TE Tech Talk with Nikola Motor Company focuses on achieving zero-emission trucks

Oct. 4, 2019

TE Connectivity hosted a webinar with Nikola, discussing their partnership and the development of Nikola's hydrogen-electric vehicles.

Tyler Fussner

Related To: TE Connectivity

Technology company TE Connectivity hosted a webinar as part of their TE Tech Talk series with Nikola Motor Company, a hybrid truck design company.

The conversation revolved around Nikola’s goal of zero emissions, which they aim to achieve through the development of their hydrogen-electric vehicles.

Nikola partnered with TE to transform the electrified powertrain; Nikola has partnered with suppliers, OEMs, and other companies to take away the risk from their development time by using the expertise of their partners. TE offers expertise to Nikola regarding the harsh-environment connections, starting with their low voltage connectors. The partnership evolved over the years to provide connectivity solutions for high voltage systems.

Dane Davis, chief technology officer;Tony Heaton, head of battery systems; and Varoujan Sarkissian, head of electrical and controls systems, all of Nikola Motor Company, spoke with Kristen Weidenmuller, manager of global engineering and technology communications; Joseph Bolewitz, chief technology officer, industrial and commercial transportation; Dinesh Shar, senior product engineer, industrial and commercial transportation; and Daniel Capistran, account manager, industrial and commercial transportation, of TE Connectivity.

The Nikola team also spoke to some of the technological challenges faced with the development and deployment of their hydrogen-electric vehicles. The ability to support these vehicles long term, infrastructure, providing full-connectivity solutions, gateway functionalities, and the functionality to reach SAE Level 4 autonomy are all challenges being addressed, as Nikola continues to leverage the knowledge and expertise of their own team and that of their partners.

When asked where Nikola sees themselves in five years, the team responded saying they dream big – they see themselves being the most valuable brand in the world as they drive the future forward.

About the Author

Tyler Fussner | Associate Editor | Fleet Maintenance

Tyler Fussner is Managing Editor - Community Manager at Supply Chain Connect, part of the Design & Engineering Group at Endeavor Business Media.

Previously, Fussner served as the Associate Editor for Fleet Maintenance magazine. As part of Endeavor's Commercial Vehicle Group, his work has been published in FleetOwner magazine, as well as Bulk Transporter, Refrigerated Transporter, and Trailer-Body Builders.

Fussner's May 2022 print feature 'The dawn of hydrogen trucks' was named the best single technology article in B2B by the judges of the 2022 Folio: Eddie and Ozzie Awards. Fussner was also awarded Silver in the Technical Article category for the Trade Association Business Publications International (TABPI) 2021 Tabbie Awards.

Fussner previously served as Assistant Editor for Endeavor's Transportation Group on the PTEN, Professional Distributor, and VehicleServicePros.com brands.

Fussner studied professional writing and publishing at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He has experience in shop operations, is a Michelin Certified Tire Technician, and a Michelin Certified Tire Salesperson.