Nikola (NKLA) received a conditional order for its fuel-cell and battery-electric trucks ahead of its first-quarter report Friday. Nikola stock rose but then reversed lower.
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To expedite zero-emission transport at the Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach, Total Transportation Services signed a letter of intent to order 100 Nikola Class 8 semi-trucks of both types.
A four-truck pilot program will start in the first half of 2022, consisting of two battery-electric trucks and two fuel-cell trucks. If that works out and if Total Transportation Services gets government funds, 30 battery-electric trucks would follow later in 2022, with 70 fuel-cell trucks due to start in 2023.
Nikola Earnings Report
Estimates: Analysts expect a loss of 27 cents per share on no revenue.
Results: Check back Friday.
Outlook: In February, Nikola said trial production of the Tre semi-truck is set to start in June in Germany, while its Arizona plant will start producing the Tre in Q3. CEO Mark Russell also predicted 50-100 battery-electric Tre deliveries in 2021, generating $15 million-$30 million in revenue, with the first customers due to receive the trucks in Q4.
But those goals may slip as the global auto industry downgrades production forecasts amid the chip shortage. Last week, Ford (F) said it’ll halve second-quarter production. And on Monday, Volkswagen (VWAGY) warned the shortage will curb output of vehicles overall, while sparing EVs.
Stock: Nikola stock jumped to 11.24 intraday, but shares closed down 2.7% at 10.14 on the stock market today. Nikola stock has been on in a downturn for several months and is well off a high of 93.99 reached in June.
Among other top fuel cell stocks, Fuelcell Energy (FCEL) dropped 5.1% Thursday, and Plug Power (PLUG) sold off 7.1%. Ballard Power (BLDP) lost 2.8% after sinking 19.7% Tuesday on disappointing Q1 results.
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Green Trends Favor Nikola Stock
Beyond 2021, other important dates for Nikola stock are coming up. After the battery-electric Tre, with 300 miles of range, begins deliveries in Q4, a hydrogen fuel-cell version, with a range up to 500 miles, will follow in the second half of 2023.
Nikola also is targeting the launch of another fuel-cell semi truck — the Two — with up to 900 miles of range in late 2024.
Meanwhile, Nikola is making some progress on starting to build up infrastructure. In April, Nikola announced plans to create a hydrogen pipeline network in Germany with its partners CNH Industrial (CNHI) and OGE.
Also last month, it announced a deal with TravelCenters of America (TA) to install hydrogen refueling stations for heavy-duty trucks at two sites in California. These sites may begin operation as early as the first quarter of 2023.
Hydrogen fuel cells are gaining popularity as renewable energy investment has been on the rise globally following the enactment of the Paris Climate Agreement. Even Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest energy company, sees a huge potential for hydrogen fuel.
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