Nikola releases first-ever Sustainability Impact Report

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Nikola Tre FCEV on the highway
As hydrogen fuel cell and battery technology continues to develop, Nikola has unveiled the 2023 Sustainability Impact Report, a new annual study that summarizes the company's accomplishments and progress.
Nikola

Nikola Corporation continues its quest to be the market leader for hydrogen and battery-electric semi trucks and the necessary equipment with its first-ever annual sustainability report.  

The Phoenix, Arizona-based OEM has released the '2023 Sustainability Impact Report,' which covers the environmental and social impacts, reporting, and the overall progress towards the company's numerous goals. 

The full report can be read here. Some of its key highlights, according to Nikola, include:

  • The commercial launch of the hydrogen fuel cell Nikola Tre FCEV class 8 truck
  • Celebrated 100 sale order milestone for Nikola Tre hydrogen FCEV  
  • Announced expansion of dealer sales and service network into Canada in collaboration with ITD Industries 
  • Nikola hydrogen FCEV class 8 truck was named winner in the Sustainable Product category of the 2023 Altair Enlighten Award 
  • Expanded presence to Canada with Nikola Tre BEV and FCEV trucks and hydrogen modular refueler order from Alberta Motor Transport Association 
  • Launch of the first hydrogen fuel cell truck modular refueler 
  • Introduction of the new hydrogen energy brand, HYLA, with refueling locations launched in California 
  • PGT Trucking, Nikola and Nucor collaborate to launch clean energy supply chain initiative    

[Related: Nikola CEO not concerned about Tesla Semi competition]

“Nikola’s commitment to sustainability is not just trendy or a nice-to-have, it’s who we are, and the marketplace is realizing that it’s time to shed the old standards of the transportation industry for new solutions,” said Alexia Bednarz, Nikola’s head of sustainability. “And today, hundreds of Nikola zero-emissions trucks are on the road, delivering goods.”

The company further points out that over 10 percent of its Coolidge, Arizona factory's energy output was covered by solar power and that it outperformed internal targets for waste reduction. A basic breakdown is as follows:

  • Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas accounting (2023)
  • 114 total vehicles sold (in 2023)
  • 45% diversion rate of manufacturing waste (in 2023)
  • 100% of scrapped lithium-ion batteries recycled or reused (in 2023)
  • 192 metric tons of batteries reused and recycled (in 2023)
  • 182 metric tons of hydrogen dispensed (from 12/27/23 to 9/30/24)
  • 5,091 hydrogen fueling events (from 12/27/23 to 9/30/24)

Nikola has had an impressive 2024 as expectations for next year are understandably high, though the report did not provide any specifics as of this time.

Last May, Nikola unveiled its updated BEV 2.0 at the ACT Expo in Las Vegas, where Clean Trucking spoke to Nikola CEO Steve Girsky and Head of Software Ryan May.

[Related: Nikola's CEO and software chief provide exclusive walkthrough of improved BEV 2.0]

Jay Traugott has covered the automotive and transportation sector for over a decade and now serves as Senior Editor for Clean Trucking. He holds a drifting license and has driven on some of the world's best race tracks, including the Nurburgring and Spa. He lives near Boulder, Colorado, and spends his free time snowboarding, climbing, and hiking. He can be reached at [email protected].

Hydrogen Fuel Cell & BEV Survey
The following survey was sent as a link in an email cover message in February 2023 to the newsletter lists for Overdrive and CCJ. After approximately two weeks, a total of 176 owner-operators under their own authority, 113 owner-operators leased or assigned to a carrier and 82 fleet executives and 36 fleet employees from fleets with 10 or more power units had completed and submitted the questionnaire for a total of 407 qualified responses. Cross-tabulations based on respondent type are provided for each question when applicable.
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