Nikola unveils hydrogen-electric Class 8 truck

The Salt Lake City, Utah-based automobile motor manufacturer plans to have its Nikola One truck, a zero-emissions electric drivetrain powered by high-density lithium batteries, in production by 2020, the company said in a statement.    Nikola Motor Co. unveiled its hydrogen-electric hybrid Class 8 commercial truck engine last week at an invitee-only event at its Salt Lake City, Utah headquarters.
   The Nikola One truck utilizes a fully electric drivetrain powered by high-density lithium batteries, with “on-the-go” energy supplied by a hydrogen fuel cell. The truck has an expected range of 800 to 1,200 miles and sports more than 1,000 horsepower and 2,000 foot-pounds of torque, nearly double that of any semi-truck on the road, with zero emissions, according to Nikola.
   Thus far, Nikola has accepted reservations totaling nearly three billion dollars in future orders, the company said.
   The motor maker also plans to build a U.S. manufacturing facility, the exact location of which has yet to be determined, as well as a network of hydrogen fueling stations throughout the U.S. and Canada beginning in January 2018.
   In addition, Nikola announced Ryder as its exclusive nationwide distribution and maintenance provider.
   The Nikola One leasing program will include unlimited hydrogen fuel, warranty and scheduled maintenance during a 72-month term.
   “We are extremely excited to finally show off the Nikola One to the public for the first time,” Nikola Founder and CEO Trevor Milton said in a statement. “There are many out there that wondered if we would deliver, but today we proudly show off the most advanced semi-truck ever built. We couldn’t be more thrilled to have one of the best brands in America, Ryder, as our trusted partner providing nationwide sales, service and warranty for Nikola Motor Company.”
   “This relationship is key to expanding our advanced vehicle technology portfolio of innovative solutions,” added Ryder’s President of Global Fleet Management Solutions, Dennis Cooke. “Ryder continually monitors emerging fleet technologies and seeks to establish relationships with companies that are leading innovation within the commercial transportation industry.”