CARB approves Nikola Tre BEV, fleets plan asset purchases
Nikola Corporation’s Nikola Tre battery-electric vehicle (BEV) has been deemed eligible for the Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP) program by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
With this approval, purchasers of the Nikola Tre BEV can now qualify for an incentive valued at $120,000 per truck, helping to reduce the total cost of ownership for any purchaser operating in the state of California.
With a range of up to 350 miles, the Nikola Tre BEV is expected to have the longest range among the current HVIP eligible Class 8 tractors, according to the company.
“We applaud CARB's commitment to a greener future through the HVIP program," said Michael Erickson, Nikola’s global head of BEVs. “Our HVIP approval is anticipated to help dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lowers the total cost of ownership for Nikola’s California-based customers.”
Fleet intention to purchase Nikola BEVs
2022 has already seen multiple fleets intent to purchase multiple BEVs from Nikola. On Jan. 6, Saia revealed its intent to purchase or lease up to 100 zero-emission trucks from Nikola following the satisfactory completion of a demonstration program.
The demonstration program will include three BEV trucks to be operated in separate locations across the Saia network and is expected to begin in the first half of 2022. Deliveries of 100 production vehicles are intended to occur between 2022 and 2024 with the initial 25 targeted for 2022.
“We are excited to partner with Nikola Corporation as we work to integrate battery-electric trucks into our tractor fleet,” said Fritz Holzgrefe, president and CEO of Saia. “We are deeply committed to conducting our business operations in a responsible and sustainable manner, reducing our impact on the environment while still providing our customers with exceptional service.”
Other fleets have entered Letters of Intent with Nikola to purchase BEVs, such as USA Truck Inc. who intends to purchase 10 Nikola Tre BEV trucks from Thompson Truck Centers, a member of Nikola’s sales and service dealer network.
Covenant Logistics Group, Inc. plans to purchase 10 Nikola Tre BEVs and 40 Nikola Tre fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), following the satisfactory completion of a Nikola Tre BEV and Nikola Tre FCEV demonstration program. Delivery to Covenant of the first Tre BEV truck and mobile charging trailer for testing is anticipated to occur in Q2 2022, with the Tre FCEV testing expected to follow in 2023.
