American CV electrification firms Proterra Inc. and Nikola Corporation have entered into a strategic, long-term supply agreement on battery technology. Under the new collaboration, Proterra is expected to share its class-leading battery technology meant for commercial vehicle applications with Nikola zero-emission class 8 semi-truck products.
This includes the upcoming Nikola Tre BEV and Tre FCEV models. The first Proterra-powered Nikola semi-trucks are expected to roll out in the last quarter of 2022, with Proterra delivering prototype systems to Nikola starting in the second quarter this year.
"Class 8 trucks play a vital role in the U.S. and global economy but today are some of transportation's worst polluters. Decarbonizing the trucking industry is core to Proterra's mission and we are excited to join Nikola on this journey to help drive heavy-duty trucking to zero emissions," said Gareth Joyce, Proterra CEO.
Designed and manufactured in the United States, Proterra battery systems leverage industry-leading energy density and a customizable design to fit within a variety of commercial vehicle platforms.
"With the growing demand for the Nikola Tre BEV and FCEV, we have actively pursued battery supply through a dual-source strategy," said Mark Russell, Nikola CEO.
"We look forward to collaborating with Proterra, which is expected to bring industry-leading heavy-duty EV battery solutions to Nikola's battery-electric and fuel cell electric vehicle platforms", he added.