Nikola Unveils the Badger Electric Pickup
Nikola, which has yet to sell a truck, saw its market valuation surged to $31 billion — higher than Fiat Chrysler and Ford — in its first week of public trading.
Nikola Motor Company, the startup automaker better known for its plans for a hydrogen-electric semi, has announced the product launch of the Nikola Badger electric pickup, according to a statement by Nikola on June 10.
The Badger will be available as a battery-electric (BEV) or fuel cell-electric (FCEV) model. Customers who initially bought the BEV model can later upgrade to the FCEV, as hydrogen infrastructure advances, according to Nikola.
The Badger will have an estimated range of 300 miles as a BEV and 600 miles as an FCEV. It is estimated to deliver 980 ft. lbs. of torque with 906 peak HP and 455 continuous HP. Towing capacity is slated to be 8,000 lbs.
The Badger will be built in conjunction “with another OEM utilizing their certified parts and manufacturing facilities,” the statement said.
The Badger will be outfitted with a 15-kilowatt power outlet for tools, lights, and compressors, which will deliver enough power to assist a construction site for about 12 hours without a generator.
The Badger’s performance won’t suffer from payload or grade, according to Nikola. With a fully loaded trailer and combined vehicle weight of 18,000 lbs., Nikola estimates the Badger will be able to launch from a standstill on a 30% grade without motor stall.
“Nikola has billions worth of technology in our semi-truck program, so why not build it into a pickup truck?” said Trevor Milton, CEO, Nikola Corporation. “I have been working on this pickup program for years and believe the market is now ready for something that can handle a full day’s worth of work without running out of energy.”
In a bit of showmanship usually seen by Elon Musk, Milton contracted Heavy D, a reality TV star from the “Diesel Brothers,” to design, build, and test the Badger in real world environments.
Preorders for the Nikola Badger begin June 29. The truck will make its first appearance at Nikola World 2020 in Phoenix in November.
Nikola severed ties with Ryder last week. Since debuting as a public company last week, Nikola’s market valuation has surged to $31 billion, higher than Fiat Chrysler and Ford. The company has yet to sell a truck.
Originally posted on Automotive Fleet
More Green Fleet

Samsung SDI Takes Full Control of GM Battery JV as Indiana Plant Pivots to Energy Storage
Samsung SDI is taking full control of its Indiana battery plant with GM, marking a major shift from the EV-focused joint venture Charged Fleet first covered in 2023.
Read More →
NWSA Taps CALSTART to Administer Zero-Emission Drayage Assistance Program
CALSTART will provide free technical assistance services to drayage fleets serving the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma and looking to transition to cleaner technologies and help decarbonize freight hubs.
Read More →
EV Fleet Reality Check: What Operators Wish They Knew Before Electrifying Their Work Vans
Electric work truck upfits bring new compatibility questions. Learn how parts availability, OEM guidance, power demands, and route planning can affect fleet performance.
Read More →
Peterbilt Expands Sourcewell Partnership with Electric Vehicle Lineup
Peterbilt Motors Company’s cooperative purchasing agreement with Sourcewell and its Canadian partner, Canoe Procurement Group, now includes including Peterbilt's battery-electric vehicle lineup.
Read More →
WTC Group Expands Sustainable Operations with Kalmar Ottawa T2 EV Fleet
Commercial adoption of the Kalmar Ottawa T2 EV terminal tractor continues to grow as customers add the zero-emission yard tractor to their fleets. WTC Group has placed an order for a Kalmar Ottawa T2 EV.
Read More →
Where Propane Autogas Fits in Today's Fleet Fuel Strategy
Learn more from PERC's Joel Stutheit, as he explains why propane autogas remains a practical alternative for fleets seeking to reduce emissions without sacrificing operational flexibility.
Read More →
Schneider Electric Simplifies Commercial EV Charging with New Charge Pro for the U.S.
Schneider Electric’s updated Charge Pro Level 2 chargers deliver reliable, flexible charging for multi-unit dwellings, fleets and workplaces, as well as public and destination charging locations such as hotels and retail centers.
Read More →
ChargePoint and Onvo Expand Highway Fast Charging Across the Northeastern U.S.
ChargePoint is working with Onvo, a locally owned travel plaza brand headquartered in Pennsylvania, to install ultra-fast EV charging stations at locations in the Northeastern U.S.
Read More →
The City of Kingston Celebrates Purchase of 2 Mack LR Electric Refuse Trucks
The City of Kingston, Ontario, Canada, a municipality with a vision of being “Canada’s Most Sustainable City,” recently showcased two Mack LR Electric refuse trucks following their successful deployment in 2025.
Read More →

