The Daily Dash: Questions grow about Nikola’s Badger; federal parking survey nears completion

Nikola Badger electric pickup

The Daily Dash is a quick look at what is happening in the freight ecosystem. In today’s edition, the future of Nikola’s Badger electric pickup is up in the air, and it could have long-term ramifications for the company as a whole. Plus, President Donald Trump signs a one-year funding extension for surface transportation programs, and a major survey on truck parking nears completion.

Is the Nikola Badger about to be roadkill?

The problems that Nikola Corp. (NASDAQ: NKLA) has had related to a short seller’s report alleging fraud have overshadowed a critical question for the future of the company: What happens to the Badger electric pickup truck?

Alan Adler has a look into the future of the Badger: News analysis: Evidence mounts that Nikola Badger is roadkill

Roads will be funded – for now

Congress has passed, and President Donald Trump has signed, a one-year appropriations bill to continue funding the Highway Trust Fund and other surface transportation programs until a long-term bill can be passed.

John Gallagher has details on when a long-term bill could be drafted: Trump signs 1-year highway bill extension

Parking survey nearly complete

Data analysis is complete and the Federal Highway Administration could publish the long-awaited results of its Jason’s Law parking survey later this year.

John Gallagher explains why the survey was delayed, and what to expect: Jason’s Law truck parking update under review at FHWA

One step closer

Autonomous truck startup Einride has secured another $10 million in funding to help it speed delivery of its remote-operated autonomous vehicles.  

Linda Baker has more on when the vehicles may hit U.S. roads: Einride secures $10 million to speed truck deployment

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Did you miss this?

A U.S. Court of Appeals has put on hold compliance with new emissions regulations for trailers. The rules were scheduled to go into effect in January.

John Gallagher has the details: Court halts NHTSA rule compliance for trailer manufacturers

Hammer down, everyone,

Brian Straight

Managing Editor

Click for more FreightWaves articles by Brian Straight.

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