It’s not often that you get to tag along when history is being made.
Nikola Corporation marked a historic milestone in the clean transportation space when the company launched the commercial production of its Class 8 hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle, a revolutionary electric semi-truck powered by hydrogen. I was thrilled to be on hand in late September when the company showcased this achievement at its Coolidge manufacturing facility.
I not only witnessed this feat of clean technology, I was also able to ride in the advanced-technology truck. To date, Nikola and its dealers have received 223 non-binding orders for its hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks from 23 customers. The event marked a significant leap forward for Nikola, a global leader in zero-emissions transportation with its unique energy supply and infrastructure solutions.
The latest state and federal incentives nationwide make it even more economically viable to be a Nikola customer. Nikola trucks are eligible for the California Air Resources Board Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project, opening up access to incentives starting at $120,000 and ranging up to $288,000 per truck. Additionally, the recently reopened Innovative Small e-Fleet program in California offers incentives to small fleets starting at $240,000 and ranging up to $408,000 per vehicle.
Furthermore, the New York Truck Voucher Incentive Program, the federal Incentives for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero-Emission Vehicles Program (iMHZEV) in Canada, and the Clean BC Go Electric Rebates in the province of British Columbia, which is stackable with the iMHZEV federal incentive, all offer additional incentives for Nikola Class 8 zero-emission vehicles.
Recent reports expect that in the first decade of operation, a “green” hydrogen producer may receive a production tax credit of $3 per kilogram, or roughly $1.30 per pound.
Nikola customers may also benefit from a $40,000 clean commercial vehicle tax credit per vehicle from the federal government due to the 2022 passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
The Act is expected to revolutionize the transportation landscape by providing invaluable incentives that accelerate the adoption of clean technologies. Poised to be a game-changer for Nikola, the IRA is expected to enhance its low-carbon, hydrogen energy business strategy. By potentially enabling a lower-cost hydrogen supply and dispensing infrastructure, the IRA is intended to pave the way for Nikola to achieve a network of up to 60 stations that customers can access for fueling over the next several years. These plans may include mobile and permanent HYLA branded stations, customer-owned stations on their properties, and new and established public truck stops.
These developments align seamlessly with Nikola’s mission to create sustainable transportation solutions that redefine industry standards. Nikola’s endeavors, coupled with the transformative power of IRA incentives and support from state and federal incentives, are helping to position the company as a pioneer in the EV revolution and exemplify the strides being made toward a greener future.
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