Iveco, its parent company FPT Industrial and Nikola have unveiled the preliminary model of the Nikola TRE, the first vehicle resulting from the joint venture between CNH Industrial and Nikola, which involves the commercial vehicle brand and the powertrain specialist.

The battery-electric Nikola TRE is based on the Iveco S-WAY heavy-duty truck and integrates Nikola‘s technology, controls and infotainment. Testing is expected to begin in mid-2020, with the European public launch planned for the IAA Commercial Vehicles 2020 exhibition, and the first units going to customers in 2021. The Nikola TRE is the first step on the path towards the Nikola fuel cell electric (FCEV), which will be available to customers by 2023.

The integration of the Nikola design on the Iveco S-WAY has been jointly carried out by Nikola and Italdesign in its headquarters in Moncalieri (Turin).

“Our industry is changing fast, driven by tightening emissions regulations and younger generations demanding the creation of a circular economy to preserve the environment for their future,” said Gerrit Marx, president commercial and specialty vehicles. “Hydrogen and battery – depending on the mission – are the only viable solutions for green energy, and have the advantage of enabling nations to become more independent from fossil fuels. Now is the time to act and deliver a zero-emissions solution that relies on fuel-cell electric technology. We are embracing this technology early, and thoughtfully, as an opportunity to benefit from this approaching moment of technological discontinuity and start the proactive transformation of the transport sector.”

The vehicle displayed at the event is a preliminary model of the Nikola TRE 4×2 tractor for regional missions, with a range of up to 400km and dynamic performance equal or better than a diesel equivalent model. The vehicle will feature a modular battery system with a total capacity of up to 720kWh, which can be tailored to match different customers‘ needs.

The electric driveline will deliver 480kW continuous power output with 1800Nm peak torque. The Nikola TRE will also be available in 2- and 3-axle rigid versions, with GVW ranging from 18 to 26 tonnes for urban distribution and municipality usage.

CNH Industrial CEO Hubertus M. Mu¨hlhauser said the increasing focus on reducing automotive emissions is driving the industry to seek advanced technological solutions.

“This joint-venture with Nikola is testament to both partners technical expertise, which will result in tangible environmental benefits for Europe‘s long distance hauliers.”

The Nikola TRE will feature a new infotainment system based on Nikola‘s proprietary operating system that integrates infotainment and navigation functions, as well as controls for the bulk of the vehicle‘s functionalities. The system‘s features include climate control, mirror adjustment, suspension height adjustment, 360-degree camera system, navigation, Bluetooth audio system, comprehensive vehicle settings and admin vehicle diagnostics.

The vehicle leverages Bluetooth low-energy technology to create a secure link between the vehicle and the customer‘s mobile device, creating a truly hands-free media experience. This also enables a smart keyless entry system to unlock as the driver approaches the vehicle. The system can even adjust settings such as ride height and climate temperature to driver preference.

Iveco, FPT Industrial and Nikola have adopted a modular approach in developing their electric offering for the European market, which is unique in the industry. Nikola‘s fuel cell will be the starting point for the design of the electric battery, so that the Nikola TRE battery electric vehicle (BEV) can be converted to fuel-cell technology.

With this approach, the partners are taking the long view, bringing both technologies on stream now to pursue BEV and FCEV in their offering in the next few years.

“This partnership is a win-win for everyone involved,” said Nikola Motors CEO Trevor Milton. “From the moment we launched the Nikola ONE in 2016, truck drivers and government officials have been asking for us to bring Nikola to Europe. We needed the right partner to help us enter the European market and CNH Industrial is the right commercial partner. While other OEMs are laying off tens of thousands of employees, Nikola is creating thousands of jobs and forcing the trucking industry to react and go zero emission. Look at what we have accomplished in three months; now imagine what we will accomplish in three years with CNH Industrial as our partner.”