Nikola Badger EV Pickup to be Built by General Motors

Remember the Nikola Badger, this new electric pickup unveiled in February as a rival of the upcoming Tesla Cybertruck, GMC Hummer EV and others? We’ve just learned today that the young company based in Phoenix, Arizona, has teamed up with General Motors to make it a reality.

As part of the strategic partnership, which includes an exchange of $2 billion USD in newly issued common stock, Nikola will leverage two of GM’s promising future technologies—the Ultium battery and the Hydrotec fuel-cell system. GM will receive 11 percent ownership of Nikola (which will remain an independent company) and right to nominate one director.

• Also: Nikola Badger EV Pickup Looks Much Sleeker than Tesla’s Cybertruck
• Also: Nikola One: The Electric Semi

The parties anticipate closing the transaction prior to the end of the month.

The partnership begins with the Nikola Badger but will carry cost reductions through all of its other programs including the Nikola One, Two and Tre semi-trailer trucks as well as the NZT side-by-side ATV. 

“You couldn’t dream of a better partnership than this,” said Nikola Founder and Executive Chairman Trevor Milton.

Meanwhile, General Motors Chairman and CEO Mary Barra is excited about the continued deployment of the automaker’s expertise and technology. Remember, GM will be producing two future EVs for Honda/Acura in 2023.

“We are growing our presence in multiple high-volume EV segments while building scale to lower battery and fuel cell costs and increase profitability,” she said. “In addition, applying General Motors’ electrified technology solutions to the heavy-duty class of commercial vehicles is another important step in fulfilling our vision of a zero-emissions future.”

While batteries are expected to revolutionize personal transportation (GM’s Ultium technology will offer up to 645 kilometres of range at first), many experts believe hydrogen-powered fuel cells will eventually do the same in the freight sector due to much quicker refueling times and even greater range.

The Nikola Badger will make its public debut at Nikola World 2020 in Arizona on December 3-5. Production is scheduled to start in late 2022 at a location that has yet to be announced. Anyone interested in reserving a copy can do so by making a $100 USD deposit via nikolamotor.com/badger.