The Sleuth continues to scratch his head regarding the number of start-up truck makers planning to introduce battery-electric workhorses. The latest to join the group — which includes Rivian, Bollinger, Tesla plus others — is Nicola, which produces Class Eight (semi) tractor models that combine electric motors with hydrogen fuel cells. That technology will also be installed in the much smaller four-door Badger pickup. Nicola claims the vehicle will offer up to 300 miles of electric-only range, plus 300 additional miles when hydrogen is used. Also claimed is an output of 906 horsepower and 980 pound-feet of torque, a 2.9-second zero-to-60-mph time, and an 8,000-pound towing capacity. Badger pricing and the launch date aren’t known.

The Nicola Badger is claimed to have a 300-mile battery range, plus 300 more miles using hydrogen. PHOTO: NICOLA

What’s with the sudden explosion in the development of electric pickups?

SLEUTH |