles or 1,200 garbage cans. This should be plenty distance and/or can collections for a full of work. My apologies, we currently do not have more detailed information of what current diesel or natural gas-powered refuse trucks are capable of.
Nikola Tre 
Nikola Tre
The truck is based on the Nikola Tre chassis that the company has been developing for some time. The platform includes: batteries, controls, inverters, and the e-axle. The Nikola Refuse truck is said to begin real-world testing in early 2022. Full production of these trucks will begin in 2023, according to the company statement.
The announcement says that the Republic Services order could be expanded from 2,500 to 5,000 units.
Nikola Motors is also working on a consumer pickup truck, called the Badger. Check out the video below for more information.
The company is also working on an electric side-by-side. I had an opportunity to go for a ride in the video below.
