Christmas came early this year for Southern California's Total Transportation Services (TTSI). Nikola Corporation delivered the first Nikola Tre battery-electric vehicle (BEV) pilot trucks to the port trucking company to expedite zero-emission transportation solutions at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
TTSI's march toward 100 zero-emission trucks begins with a four-truck pilot of two BEVs and two fuel cell electric vehicles (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.
"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," said Nikola CEO Mark Russell. "TTSI has significant sustainability goals, and we are pleased to help them achieve their vision with our zero-emission trucks."
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.
"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," Congresswoman Nanette 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 port of Los Angeles/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 on the forefront of this transition with early adopter status and will partner with Nikola to transition both BEVs and FCEVs into operation on a trial basis.
European ports are also planning to utilize Nikola's trucks. In September 2021, Nikola and IVECO signed an MoU with the Hamburg Port Authority to deliver up to 25 Nikola Tre BEVs for delivery to that Port throughout 2022.
