A definitive agreement has been signed between Nikola – through its HYLA brand – and Voltera for the development of hydrogen refueling infrastructure to support the deployment of Nikola’s zero-emissions vehicles. The companies plan to establish up to 50 HYLA-branded hydrogen fueling stations in North America over the next five years, with the agreement supporting Nikola’s plans to build 60 station in the region by 2026.
If successful, this partnership will, the companies say, create the biggest open-network of commercial hydrogen refueling stations in North America, ensuring vehicles from a multitude of OEMs are provided with clean fuel to speed up the transition toward zero-emission vehicles.
Under the agreement, Voltera will find the locations and build, own and operate the hydrogen refueling stations; Nikola will supply the clean hydrogen fuel and provide technical expertise for the project.
“Our partnership with Voltera will bring substantial capital and expertise to support Nikola’s plans to build refueling infrastructure to support its customers,” said Carey Mendes, president, Nikola Energy. “Voltera’s expertise in building out zero-emission energy infrastructure will be a key enabler for Nikola’s first-to-market hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks and fueling infrastructure. Nikola and Voltera have a shared commitment to the rapid deployment of infrastructure which is key to enabling the transition to a zero-emission economy.”
“Voltera’s mission is to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission vehicles, by taking on the complex and costly nature of developing the necessary infrastructure,” said Matt Horton, CEO, Voltera. “By partnering with Nikola, we are expanding our focus beyond battery-electric vehicle charging in order to dramatically increase hydrogen fueling infrastructure, reduce barriers for operators buying vehicles at scale to enable mass adoption of hydrogen trucks.”