The deluge of electric pickups continues as Nikola has previewed their all-new Badger.
Set to be unveiled at Nikola World 2020 in September, the Badger is an aggressively styled pickup which features a rugged front bumper with an integrated LED light bar. The model also has a unique grille and daytime running lights which recall those used on the GMC Sierra.
Moving further back, we can see a bulging hood and plastic fender flares. Designers also added curvaceous bodywork, flush door handles and angular accents on the rear doors. Other notable highlights illuminated side skirts, a contrasting upper body and a distinctive tailgate with a large Nikola logo.
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In terms of size, the truck will measure 232 inches (5900 mm) long, 85 inches (2160 mm) wide and 72.8 inches (1850 mm) tall. This makes the model slightly longer and wider than the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5’ 8” box, but quite a bit shorter in terms of height.
Moving into the cabin, drivers will sit behind a distinctive steering wheel and find themselves looking at a digital instrument cluster. A massive infotainment system resides to the right and it’s positioned above a minimalist center stack. Elsewhere, there’s a ‘floating’ center console and metallic accents.
Nikola didn’t release detailed specifications, but confirmed there will be fuel-cell and battery electric versions. The EV variant will have a 160 kWh lithium-ion battery pack which gives the model a range of approximately 300 miles (483 km).
The fuel cell variant, on to other hand, will have a range of 600 miles (966 km). This impressive range is due to the fact that the FCV will also have an electric powertrain. Users will be able switch between the modes at the touch of a button and this could come in handy as America’s hydrogen refueling infrastructure is seriously lacking.
According to Nikola, the truck will have a peak output of 906 hp (676 kW / 919 PS) but a continuous output of 455 hp (339 kW / 461 PS). The model is also slated to have 980 lb-ft (1,329 Nm) of torque.
Other highlights include a towing capacity of over 8,000 lbs (3,629 kg) and a 15-kilowatt power outlet which can be used for tools, lights and compressors. Nikola says the latter provides “enough power to assist a construction site for approximately 12 hours without a generator.”
The Badger will be built in conjunction with an unnamed company and use their “certified parts and manufacturing facilities.” Unfortunately, there’s no word on pricing on when the truck will arrive.
In a statement, Nikola CEO Trevor Milton said, “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.” He added the Badger “can be used for work, weekend getaways, towing, off-roading or to hit the ski slopes without performance loss. No other electric pickup can operate in these temperatures and conditions.”
