The Nikola Motor Company has announced that they will begin building a $1 billion plant in Airzona to manufacture their hydrogen fuel cell range-extended big rig. The 500-acre manufacturing facility will break ground in 2019 and production of the Nikola One will begin in 2021. Nikola is transferring headquarters and research development operations to Arizona immediately.
The Nikola plant will generate about 2,000 jobs and $1 billion in capital investment in the region by 2024, when it’s expected to reach full operation. The company considered nine states and 30 potential sites before settling on Arizona, just west of Phoenix. Nikola’s current operations are in Salt Lake City, Utah. The company has received more than 8,000 pre-orders for its big rig, including major investments from large transportation companies such as U.S. Express and suppliers such as Wabco.
Aaron is an automotive journalist living in Wyoming, USA. His background includes technology, mechanics, commercial vehicles, and new vehicle evaluations. Aaron is a member of several automotive media groups and writes for many well-known publications.