Nikola Badger Looks Dead Following GM’s Withdrawal
The cool Nikola Badger project is pretty much dead. We’ve just learned that General Motors is no longer interested in building this new electric pickup designed as a future Tesla Cybertruck and GMC Hummer EV rival.
The two parties each released a statement today announcing a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that calls for GM to supply its Hydrotec fuel cell system to power Nikola’s class-7 and class-8 semi-trailer trucks. This MOU effectively supersedes and replaces the one signed on September 8, which also means GM will no longer seek to acquire an 11-percent stake in Nikola.
- Also: Nikola Badger EV Pickup to be Built by General Motors
- Also: Nikola Badger EV Pickup Looks Much Sleeker than Tesla’s Cybertruck
The startup based in Phoenix, Arizona has always said the Nikola Badger was dependent on an OEM partnership. Of course, it’s not impossible that another manufacturer shows interest, but we’d say the chances are next to nil.
In fact, Nikola has just confirmed it will refund the estimated 20,000 customers who have made a $100 USD deposit so far.
The Badger was first announced in February and an official debut was initially planned for September at an event called Nikola Word 2020, but COVID-19 forced the company to postpone it until early December and then a second time to an unspecified date in 2021. Production, meanwhile, was slated to begin in late 2022.
Two different powertrains were planned: one with a 160-kWh battery exclusively and another one that combined said battery with a 120-kW fuel-cell system. The former could travel up to 480 kilometres on a single charge, while the latter boasted an incredible range of 965 kilometres.
It’s another big blow to the company founded by Trevor Milton, who opted to resign earlier this fall amid allegations of sexual assault. Before that, Hindenburg Research accused Nikola of committing fraud, sparking an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice.