Nikola Badger: Price, Range, Specifications, Features & Latest Updates
SUMMARY
The Nikola Badger was one of the most talked-about electric concepts of 2020. Developed by American zero-emission truck startup Nikola Corporation, the Badger was planned as a futuristic pickup that would combine battery-electric technology with hydrogen fuel-cell technology.
Nikola announced the Badger in February 2020 and claimed that the truck could offer an estimated range of up to 600 miles. The company planned two versions: a battery-electric version and a fuel cell electric version that could combine hydrogen and battery power. Nikola also claimed impressive performance figures, including up to 906 horsepower, 980 lb-ft of torque and a 0-60 mph time of approximately 2.9 seconds.
The figures discussed in this article are based on the specifications Nikola announced for the proposed vehicle.
Nikola Badger: Quick Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | Nikola Badger |
| Manufacturer | Nikola Corporation |
| Vehicle Type | Electric Pickup Truck |
| Announced | February 2020 |
| Planned Versions | Battery-Electric and Fuel-Cell Electric |
| Announced Maximum Range | Up to 600 miles |
| Announced BEV Range | Around 300 miles |
| Claimed Peak Power | 906 hp |
| Claimed Torque | 980 lb-ft |
| Claimed 0–60 mph | Approximately 2.9 seconds |
| Planned Seating | 5 passengers |
| Planned Towing Capacity | More than 8,000 pounds |
What Was the Nikola Badger?
The Nikola Badger was a proposed zero-emission pickup truck announced by Nikola Corporation in February 2020. The company positioned it as a high-performance alternative to conventional gasoline and diesel pickup trucks as well as emerging electric pickups.
Image Courtesy: Hyroad Energy/ Official Website
The Badger was planned around two powertrain options. One version was supposed to be a battery electric vehicle, while the other would use hydrogen fuel-cell technology alongside a battery system.
Nikola’s original announcement described a vehicle capable of switching between battery-electric operation and a combination of hydrogen fuel-cell and battery power. The company estimated a maximum range of 600 miles for the blended version and around 300 miles using battery power alone.
The concept was aimed at customers who wanted an electric pickup capable of towing, off-road use and long-distance travel.
Nikola Badger Price
When the vehicle was being promoted in 2020, reports and promotional material placed the expected starting price around $60,000.
| Price Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Expected Starting Price | Around $60,000 |
Manufacturing costs, battery prices, regulations, equipment and supplier agreements could all have affected the final MSRP.
Nikola Badger Range
Range was one of the biggest selling points of the proposed Badger.
Nikola announced an estimated 600-mile range for the fuel-cell/battery configuration. The company also stated that the battery-electric version could travel approximately 300 miles on battery power alone.
The proposed fuel-cell version was intended to use hydrogen as an energy source. A fuel-cell system generates electricity to power the vehicle’s electric motors, while the battery could provide additional power.
Range Details
| Version | Announced Range |
|---|---|
| FCEV/BEV Blended Version | Up to 600 miles |
| Battery-Electric Version | Around 300 miles |
Nikola announced several ambitious specifications for the Badger. The company claimed the truck could produce up to 906 horsepower and 980 lb-ft of torque.
The proposed truck was also expected to use a 160 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a 120 kW fuel cell system in the hydrogen-powered version. Nikola also described a supercapacitor launch-assist system intended to help provide additional power during acceleration.
Specifications Table
| Specification | Announced Figure |
|---|---|
| Peak Power | 906 hp |
| Continuous Power | 455 hp |
| Torque | 980 lb-ft |
| Battery | 160 kWh |
| Fuel Cell | 120 kW |
| 0–60 mph | Approximately 2.9 seconds |
| Towing Capacity | More than 8,000 lbs |
| Seats | 5 |
| Power Export | 15 kW |
| BEV Range | Around 300 miles |
| Blended FCEV/BEV Range | Up to 600 miles |
Nikola Badger Design and Features
The Badger was designed as a full-size electric pickup with a futuristic exterior. Nikola intended the truck to combine the utility of a traditional pickup with the performance and technology associated with electric vehicles.
The proposed vehicle was expected to seat five people and include a pickup bed suitable for carrying equipment and cargo.
Nikola also promoted the truck as a vehicle that could be used for work, towing, off-road driving and recreational activities.
Key Planned Features
| Feature | Planned Details |
| Seating | 5 passengers |
| Vehicle Type | Pickup truck |
| Drive Technology | Electric motors |
| Power Sources | Battery and hydrogen fuel cell |
| Power Export | 15 kW |
| Charging | Standard charging planned for BEV operation |
| Towing | More than 8,000 pounds |
| Off-Road Capability | Designed for challenging terrain |
| Intended Use | Work, towing, recreation and off-road driving |
One particularly interesting feature was the planned 15 kW power-export outlet. Nikola said it could provide electricity for tools, lights and compressors, potentially making the truck useful at work sites.
Nikola Badger Performance
Performance was another major part of Nikola’s marketing for the Badger.
The company announced an estimated 0-60 mph time of approximately 2.9 seconds. It also claimed 906 horsepower and 980 lb-ft of torque, figures that would have placed the proposed pickup firmly in the high-performance category.
The Badger was also intended to deliver strong performance while towing and climbing steep grades. Nikola described the vehicle as being designed for demanding applications, including construction work and off-road driving.
Nikola Badger Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Technology
One of the most unusual aspects of the Badger concept was its proposed use of hydrogen fuel-cell technology.
Unlike a conventional battery-electric vehicle, a hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle generates electricity using hydrogen stored in onboard tanks. The electricity then powers electric motors.
Nikola planned to combine the fuel cell with a battery system. This approach was intended to provide the benefits of electric propulsion while offering a longer driving range.
The company announced a 120 kW fuel-cell system for the proposed Badger. It also planned a battery-only version for customers who did not have access to hydrogen fueling infrastructure.
Controversy Surrounding the Badger
The Badger project became associated with controversy surrounding Nikola’s founder and former CEO Trevor Milton.
In 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice charged Milton with securities and wire fraud. According to prosecutors, Milton had made misleading claims about the Badger’s development and engineering.
The Justice Department said the Badger prototypes had been outsourced and were based on Ford F 150 donor vehicles rather than being entirely developed from scratch as had been claimed. Prosecutors also said the prototypes were not fully functional production vehicles.
Nikola Badger vs Modern Electric Pickups
The Badger was announced at a time when the electric pickup market was beginning to grow rapidly. It was expected to compete with emerging electric pickups and eventually traditional trucks.
Its proposed 600-mile range and more than 8,000-pound towing capacity were particularly ambitious for the period.
Proposed Badger Highlights
| Area | Nikola Badger |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | BEV / FCEV |
| Maximum Announced Range | 600 miles |
| Battery-only Range | 300 miles |
| Peak Power | 906 hp |
| Torque | 980 lb-ft |
| Towing Capacity | 8,000+ lbs |
| Seating | 5 |
Conclusion
The Nikola Badger was an ambitious electric pickup concept that attracted considerable attention when it was announced in 2020. Nikola proposed both battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell versions, with an advertised maximum range of up to 600 miles.
The company also announced impressive targets, including 906 horsepower, 980 lb-ft of torque, a 2.9-second 0-60 mph time and more than 8,000 pounds of towing capacity.
Its proposed specifications remain an interesting chapter in the history of electric vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Nikola Badger?
The Nikola Badger was a proposed electric pickup truck announced by Nikola Corporation in 2020. It was planned in both battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell versions.
What was the expected price of the Nikola Badger?
The Badger was expected to start at around $60,000 based on reports from the period.
What was the Nikola Badger’s range?
Nikola announced an estimated range of up to 600 miles for the fuel-cell/battery version and around 300 miles for the battery-electric version.
How much horsepower did the Nikola Badger have?
Nikola announced a peak output of approximately 906 horsepower and 455 horsepower of continuous power.
What was the Nikola Badger’s torque?
The company announced approximately 980 lb-ft of torque for the proposed vehicle.
Was the Nikola Badger electric or hydrogen-powered?
Nikola planned two versions. One was supposed to be battery-electric, while the other would combine battery power with a hydrogen fuel cell.
How fast was the Nikola Badger supposed to be?
Nikola announced an estimated 0-60 mph acceleration time of approximately 2.9 seconds.
How much could the Nikola Badger tow?
Nikola announced a planned towing capacity of more than 8,000 pounds.
Did the Nikola Badger have a 600-mile range?
Nikola announced an estimated 600-mile range for the proposed fuel-cell/battery version.
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