Summary:
103 hydrogen fuel-cell trucks from bankrupt startup Nikola are up for auction.
The auction includes spare parts and hydrogen refueling equipment, offering a complete package for potential buyers.
Nikola's history is marked by controversy and financial troubles, including a founder convicted of fraud.
The Tre FCEV trucks boast a 500-mile range and 536 hp, but come with potential reliability concerns.
Lucid Motors has already acquired some of Nikola's assets, highlighting the industry's interest in such opportunities.
Nikola, once a promising startup in the electric and hydrogen fuel-cell semi-truck space, has seen its assets go up for auction following its bankruptcy filing earlier this year. This includes 103 hydrogen fuel-cell trucks and a plethora of spare parts, offering a unique opportunity for enthusiasts and investors alike.
The Auction Highlights
- 103 Nikola Tre FCEV semi-trucks, listed as "fully operational" by Gordon Brothers, the firm handling the auction.
- A wide array of industrial equipment, including batteries, fuel-cell stack modules, and hydrogen storage systems.
A Troubled History
Founded in 2014, Nikola's vision was marred by controversy, notably when its founder, Trevor Milton, was found guilty of defrauding investors. Despite these challenges, the company managed to produce a few hundred trucks, including both electric and hydrogen fuel-cell models. However, a battery issue leading to a fire at their Phoenix headquarters resulted in a recall of 209 units in late 2023.
The Tre FCEV Specs
- 164-kWh battery paired with a hydrogen fuel-cell system.
- Range of up to 500 miles.
- 536 continuous horsepower, peaking at 773 hp, though limited to 70 mph.
Potential Challenges
While the trucks are listed as operational, potential buyers should be wary of possible issues, given Nikola's troubled past. Additionally, the limited hydrogen fuel-cell infrastructure in the U.S. could pose challenges for those looking to utilize these trucks extensively.
A Silver Lining
The auction also includes hydrogen storage and refueling equipment, offering a solution to the infrastructure problem for those willing to invest in setting up their own refueling network.
Industry Movements
Interestingly, Lucid Motors, another EV startup, has already acquired Nikola's former headquarters and manufacturing facility in Arizona, signaling a continued interest in the assets of bankrupt EV companies.
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