Nikola Corporation, a prominent global provider of zero-emissions transport and energy infrastructure solutions, and IVECO, the arm of Iveco Group that specializes in designing, producing, and commercializing heavy, medium, and light-duty trucks, recently declared a Letter of Intent regarding the order of 100 Class 8 Nikola Tre hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) from GP JOULE, an integrator of energy solutions based in Reussenkoege, Germany. The Nikola Tre FCEVs in the European 6x2 model will be made by the joint venture of Nikola and Iveco Group at the Ulm, Germany-based facility.

From the total of 100 Nikola Tre FCEVs, it is expected that thirty will be delivered to GP JOULE within 2024. This will be followed by the delivery of the remaining seventy in 2025, through GATE - Green & Advanced Transport Ecosystem, Iveco Group’s pay-per-use electric truck rental model. GP JOULE's customers in transport and logistics can use these FCEVs, with IVECO supplying the essential maintenance and service. 

The order is still pending GP JOULE's successful application for KsNI funding, Germany's program to assist the purchase of vehicles powered by climate-friendly alternatives. 

Furthermore, starting in 2026, GP JOULE and Iveco Group have consented to promote more FCEVs to European customers, supplied with 100% green hydrogen from GP JOULE's hydrogen refueling station network.

Michael Lohscheller, Nikola Corporation President and CEO, asserted: “The order from GP JOULE is going to demonstrate how the Nikola Tre FCEV can give support to German commercial customers for the shift towards zero-emissions in a few years ahead of other OEMs, which works to attain the goal of reducing carbon footprint of the transportation sector.”

Andre Steinau, GP JOULE HYDROGEN Managing Director, stated: “For us, it is all about renewable energy for all. By partnering with Nikola and IVECO, we can present our customers the entire suite of components for carbon-neutral heavy-duty transport, including the production and purchase of green hydrogen, hydrogen filling stations, fuel cell trucks, and customized service packages. This is an effortless entryway into emissions-free freight transport.”

Simone Olivati, Iveco Group Financial Services President, said: “We are glad for GP JOULE's selection and this agreement which will let customers in Germany to have access to hydrogen mobility and hasten the de-carbonization of road freight transport, all due to our pioneering GATE rental model. GATE has been devised to satisfy the needs of customers for both battery and hydrogen fuel cell electric commercial vehicles of both the IVECO and Nikola brands. This contract is an opportunity to initiate offering our extensive service model based on a pay-as-you-go formula.”