Nikola Corporation, through its subsidiary Nikola Energy has partnered up with TravelCenters of America Inc. (TA-Petro) to develop and deploy two hydrogen fueling stations for heavy-duty trucks. The installments would be done in two existing TA-Petro sites in California.
Firstly, this is the first step in a further collaboration between the companies, particularly in the realm of hydrogen fueling stations; the ultimate goal is to deploy it nationwide as full-scale network.
Secondly, the two first fueling stations will be done at two existing TA-Petro sites in California, as said above, and they are targeted to begin commercial operations in the first quarter of 2023.
Thirdly, the companies expect that the stations accelerate the adoption of hydrogen fuel-cell-powered commercial electric trucks. Especially after Nikola unveiled its 500-mile range Nikola Tre fuel-cell electric vehicle.
Moreover, the stations paired with Nikola’s models, as well as any other cell-fueled vehicle, would further expand the adoption of this solution in the Los Angeles area; as well as through the Central Valley of California.
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Nikola Energy and TA-Petro will expand hydrogen as a solution for transportation
In addition, the two stations considered by Nikola Energy and TA-Petro will provide for an open fueling network available to any truck customer. They are also intended to allow a common industry standard for heavy-duty fueling protocols, ensuring compatibility across all hydrogen fuel-cell truck manufacturers.
Furthermore, they will “form a basis for building an expanded network of hydrogen fueling stations; for Nikola vehicle customers and for industry use overall. This collaboration forms an essential part in delivering the hydrogen-based ecosystem required to advance zero emission solutions for commercial trucks.” Said Pablo Koziner, president of Nikola Energy.
On the other hand, Jon Pertchik, CEO of TA-Petro, said. “This exploration into hydrogen supply expands on our commitment to provide customers the widest range of fuel; also, non-fuel offerings, and on our Mission to ‘return every traveler to the road better than they came’”.
Finally, he concluded. “Through our new business unit eTA, we are positioning ourselves to facilitate the transportation industry’s shift toward alternative fuel offerings; including hydrogen, a leading form of energy for Class 7 and 8 vehicles.”
