Nikola Expands Hydrogen Fuel Cell Truck Refueling Network to 20 Stations

Nikola HYLA Network Expansion

Nikola Corporation has opened its 20th HYLA-branded hydrogen refueling station in Phoenix, Arizona, expanding the network that supports its growing fleet of Nikola Tre hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks. The Phoenix station joins 12 locations in California, 3 in Arizona, 2 in Texas, and 2 in Nevada, creating a viable hydrogen corridor for regional and inter-regional freight operations in the Southwest.

Station Capabilities

Each HYLA station is designed to serve commercial trucks with high-throughput dispensing at 700 bar pressure. The Phoenix station can serve up to 50 trucks per day with a dispensing rate of approximately 10 kg per minute, enabling a full refuel of the Nikola Tre FCEV in approximately 15 minutes.

Tre FCEV Performance

The Nikola Tre FCEV has demonstrated consistent real-world performance, with operators reporting an average range of 400 miles per fill-up and a fuel consumption rate of approximately 7 kg of hydrogen per 100 miles. The truck produces 645 HP and 1,400 lb-ft of continuous torque, sufficient for most Class 8 applications.

Economics

Hydrogen fuel costs remain a challenge for the FCEV value proposition, with dispensed hydrogen currently priced at approximately $9 per kg at HYLA stations, translating to a fuel cost of roughly $0.63 per mile. While this is lower than diesel in California, it remains higher than battery-electric alternatives. Nikola projects that hydrogen costs will decline to $5 per kg by 2028 as production scale increases.