Introduction
The Nikola Badger was one of the most talked about pickup trucks in recent years. Announced in 2020, it was presented as a hybrid electric and hydrogen fuel-cell truck. The company, Nikola Motor, described it as a competitor to Tesla’s Cybertruck and Ford’s F-150 Lightning. But unlike those vehicles, the Badger never made it to production.
This article explains what the Nikola Badger was, its features, why it generated attention, and why the project was later cancelled.
The Idea Behind the Nikola Badger
Nikola wanted to build a truck that ran on both electricity and hydrogen. The concept was to give drivers the flexibility of charging with electricity or refueling with hydrogen.
The company said the truck would come in two versions:
- A battery-electric vehicle (BEV).
- A fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) that also used a battery.
The range estimates were ambitious. Nikola claimed the BEV version would reach about 300 miles, while the FCEV version could go up to 600 miles on a full tank and charge.
Key Specifications (Planned)
When Nikola introduced the Badger, it highlighted numbers that caught attention:
- Range: 300 miles (BEV) or 600 miles (FCEV).
- Power: 906 horsepower peak, 455 continuous.
- Torque: 980 lb-ft.
- 0-60 mph: Around 2.9 seconds.
- Towing capacity: 8,000 pounds.
On paper, these numbers looked competitive with other electric trucks.
Design and Features
The Badger was designed as a full-size pickup with a traditional look. It had four doors, a wide stance, and a rugged build. Nikola said it would come with:
- A 15 kW power outlet for tools and equipment.
- A large battery pack that could handle fast charging.
- Options for off-road performance.
- A digital cockpit with advanced infotainment.
These features aimed to attract construction workers, outdoor users, and drivers who wanted both work and leisure capabilities.
The Partnership with General Motors
In September 2020, Nikola announced a partnership with General Motors (GM). Under the deal, GM would build the Badger using its own Ultium battery technology and Hydrotec fuel cells.
The partnership gave the Badger more credibility, since GM had the resources and experience to manufacture trucks at scale. However, the agreement fell apart later that year after controversies around Nikola’s leadership and business practices.
The Controversies Around Nikola
The downfall of the Badger is closely linked to the controversies surrounding Nikola and its founder, Trevor Milton.
In September 2020, a short-seller report accused Nikola of misleading investors. The report pointed out that some of Nikola’s earlier demonstrations, including a truck video, were staged.
Shortly after the report, Trevor Milton resigned from the company. Legal investigations followed. Nikola’s reputation took a hit, and its partnerships became uncertain.
The Cancellation of the Badger
By late 2020, Nikola announced that the Badger project was cancelled. The company said it would instead focus on commercial trucks, such as heavy-duty semi-trucks powered by hydrogen fuel cells.
People who had reserved the Badger received refunds. Production never started, and no prototypes reached the public market.
Comparison With Other Electric Pickups
Even though the Badger was cancelled, it is useful to see how it stacked up against rivals:
- Tesla Cybertruck: Around 500+ miles of range, futuristic design, production planned for 2024.
- Ford F-150 Lightning: 230–320 miles range, traditional design, production started in 2022.
- Rivian R1T: 270–400 miles range, off-road focus, launched in 2021.
Compared to these, the Badger’s specs looked competitive. But the lack of production meant it never had a chance to compete.
Why the Nikola Badger Still Matters
The Badger is important because it shows how ambitious promises in the electric vehicle industry can capture attention but also create risk.
- It highlighted interest in hydrogen as a fuel, even though hydrogen infrastructure is limited.
- It showed that investors and the public are eager for alternatives to Tesla and legacy automakers.
- It also demonstrated the importance of trust and credibility. Strong specs alone cannot guarantee success.
Lessons From the Nikola Badger
There are clear lessons from the Badger project:
- Execution matters more than promises. High specifications are not useful if the company cannot deliver.
- Partnerships must be stable. Without GM’s support, Nikola lacked the means to produce a consumer truck.
- Transparency is key. Misleading demonstrations and exaggerated claims damaged the brand.
- Hydrogen adoption is still uncertain. Without fueling stations, hydrogen-powered consumer vehicles face barriers.
The Current Status of Nikola
Today, Nikola Motor still operates, but its focus has shifted. The company is working on hydrogen-powered trucks for commercial use, like freight transport. The Badger is no longer part of its strategy.
The electric pickup market has moved forward without Nikola. Ford, Tesla, Rivian, and GM continue to lead in this space.
Conclusion
The Nikola Badger promised a lot but delivered nothing. It was designed to be a dual-powered pickup that could rival Tesla and Ford. But controversies, leadership issues, and lack of infrastructure ended the project.
The Badger is now a reminder of how ambitious claims in the electric vehicle industry must be matched with solid execution and transparency.
