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GM Signs MoU with Nikola to Supply Hydrotec Fuel Cell Systems, But Unplugs Plans For Badger Pickup


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A much hyped (Like All EV Fairy tales) rival to the Tesla Cybertruck has been thrown on the scrap heap.

Without GM participation upstart electric vehicle company Nikola has been forced to axe its Badger electric pickup.

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The Badger joins other failed EVs such as the Fisker Karma, Dyson EV and Faraday Future.

DETROIT, Nov. 30, 2020 -- 

  • Global supply agreement focused on GM's Hydrotec fuel cell system for Nikola's Class 7/8 trucks
  • Non-binding MoU replaces previous transaction announced Sept. 8, 2020 

General Motors Co. today announced it has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Nikola Corporation for a global supply agreement to provide its Hydrotec fuel cell system for Nikola's Class 7/8 semi-trucks. The MoU replaces the previous transaction announced Sept. 8, 2020.


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"This supply agreement recognizes our leading fuel cell technology expertise and development," said Doug Parks, GM executive vice president of Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain. "Providing our Hydrotec fuel cell systems to the heavy-duty class of commercial vehicles is an important part of our growth strategy and reinforces our commitment toward an all-electric, zero-emissions future."

Under the potential agreement referenced in the MoU, GM would engineer its Hydrotec fuel cell system to the specifications mutually agreed upon by both companies. GM and Nikola will discuss the appropriate scope of services that GM would provide for the integration of the fuel cell system into Nikola's vehicles. It is expected that the potential arrangement would be cost plus, and that Nikola would pay upfront for the capital investment for the capacity. GM and Nikola will also discuss the potential of a supply agreement for GM's versatile Ultium battery system for Nikola's Class 7/8 trucks.

GM's Hydrotec fuel cell system will be engineered at its Michigan technical facilities in Pontiac and Warren and manufactured at its Brownstown Charter Township battery assembly plant.

General Motors  is a global company committed to delivering safer, better and more sustainable ways for people to get around. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Baojun and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety and security services, can be found at https://www.gm.com.