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| Image Credits: vision tech daily |
In a move that revives one of the most controversial stories in the electric vehicle (EV) world, Nikola Corporation has sold off its abandoned Badger pickup truck program to Embr Motors, a startup linked to an associate of its disgraced founder, Trevor Milton.
The sale marks the formal end of Nikola’s brief and troubled foray into the consumer EV market, as the company continues to focus on its commercial trucking and hydrogen fuel-cell business. The deal also reignites questions about the lingering influence of Milton, who was convicted of fraud in 2022 for misleading investors about Nikola’s technology and capabilities.
What Was the Badger?
The Nikola Badger was introduced in 2020 with ambitious claims: a futuristic pickup combining battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell powertrains, with up to 900 horsepower and a 600-mile range.
At the time, it was seen as a potential rival to the Tesla Cybertruck, Rivian R1T, and Ford F-150 Lightning—vehicles competing for dominance in the fast-growing electric pickup market.
To bring the Badger to life, Nikola announced a manufacturing partnership with General Motors, which was supposed to build the truck and supply its Ultium batteries and Hydrotec fuel-cell systems.
However, after Milton’s resignation in late 2020 following fraud allegations, GM scaled back the agreement, and the project quickly unraveled. By the end of the year, Nikola refunded all customer deposits and officially canceled the Badger program.
Why Nikola Decided to Sell
After years of dormancy, Nikola decided to liquidate the Badger assets to streamline operations and focus on what it calls its “core mission”—building zero-emission commercial trucks and hydrogen infrastructure.
In its 2024 filing, Nikola revealed that it had sold the Badger’s intellectual property, prototypes, and associated tooling to Embr Motors, led by Dave “Heavy D” Sparks, a television personality best known from the Diesel Brothers series.
Nikola also confirmed that it retains a 30% ownership stake in Embr, giving it a financial interest in any future success the Badger might achieve. The structure of the deal ensures Nikola benefits if Embr can turn the long-abandoned pickup concept into a viable commercial product.
The Trevor Milton Connection
What makes this sale particularly notable — and controversial — is Embr’s link to Trevor Milton.
Sparks, the new owner of the Badger IP, was once a vocal supporter of Milton and a recipient of Nikola stock during the truck’s promotional phase in 2020. While Nikola has publicly stated that Milton has no involvement in the transaction, the optics of the sale have stirred debate about the company’s ability to fully distance itself from its founder’s shadow.
To mitigate conflict-of-interest concerns, Nikola’s legal team added strict clauses ensuring Milton cannot participate in Embr Motors “directly or indirectly.”
What Does Embr Motors Get?
Under the agreement, Embr Motors receives:
- The two existing Badger prototypes
- All related intellectual property (IP)
- Certain design assets and patents
- The right to develop, manufacture, and market any future version of the Badger
Nikola, meanwhile, receives a partial equity stake, repayment of certain costs, and the right to benefit from Embr’s success — if it manages to revive the project.
Can the Badger Make a Comeback?
Reviving the Badger won’t be easy. Since 2020, the EV pickup landscape has become far more competitive. Tesla finally began delivering its Cybertruck, Ford’s F-150 Lightning has gained traction, and startups like Rivian have captured both media and consumer attention.
To re-enter that market, Embr would need to secure major funding, engineering expertise, and production capacity — all without the backing of a large manufacturer like GM.
However, Sparks has expressed optimism, saying Embr plans to “honor the Badger’s legacy with real engineering and transparency” — a clear jab at Nikola’s troubled past.
Risks and Controversies
Despite the enthusiasm, analysts say the deal comes with significant challenges:
- Reputation Risk: Nikola’s association with fraud scandals and failed promises could make investors wary of any Badger revival.
- Technical Barriers: Building a production-ready EV from scratch requires billions in capital and years of R&D.
- Regulatory Oversight: U.S. regulators have tightened scrutiny of EV startups after multiple high-profile collapses and false claims.
- Market Saturation: Consumers now have credible EV pickup choices from established automakers, reducing room for newcomers.
Why This Deal Matters for Nikola
For Nikola, the sale represents more than a transfer of assets — it’s a strategic reset.
Since 2021, the company has shifted from overpromising consumer products to focusing on what it can realistically deliver: electric and hydrogen-powered semi trucks, such as the Nikola Tre BEV and Nikola Tre FCEV.
The Badger sale allows Nikola to eliminate maintenance costs for unused prototypes, improve its balance sheet, and send a signal to investors that it’s moving past the Milton era.
The Bigger Picture: Lessons for the EV Industry
The Nikola–Badger story illustrates the volatility of the EV startup ecosystem. Hype, celebrity endorsements, and ambitious promises often attract investors — but without strong execution, even the most exciting concepts can collapse.
It also raises ethical and governance questions about how founders’ networks can continue influencing companies long after their departure.
For the broader EV sector, this deal is a reminder that credibility, transparency, and technological competence are far more valuable than hype or viral attention.
What Happens Next?
As of now, Embr Motors has not announced any concrete production plans for the Badger. The company says it will explore “engineering feasibility and market interest” before deciding whether to bring the truck back.
Nikola, meanwhile, continues to rebuild investor trust by expanding its hydrogen refueling network and growing its commercial fleet business in North America and Europe.
Final Thoughts
The sale of the Badger to a friend of Trevor Milton might appear like a small side story, but it reflects something larger: the long shadow that early missteps can cast over innovative technology companies.
Nikola may finally be free of its most notorious project — but the industry will be watching closely to see if Embr can turn a symbol of broken promises into a real electric pickup.
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