Nikola Corp., a zero-emission transportation and energy infrastructure solutions provider, delivered on Dec. 17 the first Nikola Tre battery-electric vehicle (BEV) pilot trucks to Total Transportation Services Inc. (TTSI), a Southern California port trucking company and sustainability leader in the industry, to expedite zero-emission transportation solutions at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
In attendance at the hand-off ceremony were Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán, state Sen. Steven Bradford and representatives from the offices of Reps. Alan Lowenthal, Linda Sanchez, Linda Torres, Maxine Waters, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Office of Business and Economic Development, from the offices of state assembly members Mike Gipson, Patrick O'Donnell and state Sen. Ben Allen.
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Following the program, guests had the opportunity to experience the Tre BEV first-hand during demonstrations and as truck passengers.
Representatives from the offices of L.A. County Board of Supervisor Hilda Solis and Mayor Eric Garcetti also attended as well as officials from the Port of L.A., South Coast Air Quality Management District, Coalition for Clean Air, Long Beach Clean Cities/Cerritos College, LA Clean Tech Incubator (LACI), CALSTART, and Better World Group and labor partners.
“Nikola committed to make its first Tre BEV deliveries in Q4 2021, and it is a big honor to celebrate this milestone with our partner, TTSI, and dignitaries who are committed to advancing zero-emission transportation solutions to reduce truck emissions in port operations,” Nikola CEO Mark Russell said. “TTSI has significant sustainability goals, and we are pleased to help them achieve their vision with our zero-emission trucks.”
TTSI plans for 100 zero-emission trucks, beginning with a four-truck pilot of two BEVs and two FCEVs. Based on satisfactory completion of the vehicle trials and subject to TTSI obtaining certain government funding, 30 BEVs are projected to follow later in 2022, and 70 FCEVs are anticipated to start in 2023.
The Nikola Tre BEV is designed for local deliveries up to 350 miles. The Nikola Tre FCEV truck is targeted for distances up to 500 miles and is expected to address the North American regional market, especially when additional hauling capacity or quick fueling are required by fleet operators.
“This day represents a major step in our continual quest to achieve a zero-emission fleet, which is why TTSI highly values its partnership with Nikola. Production, performance, and maintenance will be the key to our future success, and we are confident Nikola will excel on all three fronts,” said Vic LaRosa, president of TTSI.
“Reaching a zero-emission transportation future requires bold leadership and collaboration from federal, state, and local partners, along with major investments from the private sector,” Diaz Barragán said. “This is crucial for the health of people living in the communities near the ports in my district, who suffer higher rates of cancer, asthma, and other respiratory diseases due to all the toxic diesel emissions coming from the equipment and trucks at the ports. I appreciate the commitment TTSI and Nikola have made at the Port of Los Angeles to a cleaner, safer future.”
According to TTSI, in any given month 13,000 to 14,000 trucks call at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, emitting roughly 2,600 tons per year of smog-causing nitrogen-oxide emissions. This location and transportation use case represent one of the largest opportunities in California to make a significant impact for the transition to sustainable transportation. TTSI has been an early adopter and will partner with Nikola to transition both BEVs and FCEVs into operation on a trial basis, company officials said.
European ports are also planning to utilize Nikola’s trucks. In September, Nikola and IVECO signed deal with the Hamburg Port Authority to deliver up to 25 Nikola Tres for delivery to that port throughout 2022.
