Nikola (NKLA.US) and the German Bosch Group signed a series of agreements to enable Nikola to produce Bosch fuel cell power modules at its plant in Coolidge.
Bosch will provide fully assembled modules and components for Nikola to assemble at its factory. The two companies will also jointly purchase the remaining components for the assembled modules. At the same time, Nikola, which produces commercial heavy-duty electric battery vehicles, will use these power modules in its Nikola Tre and Nikola TWO fuel cell vehicles.
It is understood that these modules will be launched in 2023 and will be used for the first time in Nikola Tre, an 8-level regional transportation fuel cell electric vehicle. Nikola hopes that this module can provide Nikola Tre with about 500 miles of endurance, and plans to increase the endurance of another class 8 long-distance vehicle, Nikola TWO, with an estimated cruising range of about 900 miles.
These vehicles will use 200 kW and 300 kW power module configurations. Nikola Tre will also be launched in the European Union, using modules planned to be produced by a joint venture between Nikola and IVECO in Ulm, Germany.
Nikola will also expand its Coolidge manufacturing plant by 50,000 square feet, adding up to 50 production positions by 2023, the main job being the initial assembly of fuel cell power modules. The company will carry out subsequent expansion to support the upgrade and transformation of the Nikola Tre and TWO models in the United States. The company also plans to build test and engineering equipment for these modules at its headquarters in Phoenix, USA.
Nikola will begin road testing of the Nikola Tre powered by the new module at the end of 2021.
Nikola CEO Mark Russell said: "This announcement is the result of many years of cooperation with Bosch. After a comprehensive analysis of the best options, we are honored to have established a strategic partnership with Bosch. We will work with Bosch to take full advantage of Bosch's global manufacturing. The main components of the network are also developed and assembled at our Coolidge plant where Nikola cars are produced, specifically for fuel cell power modules for our vehicles."