LOS ANGELES — The first electric trucks from the Nikola Corporation have been delivered to a California port drayage company.
Total Transportation Services Inc. (TTSI) has pledged to order up to 100 of the Nikola Tre battery-electric tractors.
“Nikola committed to make its first Tre BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) deliveries in Q4 2021, and it is a big honor to celebrate this milestone with our partner, TTSI and dignitaries who are committed to advancing zero-emission transportation solutions to reduce truck emissions in port operations,” said Nikola CEO Mark Russell.
“TTSI has significant sustainability goals, and we are pleased to help them achieve their vision with our zero-emission trucks.”
TTSI’s purchase letter of intent is for 100 zero-emission trucks, beginning with a four-truck pilot of two BEVs and two fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV).
“Based on satisfactory completion of the vehicle trials and subject to TTSI obtaining certain government funding, 30 BEVs are projected to follow later in 2022 and 70 FCEVs are anticipated to start in 2023,” a Nikola news release stated.
The Nikola Tre BEV is designed for local deliveries up to 350 miles, the news release stated.
The Nikola Tre FCEV truck is targeted for distances up to 500 miles and is expected to address the North American regional market, especially when additional hauling capacity or quick fueling are required by fleet operators.
“This day represents a major step in our continual quest to achieve a zero-emission fleet, which is why TTSI highly values its partnership with Nikola. Production, performance, and maintenance will be the key to our future success, and we are confident Nikola will excel on all three fronts,” said Vic LaRosa, president of TTSI.
Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán said that “reaching a zero-emission transportation future requires bold leadership and collaboration from federal, state, and local partners, along with major investments from the private sector. This is crucial for the health of people living in the communities near the ports in my district, who suffer higher rates of cancer, asthma and other respiratory diseases due to all the toxic diesel emissions coming from the equipment and trucks at the ports. I appreciate the commitment TTSI and Nikola have made at the Port of Los Angeles to a cleaner, safer future.”
According to TTSI, in any given month, 13,000 to 14,000 trucks call at the port of Los Angeles/Long Beach, emitting roughly 2,600 tons per year of smog-causing nitrogen-oxide emissions.
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