Nikola Corporation, recognized globally for its zero-emissions transportation and energy solutions, has unveiled the initial findings from its battery pack investigations. Consequently, the firm has issued a voluntary recall for about 209 Class 8 Tre battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) as a safety measure. As part of the process, Nikola has paused new BEV sales temporarily and is coordinating with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding the recall.
Why It Matters
Ensuring the safety of customers, dealers, and staff remains the paramount concern for Nikola. The decision follows a June 23, 2023, truck fire incident at the company’s Phoenix headquarters and a minor thermal event in Coolidge on August 10. Investigations pinpointed a coolant leak within a single battery pack as the likely cause of these incidents.
Key Points
- Preliminary findings were obtained from Exponent, a reputable third-party investigator, who identified the coolant leak as the probable trigger for the fire.
- Internal probes by Nikola’s teams suggest a single supplier component in the battery pack as the culprit behind the coolant leak.
- Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) production is unaffected as these vehicles employ a different battery pack design.
- Nikola urges BEV truck users to:
- Ensure the Main Battery Disconnect (MBD) switch remains in the “ON” position, facilitating real-time monitoring and operation of safety systems.
- Contemplate parking their vehicles outdoors to optimize over-the-air updates and enhance connectivity with Nikola’s Fleet Command system.
- Only two out of over 3,100 battery packs (which translates to less than 0.07%) have reported a thermal event.
Bottom Line
Nikola is deeply committed to safety, as emphasized by its CEO, Steve Girsky. While an initial hypothesis pointed towards potential foul play linked to the fire, comprehensive investigations, including video analysis and interviews, indicate that external factors were unlikely to be the cause. Further updates on the matter, including essential customer actions, are slated for announcement in the upcoming weeks.
