It all started when Tesla launched the Cybertruck and Nikola hopped the wagon to mock the automaker. Nikola’s then-CEO offered Elon Musk its unused truck design for free that looked a lot more conventional. That was the first time we saw the design, or – for that matter – got to know about the design’s existence because Nikola had no intentions of actually launching the truck.

As time passed, Nikola decided to enter the segment with this design and called it the Badger. Details would roll out from time-to-time, and it looked very promising in theory. But it looks like the truck was never meant to be because it is officially dead before it could even debut.

Nikola Badger Is Dead Before It Was Even Born

Earlier this week, Nikola’s meeting with the auto giant resulted in a new Memorandum of Understanding that had no mention of GM’s commitment to build and validate the Badger. The company said in a statement, “As previously announced, the Nikola Badger program was dependent on an OEM partnership.", "Nikola will refund all previously submitted order deposits for the Nikola Badger,". Well, it’s confirmed that Nikola doesn’t want to partner with any other automaker.

What Was The Nikola Badger All About?

-* Roughly the same size as the Tesla Cybertruck

-* 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds

-* The powertrain was rated at 455 “continuous” horsepower, but peaks at 905 horses and 980 pound-feet of torque

-* Independent motor setup

-* Towing capacity rated at 8,000 pounds

-* Equipped with a power outlet that could be used to run plug-in tools and last for 12 hours without an external generator

-* To feature a digital instrument cluster, huge touchscreen infotainment system, etc.

-* Offered in two variants: Pure battery and battery-fuel cells

-* Pure battery was to offer 300 miles of range

-* Battery-fuel cell combination would have a range of 600 miles

-* 17.6-pound hydrogen tank

-* Would have a drinking water fountain!

-* Nikola would install 700 Hydrogen filling stations across North America

Final Thoughts

Back in June when the company revealed details about the Badger, it also said that the truck would debut at the Nikola World 2020 event that was to be held on December 3 and 4, 2020. Here we are on D-Day, mourning for the truck instead of being all excited about its launch. Well, some things are not meant to happen.

Did you have your hopes pinned on the Nikola Badger and were looking forward to its debut, or did you think it was too good to be real? Also, hypothetically speaking, if Nikola went scouting for a new partner-automaker, who would its first choice be to build the Badger? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.