Ready to pre-order your 675kW/1330Nm Badger ute?
Preorder books are open for the Nikola Badger electric and fuel-cell pick-ups, ahead of the 675kW/1330Nm truck’s full reveal on December 4 at Nikola World 2020.
Potential buyers can pre-order the Tesla Cybertruck-rivalling 4×4, either in battery-electric vehicle (BEV) or hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) models.
Cost hasn’t been confirmed, but Nikola Motor’s executive chairman Trevor Milton tweeted on June 26th that cost would be “$60-$90k” ($87-130,000 Australian dollars). He added deliveries would start in 2022.
Nikola Motor said Australia would be the first market for its Badger outside North America, with “plans to expand to Australia at a future date that is to be determined,” said Nicole Rose from the Arizona-based automotive startup.
Specification is mighty, with the Badger “designed to outperform pickups in its class,” including the Cybertruck, Rivian R1T and Ford’s electrified F-150. Nikola claims the 5890mm-long pick-up will complete the 0-100km/h sprint in around three-seconds (matching a Ferrari 812 Superfast), have independent torque control at each wheel, tow 3600kg and boast a range of around 480km (BEV) or 965km (FCEV).
The five-seat Badger will use a 160kWh battery pack or 120kWh hydrogen fuel cell, and will be built in conjunction with an as-yet unnamed auto manufacturer.
So, plenty of unknowns, but this hasn’t stopped Nikola making a huge splash on the stock market. At time of writing, its value was more than Ford’s, despite it never bringing a vehicle to market.
Those pre-ordering the zero-emissions pick-up are being offered incentives – perhaps a dash gimmicky – to leave larger deposits. US and Canadian pre-orders received before November 15 will be entered to win a Badger, have the deposit amount matched and receive up to a $5000 discount.
The “Instinct Package” requires a $250 deposit and gives $500 off the purchase price, one ticket to see the Badger at Nikola World 2020 and one entry to win a Badger.
Next is a $1000 deposit “Predator Package” giving a $2000 purchase price discount and extra Nikola World and giveaway tickets, or the ultimate $5000 “Honey Package” (Honey Badger, you see), giving a $10000 discount, delivery of one of the first batch of vehicles, VIP tickets for Nikola World 2020 and 25 entries into the giveaway.
The brand and the compelling Badger have certainly caught the imagination of many – investors included – and it will be intriguing to see which established auto brand Nikola Motor partners with, and if it can deliver on such lofty promises.
