Nikola launches Hyla to support hydrogen fuel distribution

Hyla mobile hydrogen fuelling trailer (Photo: Nikola)

Nikola Corporation, the company behind the Tre series of zero-emissions trucks, has launched a new brand which will encompass products for production, distribution and dispensing of hydrogen fuel.

The Hyla brand was launched at Nikola’s US headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona.

“Nikola is the only company that is successfully integrating a revolutionary new product, the hydrogen fuel cell truck, and the full hydrogen energy infrastructure supply chain under one roof,” said CEO and president Michael Lohscheller at the event.

“The unveiling of our Nikola Tre fuel cell truck and flexible mobile fuelling trailer demonstrates a real and sustainable competitive advantage for our customers and are significant proof positive that we are accomplishing what we set out to achieve.”

Under the Hyla brand, Nikola is developing access of up to 300 metric tons per day (TPD) of hydrogen. This supply is expected to be supported by previously announced projects being developed with Nikola partners.

These include:

- Buckeye, Arizona - AZ production hub, phased development of up to 150 TPD

- Plug Power - multi-region offtake agreement of up to 125 TPD

- Terre Haute, Indiana - Wabash Valley Resources, 50 TPD

- Crossfield, Alberta, Canada - TC Energy, 60 TPD

- Clinton Country, Pennsylvania - KeyState, 100 TPD

The production hub in Buckeye, Arizona, will be built in phases which scale with demand created by Nikola’s zero-emissions trucks in the south-west region. The location will initially start with production of 30 TPD. Construction is expected to be completed in the second half of 2024, should investment and regulatory decisions be approved.

Hyla refuelling station (Photo: Nikola)

The H2 production plants will serve a series of hydrogen refuelling stations, with locations initially in California.

The Hyla flexible mobile fueller solution will back up these fixed locations by supporting distribution of hydrogen to FCEV customers at their bases. The mobile fueller cools and compresses hydrogen to support refuelling of 700-bar heavy-duty trucks. Coupled with a hydrogen tube trailer with a capacity of 960 kg, the mobile fueller can fill trucks back to back.

The first mobile fueller has completed commissioning and testing and has been released for market operation. Additional H2 mobile fuellers will be commissioned in Q1 2023.