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With Nikola Corp. in Chapter 11, maintenance gaps — not just fuel costs — are driving carriers to reconsider the future of their hydrogen fleets.   

Some customers have secured the fuel their tractors need. Others parked the trucks as court proceedings play out. All continue to work the phones in search of more amenable solutions.

Bankrupt Class 8 hydrogen fuel cell tractor manufacturer Nikola’s administrators are finalizing plans for the sale of the company's intellectual property.

Site visits are set to start for potential buyers of Nikola’s remaining assets in the coming days, said Vince Lorenz, Nations Capital director of fleet and valuations.  

Savage will team up with hydrogen fuel cell manufacturer Symbio North America as part of efforts to decarbonize the infrastructure and logistics company’s drayage fleet.

Hydrogen fuel cells are emerging as a viable alternative to diesel in many use cases, including longhaul applications that need more range than battery-electric vehicles offer. 

Hydrogen is often categorized by colors meant to indicate its emissions, but experts said getting too hung up on color could hinder the production and adoption of hydrogen-powered equipment.

Hydrogen adoption faces infrastructure hurdles as industry shifts from billion-dollar hub plans to practical solutions. Experts highlight ethanol conversion and cost concerns.

The hydrogen internal combustion engine is already considered zero-emissions technology in the European market, and interest in the North American market is increasing.

Hyundai Motor Co. unveiled the latest iteration of its Class 8 Xcient hydrogen fuel cell electric tractor April 28, overhauling the powertrain, safety systems and driver comforts.