Nikola’s Journey to Zero Emissions: Sustainability in Action
Integrated truck and energy company Nikola is paving the way towards a net zero world, starting with the transportation industry.
Nikola's 2023 ‘Sustainability Impact’ report highlights the company's mission to lead in the transition to zero-emission transport.
The company’s goal is to invest into clean energy and sustainable vehicle technologies, fostering a circular economy while promoting diversity and safety across its operations.
What is in the Nikola report?
Inside the report, the company recognises that sustainability is a present and future way of life.
The company highlights key sustainability achievements but also future commitments by reporting its:
Commitment to zero emissions:
- Nikola focuses on decarbonising Class 8 trucks - these produce significant emissions
- Launched battery-electric (BE) and hydrogen fuel cell electric (HE) trucks, with hundreds already operating
Major achievements in 2023:
- Commercial launch of Nikola Tre FCEV, the first hydrogen Class 8 truck assembled in the US
- Achieved 100 sales orders for hydrogen trucks and expanded sales into Canada
- Launched the HYLA hydrogen energy brand and modular refuelling stations in California
- Collaborated with PGT Trucking and Nucor for clean energy supply chains
- Won awards, including the Altair Enlighten Award for Sustainable Product
Environmental impact:
- Developed products like BE and HE trucks, modular refuelers and mobile charging solutions
- Circular economy initiatives focused on battery reuse and recycling with 95% of lithium-ion battery materials reclaimed
- Clean energy solutions saved significant emissions compared to diesel equivalents
Operational footprint:
- Manufacturing facility in Arizona powered 10% by solar energy, featuring energy-efficient technologies
- Achieved waste diversion goals through recycling metals, batteries and packaging materials
Social responsibility:
- Diverse workforce: 60% ethnically or gender diverse, 98% receiving performance reviews
- Comprehensive health and wellness programs for employees, including clinics and employer-paid health plans
- Established employee resource groups for inclusion and career development
Safety innovations:
- Zero fatalities and reduced incidents through ISO-certified safety systems
- Advanced vehicle safety features like adaptive cruise control, blind spot warnings and emergency braking systems
Governance and transparency:
- ESG oversight integrated into corporate governance
- Published first sustainability report with a focus on materiality assessments and future data disclosures
Greenhouse gas management:
- Reported Scope 1 and 2 emissions, with plans for renewable energy adoption and operational improvements.
Sustainability at Nikola
Nikola produces battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) for heavy-duty commercial use, contributing to the reduction of GHG emissions in the transportation sector.
The company is also developing a hydrogen refuelling ecosystem called HYLA to support the transition to sustainable fuel sources.
Nikola focuses on remanufacturing, reusing and recycling batteries and truck components, in 2023, the company reused 192 metric tons of batteries and recycled 100% of scrapped lithium-ion batteries.
The company is energy-efficient in various ways. Nikola's 670,000-square-foot Coolidge facility utilises eco-friendly technologies including LED lighting, smart-controlled energy systems and on-site solar panels – In 2023, more than 10% of the facility's energy output was covered by solar power
The company outperformed internal targets for waste reduction, achieving a 45% diversion rate of manufacturing waste in 2023.
Why are Nikola making trucks sustainable
Sustainable trucks, such as electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, produce zero tailpipe emissions, significantly reducing air pollution and GHG emissions.
This reduction is crucial because trucks account for 25% of road transport emissions while representing less than 2% of vehicles on the road.
Electric trucks also offer long-term savings through lower fuel and maintenance costs, with energy efficiency ranging from 70-80% source-to-wheel compared to diesel trucks.
By eliminating harmful emissions, sustainable trucks contribute to cleaner air and healthier communities, particularly in urban areas.
Additionally, electric trucks significantly reduce noise pollution due to their quiet electric motors, making them ideal for late-hour urban deliveries.
As governments enforce stricter emissions regulations, sustainable trucks enable companies to comply with these standards and avoid potential fines.
Sustainable trucks also bolster energy security by reducing reliance on fossil fuels, thereby mitigating vulnerabilities to fuel price fluctuations.
Finally, achieving climate neutrality by 2050 requires the trucking industry to be fully decarbonised, making sustainable trucks essential for long-term environmental and economic sustainability.
By addressing environmental challenges, fostering social responsibility and achieving operational excellence, Nikola is setting a powerful example for the future of the transportation industry and a net-zero world.
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