Nikola the advanced designer and manufacturer of electric vehicles and batteries technology; fuel-cell solutions and also energy infrastructure, announced today it has secured a $2 million grant from the Department of Energy to advance autonomous refueling technologies for future hydrogen fueling stations.
Firstly, autonomous fueling is part of broader strategy from the U.S. government, to ensure fast, efficient and safe fueling; through a robust onboard storage system that ensures charging of heavy-duty trucks in less than 20 minutes.
Secondly, the project expects to develop an autonomous charging system that can rapidly refuel heavy-duty fuel-cell electric trucks; while minimizing labor and challenges relating to ergonomics and maintenance of equipment; as compared to an equivalent manual fueling process.
Thirdly, the funds come from the Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Transportation Office; under the recently announced Hydrogen and Fuel Cells initiative.
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Nikola with a wholistic approach towards zero-emissions transportation
Moreover, Pablo Koziner, president, Energy and Commercial, Nikola, said about the deal. “This funding is essential to advance key hydrogen fueling technologies that can improve the overall efficiency of fuel-cell commercial vehicles; while maintaining the safety and reliability standards required.”
He also remarked. “The work we are doing with the Department of Energy and our partners on fueling technology is part of Nikola’s wholistic approach to the hydrogen ecosystem; supplementary to our work on heavy-duty vehicles, infrastructure, and energy solutions.”
On the other hand, the company claims that the deal solidifies its commitment to designing and building hydrogen fueling stations; as well as helping to develop, test, and standardize fueling hardware to facilitate the widespread adoption of heavy-duty fuel-cell electric trucks.
Finally, Nikola is slowly positioning as a global transformative company. It designs, manufactures zero-emissions vehicles; across technologies like batteries and fuel cells; hydrogen, electric driven vehicles; and also manufactures and develops components, energy storage systems, and hydrogen station infrastructure.
