Despite the anticipation and promise of what the Tesla-killer Nikola Badger would’ve been, the progressive pickup truck was met with an premature dying in 2020 when General Motors withdrew from its partnership with Nikola. It had a proposed price ticket between $60,000 and $80,000, making it a premium electrical pickup providing. Offered in both a four-motor or in-wheel hub motor setup, its futuristic powertrain would’ve peaked at 906 horsepower with its 980 pound-feet of torque, sufficient to speed up from zero to 60 mph in beneath three seconds.

The Badger would’ve been obtainable in a versatile set of powertrain choices which might’ve included both only a cutting-edge 160-kWh battery-electric variant with a 300-mile vary or a mix of that battery-electric powertrain with an non-compulsory 120.0-kWh fuel-cell, for a complete mixed vary of 600 miles. Other than renderings, nothing is understood of the inside. Renderings had it providing a Tesla Model 3-like infotainment display in a futuristic-looking inside. The truck mattress would’ve included a 15-kWh energy outlet like an onboard generator.

The cancelation of the Nikola Badger marked the top of a truck that, along with revolutionizing the electrical pickup and electric vehicle market, would’ve launched groundbreaking expertise like a hybrid BEV/FCEV powertrain, and a singular characteristic like water produced by its hydrogen system being secure to drink.

In order to provide the newest and correct data attainable, the information used to compile this text was sourced from official automaker web sites, in addition to authoritative automotive sources just like the EPA. With the Nikola Badger being canceled for shut to a few years, an official web site for direct data from the auto producer on the automobile is now not obtainable.

1 It Would’ve Been Priced Between $60,000 And $80,000

There was plenty of anticipation for the discharge of the Nikola Badger electrical pickup truck. Initial worth estimates hinted at a beginning worth being $60,000 and doubtlessly climbing to $80,000 relying on trim and choices chosen, however Nikola had not but finalized the precise figures. Pre-orders started June 29, with the corporate receiving deposits starting from $250 to $5,000.

The Nikola Badger Would’ve Had A Competitive Price

However, after the truck was canceled, the corporate needed to announce its determination to refund all submitted orders. With a beginning worth of $60,000, the Nikola Badger would’ve been roughly $10,000 dearer than the bottom Ford F-150 Lightning, lower than $1,000 cheaper than the single-motor rear-wheel drive 2025 Tesla Cybertruck, and $18,000 cheaper than the Rivian R1T.

2 Renderings Had It As A Futuristic-looking Pickup

The renderings of the Nikola Badger electric pickup truck turned heads with its placing and futuristic exterior design. The design boasted a sturdy but aerodynamic silhouette, serving to the Badger exude a commanding presence on the highway. It had a particular entrance fascia which was characterised by modern LED headlights and a uniquely designed grille.

Exterior Dimensions

(Specs sourced from Nikola)

Its entrance and rear bumpers have been expertly positioned to reinforce method and departure angles, whereas the sculpted physique traces and aggressive wheel arches conveyed a rugged sophistication a heavy-duty truck ought to’ve been identified for. The rigorously crafted mattress would’ve showcased each utility and innovation, with a width of 61.41 inches. It would’ve been longer than the Tesla Cybertruck.

3 It Peaked At 906 Horsepower And Would’ve Hit 60 MPH In 2.9 Seconds

The Nikola Badger would’ve been provided with both a four-motor setup or an in-wheel hub motor setup, which might’ve promised fairly an thrilling efficiency. The Badger would’ve had an influence output rated at 455 “continuous” horsepower and would have surged to 905 horsepower and a powerful 980 pound-feet of torque when pushed to its limits.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Nikola)

Such immense energy at its disposal would’ve rivaled the GMC Hummer EV’s acceleration, with the ability to dash from zero to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds. This would’ve put the Badger in supercar territory, 0.6 seconds quicker to 60 mph than the 3.5-second Ferrari Portofino. The Tesla Cybertruck would’ve bested its acceleration by 0.3 seconds.

4 It Had A Battery Pack That Would’ve Traveled 300 Miles Of Range

The Nikola Badger would’ve been geared up as both a cutting-edge battery-electric variant or a battery-electric variant with an non-compulsory 120.0-kWh gas cell. The battery-electric-only variant would’ve had a 160.0-kWh battery pack at its core, with its electric-only powertrain promising a spread of roughly 300 miles on a full cost. This variant would’ve competed in opposition to the Rivian R1T’s battery capability.

The medium-sized 135-kWh battery option offers an EPA-estimated range of up to 328 miles on a full charge, which means the 300-mile vary estimated by Nikola may’ve been a conservative estimate. Nikola’s partnership with General Motors would’ve meant GM would’ve produced and equipped the batteries for the battery-electric-only variant. GMC Hummer EV options the Ultium battery expertise, which is a modular design for the aim of optimizing power density.

5 17.6-pound Hydrogen Fuel Tank And A Range Of 600 Miles

The Nikola Badger’s hybrid powertrain choice, which might’ve built-in each battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell applied sciences, would’ve redefined the boundaries of sustainable driving. This characteristic would’ve been an progressive powertrain consisting of a considerable 160.0-kWh battery pack, and an non-compulsory 120.0-kWh gas cell in a 17.6-pound hydrogen gas tank.

This would’ve been a cutting-edge synergy that had been projected to end in a combined range of approximately 600 miles on a full charge. It would’ve been the electrical automobile with the longest driving vary, rivaling the Toyota Prius Prime’s 600 miles, and besting the five hundred miles anticipated to be provided by the Tesla Cybertruck. The 17.6-pound hydrogen gas tank would’ve been 5.3 kilos heavier than the Toyota Mirai’s 12.3-pound tank which produces at least 357 miles of range.

6 The Water Produced By The Hydrogen System Should’ve Been Safe To Drink

One characteristic of the hydrogen fuel-cell system within the Nikola Badger that will’ve been outstanding was the manufacturing of unpolluted, potable water as a byproduct. This water would’ve been generated on account of the chemical response throughout the fuel-cell system. The system can convert hydrogen into electricity and pure drinkable water.

This would’ve allowed drivers and passengers entry to a handy and sustainable supply of secure ingesting water by way of a water fountain that will’ve channeled it into the cabin for secure ingesting because it was deliberate to do by channeling a few of it into the windshield water tank. This would’ve been just like the water produced by Toyota’s Mirai, which is reported to not solely be secure but additionally appropriate for ingesting, though not inspired.

7 It Had A Rated Towing Capacity Of 8,000 Pounds

The Nikola Badger’s rated towing capability of 8,000 pounds would’ve made it a reliable providing within the fiercely aggressive pickup truck section. An progressive powertrain and a sturdy construct would’ve produced the arrogance to haul heavy masses with ease. For a piece truck, this towing capability would’ve showcased the Badger’s energy and reliability, serving to it grow to be a flexible work companion for demanding duties.

It would’ve been the identical capability because the Chevrolet Silverado EV, and Lordstown Endurance. This would’ve been 500 kilos greater than the GMC Hummer EV is able to. If it hadn’t been canceled, 8,000 kilos would’ve been sufficient for towing gear for a piece website or hauling leisure gear for a weekend journey. Its 600-mile vary would’ve been glorious for towing trailers off-road, though that will’ve been halved when at most towing capability.

8 It Had A Power Outlet That Could’ve Acted As An External Generator

A really progressive characteristic of the Nikola Badger would’ve been its 15-kW built-in energy outlet, a dependable supply of electrical energy that will’ve offered for plug-in instruments and gear. This would’ve been a groundbreaking outlet that will’ve boasted a powerful endurance, with the ability to energy instruments for up to 12 hours without the need for an external generator.

This is an distinctive functionality that will’ve revolutionized the method of customers to their work, providing the comfort a cell generator would’ve provided at job websites or out of doors actions. It would’ve been just like the Pro Power Onboard electrical shops within the Ford F-150 Lightning’s mattress, which, with the 80-amp Ford Charge Station Pro, may run a whole residence for as much as three days. Its practicality and flexibility would’ve been good for development instruments, tenting gear, or important home equipment, making certain on-the-go productiveness.

9 It Would’ve Had A Futuristic Driver-centric Infotainment System

Although the general public had solely seen renderings of the Badger, the inside seemed like a compelling mixture of conventional and futuristic design parts. The idea was anticipated to be a spacious and tech-savvy cabin, with the centerpiece of the dashboard being an enormous horizontally oriented display, the precise dimension in inches unknown. It would’ve had a conventional heart console with a number of cupholders for practicality, with an progressive floor-mounting system all through the cabin aimed toward securing cargo storage.

This spacious inside would’ve had seating for as much as 5 people on seats fabricated from waterproof supplies. A hidden fridge would’ve been included for added comfort. It would’ve been coupled with a classy HVAC system which, completely different from the screen-only rising sample of EVs, would’ve been managed by a row of bodily knobs and buttons.

10 It Would’ve Had A Versatile And Spacious Innovative Bed

Not a lot data is on the market in regards to the truck mattress of the Nikola Badger apart from somewhat scattered data and a few gathered off renderings. The Nikola Badger’s truck mattress would’ve been sensible with a width of 61.41 inches and size of 61.5 inches, which might’ve offered utility. This would’ve been sufficient area for hauling gear, gear, and cargo with ease.

It would’ve been bigger than that of the Rivian R1T’s 4.5-foot truck bed, which is affected by plenty of progressive technological options. This truck mattress can accommodate a payload capability of over 1,700 kilos. Adding within the Badger’s 15-kW energy outlet able to powering home equipment for as much as 12 hours, would’ve made the Badger an excellent companion for out of doors adventures or worksite necessities.