Utah-based Nikola Motor Company recently debuted an out-of-this-world, futuristic-looking electric big rig.
You have to see it to believe it.
The Nikola One sports a revolutionary design.
According to The Verge, it uses a turbine to keep the 320 kWh battery pack charged, offering 1,200 miles of range between fill-ups. There are multiple versions to choose from that use different turbine fuels.
The interior has a giant touchscreen to control functions.
Appearances aside, Company founder Trevor Milton says that the upcoming new Class 8 truck will “even the playing field” between large fleets and owner operators seeking to make a living.
“I love owner operators. I’m a champion of them. It’s been my goal to help them,” Milton added.
According to Overdrive Online:
“Nikola One’s fully electric 335 horsepower motor features a dual gear reduction at every wheel (6×6). Combined, the truck outputs more than 2,000 horsepower and 3,700-plus ft. lbs. of torque before gear reduction, and nearly 86,000 ft. lbs. of torque after gear reduction.”
Its independent suspension system reduces vibration and boosts ride quality and a unique steering geometry improves tracking, centering feel and intuitive feedback.
The diesel engine and transmission were removed, and the cab was manufactured out of lighter carbon fiber panels. The heaviest components were installed at or below the frame rail, lowering the center of gravity and improving safety.
Because there is no transmission, the only thing needed to make the truck go or stop is the electric pedal and brake pedal. The Nikola one requires no shifting.
The simplified operation should open doors to new drivers.
The Nikola One provides an electric motor at each wheel, and its software offers dynamic control to each wheel. Milton claims that the truck’s operational cost per mile is somewhere between 20-30 cents-per-mile, which is about half of most diesel-powered semis.
Don’t get too excited yet. It doesn’t actually exists yet. But the big rig can be reserved on the company’s website for $1,500. The full retail price is expected to be $375,000.
The first 5,000 orders will receive an allowance of 100,000 gallons of compressed natural gas to be used at any NMC fueling station by the specific truck purchased.