Nikola Motor Co. has selected Buckeye, Arizona, for its hydrogen-electric truck manufacturing headquarters. The new 500-acre, one million sq.-ft. facility will be located on the west side of Phoenix and, according to the state, will bring more than $1 billion in capital investment to the region by 2024.
“Arizona has the workforce to support our growth and a governor that was an entrepreneur himself. They understood what 2,000 jobs would mean to their cities and state,” said Trevor Milton, chief executive officer and founder of the Nikola Motor Co.. “We will begin transferring our R&D and headquarters to Arizona immediately and hope to have the transition completed by October 2018. We have already begun planning the construction for our new zero emission manufacturing facility in Buckeye, which we expect to have underway by the end of 2019.”
Nikola designs and manufactures hydrogen-electric vehicles, electric vehicle drivetrains, vehicle components, energy storage systems and hydrogen stations.
Nikola says it selected Buckeye due to factors including the state’s pro-business environment, engineering schools, educated workforce and a geographic location that provides direct access to major markets.
“Nikola Motor Company’s selection of Arizona demonstrates that we are leading the charge when it comes to attracting innovative, industry-disrupting companies,” said Arizona Governor Doug Ducey. “This incredible new technology will revolutionize transportation, and we’re very proud it will be engineered right here in Arizona. I thank Nikola’s CEO Trevor Milton and his entire team for this significant investment in our state.”
Development of the manufacturing plant is projected to begin by the end of 2019. The site is at one of the entrances to Douglas Ranch/Trillium, a new community being developed by El Dorado Holdings and JDM Partners; this community is projected to ultimately be home to more than 300,000 residents.
“This is a great day not only for Arizona, but for Buckeye residents,” said Buckeye Mayor Jackie Meck. “As the seventh-fastest-growing city in the country, Nikola Motor Co. is a huge asset which will help us achieve our goal of providing a place where Buckeye residents can live, work and play.”
Click here to read FE‘s discussion about spec’ing electric trucks with Nikola’s Trevor Milton.
