J.B. Hunt evaluating Nikola recall information

Lowell-based carrier J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. was expected to start receiving zero-emission Nikola Corp. trucks in August. However, the Phoenix-based vehicle manufacturer recently recalled 209 battery-electric trucks, citing a coolant leak that can cause a battery fire.

Nikola also temporarily halted sales of new battery-electric trucks. The company noted this won’t affect production of its hydrogen fuel-cell electric truck as the battery is designed differently.

“J.B. Hunt takes its commitment to safety very seriously,” according to a statement. “The company is currently evaluating information about the recall.”

On July 31, Nikola announced J.B. Hunt will purchase 10 battery-electric and three hydrogen fuel-cell trucks, with the expected delivery of the first vehicles in August. Asked about whether J.B. Hunt was still expecting the trucks in August, the company said, “J.B. Hunt will determine next steps after a thorough review. We have nothing further to share at this time.”

Preliminary findings from third-party investigator Exponent show a coolant leak inside a battery likely caused the truck fire at Nikola’s headquarters in June. The findings were corroborated after a “minor thermal incident” impacted a battery of a truck parked at the company’s Coolidge, Ariz., plant on Aug. 10, according to a news release. No one was injured in either incident.

Nikola attributed the coolant leak source to a single supplier component within the battery. Nikola is working “to provide a field remedy in the coming weeks,” the release shows. So far, two batteries, or less than 0.07%, of the more than 3,100 battery packs on trucks “have experienced a thermal event.”

According to the release, Nikola’s existing battery-electric trucks “may remain in operation,” but customers and dealers are encouraged always to keep on the main battery disconnect switch and to park the vehicle outside.