In yet another sign of Nikola Motors' ongoing financial struggles and potential bankruptcy, Mullen Automotive has confirmed the purchase of Nikola's battery line equipment for its Fullerton, California facility tasked with producing battery packs, modules, and advanced solid-state polymers.
[Related: Nikola rumored to file for bankruptcy, CEO to depart]
Neither company disclosed how much the deal is worth.
The newly purchased equipment, Mullen says, will play a major role in increasing manufacturing capabilities in preparation for its own commercial vehicle battery packs and other industry-related opportunities.
The sold equipment includes a high-volume standard battery chemistry production line and an electro-dynamic shaker system intended for in-house battery testing and system components.
“We continue to execute our plan of transitioning to American-made battery components and we are doing it right here in Southern California,” said David Michery, CEO and chairman of Mullen Automotive.
Along with the Nikola hydrogen fuel cell (FCEV) electrified Class 8 semi, Nikola also sells the battery-electric BEV 2.0 Class 8 tractor, which was introduced only last spring at the ACT Expo.
[Related: Nikola's CEO and software chief provide exclusive walkthrough of improved BEV 2.0]
What this means for the BEV 2.0's future remains uncertain at this time. Clean Trucking has reached out to Nikola seeking additional clarification and will update this space if a relevant response is received. Every example of Nikola's first-generation BEV semi was recalled in April 2023 due to defective battery packs that could potentially catch on fire.
This is not the first Mullen has purchased battery production assets from Nikola. In September of 2023, it bought equipment from Nikola subsidiary Romeo Power for $3.5 million. Some of that equipment included materials for high-volume EV battery pack and module production. The company recently submitted a request to the Department of Energy for $55 million in matching funds to support its ongoing US production goals. However, that was before President Trump assumed office, so it's anybody's guess whether the DOE will now engage given the new administration's reluctance to continue funding projects such as this.
As for Nikola, it seems that it could be moving further away from battery-electric semis, instead deciding to focus solely on FCEV development. Without further clarification, however, nothing can be confirmed at this time.
[Related: Nikola's troubles deepen with more layoffs, potential bankruptcy]
