“Longer than expected development time” prompts cancellation of 2500+ electric truck order

An order of 2,500 Nikola electric trucks has been cancelled due to “longer than expected development time,” Nikola executives report. 

Despite a previous partnership with Republic Services aimed at producing anywhere from 2,500 to 5,000 electric garbage trucks, the order has been cancelled due to  “longer than expected development time” for the new technologies and design concepts, Nikola executives announced on Wednesday, December 23rd. 

“After considerable collaboration and review, both companies determined that the combination of the various new technologies and design concepts would result in longer than expected development time, and unexpected costs. As a result, the program is being terminated resulting in the cancellation of the previously announced vehicle order,” wrote Nikola in a statement, reported MSN.

“This was the right decision for both companies given the resources and investments required,” said Nikola CEO Mark Russell to International Business Times. “We support and respect Republic Services’ commitment to achieving environmentally responsible, sustainable solutions for their customers.”

In the statement released Wednesday, Nikola confirmed that it still has plans to deliver its first battery-powered electric semi truck in 2021, as well as construct its first hydrogen fueling station. Hydrogen fuel cell electric semi trucks are planned for 2023.