U
S start-up Nikola Motor Company has
opted for the SAF-Holland FWAL-E
fi fth wheel for its hydrogen-powered
trucks for the North American market. The
aluminium component has been installed on
the prototypes of Nikola Motor’s hydrogen-
powered trucks, the Nikola One and Nikola
Tw o.
The FWAL-E is designed for imposed
loads of up to 20 tons and is available in three
heights: 167, 197 and 219 mm. According to
SAF-Holland, the FWAL-E is the lightest
weight standard duty fi fth wheel in its class. A
cooperative development with Alcoa’s forging
team made this technology possible. Lighter
than competitive fi fth wheels, the FWAL
is designed for standard duty applicationsTRENDS IN TECHNOLOGY AND SUSTAINABILITY
PEAK PERFORMANCE
NIKOLA MOTOR COMPANY TESTS SAF-HOLLAND
FWAL-E FIFTH WHEEL ON ITS HYDROGEN TRUCKS
TRUCKS
and forged from the same alloy as Alcoa’s
aluminium truck wheels. Thus, the FWAL-E
is up to 55 kg lighter than other couplings. An
optional ‘weightsaver’ mounting plate reduces
the weight further by 35 kg.
The FWAL-E uses the ‘NoLube’ technol-
ogy which eliminates the need for fi fth wheel
lubrication, including the lock, because theforged and hardened coupler jaw is protected
with an advanced surface coating alloy for
wear resistance. Replaceable lube plate
inserts are made with ultra-high molecular
weight (UHMW) polyethylene moulded to
a perforated steel reinforcement plate. This
design makes the lube plates highly resistant
to peeling and damage. The low-friction lube
plates fi t into cast recesses of the top plate and
are secured by studs and lock nuts.
Nikola Motor Company off ers pure electric
and hydrogen electric powertrains to cover
class 6-8 in transportation. The Nikola One
hydrogen fuel cell electric sleeper semi-truck
utilizes a fully electric drivetrain powered by
high-density lithium batteries. Energy will
be supplied on-the-go by a hydrogen fuel cell
giving the Nikola One a range of 800 - 1,200
km while delivering over 1,000 HP. The Nikola
Two is a fully-electric and hydrogen fuel cell
electric day cab class 8 semi-truck developed
for long range driving. The company is also
developing the hydrogen-powered Nikola Tre
for European markets. The truck has 500 to
1,000 HP, 6x4 or 6x2 confi gurations and a
range of 500 to 1,200 km depending on op-
tions. The Tre fi ts within the current size and
length restrictions for Europe and is likely to
be launched in 2022.
Jesse Schneider, executive vice president,
Hydrogen & fuel cell technology, Nikola, said:
“Nikola’s hydrogen fuel cell vision consists of
the world’s fi rst purpose-built fuel cell class
8 truck, enabling more hydrogen storage,
optimized placement of the powertrain, and
a robust 70MPa hydrogen fuelling network.
We recently opened our fi rst hydrogen station
at our Phoenix headquarters. We are leading
the way and working with industry and other
OEMs to develop hydrogen standards to en-
able fuelling in less than 15 minutes. The goal
is safety and interoperability, so that anyone
can fuel at our station.”PEAK PERFORMANCE
44PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLES AUGUST 2019 http://www.pmvmiddleeast.com