Nikola/IVECO manufacturing plant opens

The partnership between the global commercial vehicles manufacturer and the US-based group specialising in zero-emission heavy-duty trucks and related energy solutions is about to begin manufacturing in Ulm, Germany.

An exciting new chapter in IVECO and Nikola Corporation’s transport story set course today in Ulm, Germany as the manufacturing facility electric heavy-duty trucks was unveiled to the public, ready to start production by the end of the year.

The first Nikola Tre models produced in the factory will be delivered to customers in the United States in 2022. In addition to the battery-electric vehicle (BEV) production model, the next evolution of the fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) prototype of the Nikola Tre was also on display to the public.

This fuel-cell model will enter production in Ulm by the end of 2023.

“Despite all the industry and global pandemic challenges we have been facing since we first announced this partnership in September 2019, it is extremely rewarding to be able to stand here today as a team and witness the execution of all of our hard work delivered on time and according to our original plans,” said Gerrit Marx President Commercial & Specialty Vehicles at CNH Industrial and designated CEO of the Iveco Group during his opening address.

“Thanks to IVECO’s proven expertise and established footprint we have provided a platform upon which Nikola’s technology can thrive. Now our focus is on ensuring the success of this operation and jointly taking the lead when it comes to climate-neutral long- and short-haul heavy-duty transport.”

Spanning 50,000 square metres, of which 25,000 are covered, the Ulm manufacturing facility features a final assembly process that has been designed for "electric-born" vehicles. This site, and first phase of industrialisation, represents joint investment by IVECO and Nikola and involves a projected 160 suppliers in the process from start to finish. The production line is currently anticipated to be capable of manufacturing approximately 1000 units per shift per year and is expected to undergo progressive ramp-up in the following years.

“This new facility is beautiful, and we are grateful to the IVECO and Nikola teams for their collaboration and perseverance to bring it to life,” said Nikola CEO Mark Russell. “This is yet another important milestone for Nikola as we execute on our strategy and vision to be a global leader in zero-emissions transportation solutions.”

Based on the IVECO S-Way truck platform with an electric axle co-designed and produced by FPT Industrial, the Tre features Nikola’s advanced electric and fuel cell technology, along with key components provided by Bosch. Together, the teams have designed a modular platform capable of fuel cell as well as battery propulsion technology.

Launching the battery technology first will drive the maturity of the platform before adding the fuel cell as a range-extension technology.

At the same time as the manufacturing facility was opened in Ulm, the parties announced an accord to collaborate on the testing and subsequent implementation of heavy-duty electric vehicles and charging infrastructure at the Port of Hamburg during 2022.

The agreement states their joint intent to partner in two phases encompassing up to 25 Nikola Tre battery-electric vehicles for delivery to the Port throughout 2022.

The first phase involves testing of the Nikola Tre BEVs at the port for transport and logistics operations together with high-performance charging solutions.

Related reading:
Nikola Tre to be built in Ulm, Germany
IVECO and Nikola preview first electric truck
Nikola Two and Nikola Tre unveiled

A more definitive second phase in the project partnership plans to see the full integration of the BEV vehicles in port operations, installation of charging infrastructure and on-site service support including major suppliers.

The vehicles provided for these two phases will be the US version of the Nikola Tre with special permissions for in-port operation.

“Hamburg is pursuing targets to become more climate friendly within the context of the EU’s long-term strategy to become carbon neutral within 2050. The focus of the port is to become a first mover in applying technical innovations as pilot cases. We see a great fit between our requirements and the trucks that are now being built here in Ulm to achieve our targets,” said Jens Meier, Chief Executive Officer of the Hamburg Port Authority.