The Nikola Two hydrogen-electric tractor was one of only five zero-emission vehicles displayed by Nikola Motor Company at the 2019 Nikola World Show in Scottsdale, Arizona, on April 16, 2019. (Photo: Brian Straight/FreightWaves)
Nikola Motor Co. unveiled five zero-emission products for the first time at the Wasteworld Show in Scottsdale, Arizona, as it seeks to become the world’s most disruptive force in trucking and powersports.
The majority of the products were among the worst kept secrets in the trucking industry, but that didn’t stop the audience of 2,000 people from 49 different countries and those watching the live broadcast globally on April 16, 2019, from admiring the official debut of the Nikola II and Nikola II tractors. Tri Hydrogen Electric, NZT, Reckless and new addition, Nikola WAV, during the event dubbed Nikola World 2019.
Nikola founder Trevor Milton rode into the hall atop a Budweiser wagon, pulled by the famous Clydesdales, to start the event.
“It represents the way America was built,” Milton said in his opening remarks. “The foundation of America was built on horses.
“Tonight is everything now,” he added moments later. “Imagine leaving the world better than we found it?”
Nikola Motor’s mission is to create a zero-emissions future, and this fits with the company’s expanded product portfolio on display at the event.
“We want to transform everything about the transportation industry,” Melton said. “Thanks to Nicola’s vision, the world will become cleaner, safer and healthier.”
For most in the transport industry, the two trucks on display, the hydrogen-electric Nikola Two day cab, and its European cousin the Tree, were the show, but Milton had a lot more on his plate on this night.
The product introduction began with the Reckless, a specialized vehicle designed specifically for the military to assist in missions when stealth is needed.
“It’s a product that we designed to be special — special for Special Forces, special for Special Forces families,” Milton said.
The Reckless vehicle can operate in autonomous or remote-controlled mode as well as drive virtually silent with zero emissions.
After introducing the Reckless, Milton turned to the company’s Powersports division, which worked hard to leverage Nikola’s billion-dollar investment in technologies into useful products to revolutionize off-roading and watercraft.
The NZT is an electric vehicle designed for off-road use. It packs car-like features, such as air conditioning, a dust-free interior and connectivity, into an electric vehicle designed for cruising around trails.
Nikola also showed off its new WAV (Water Adventure Vehicle). WAV is an electric wave device that includes a fully immersive 4K electronic display and cruise control.
“Consumers spoke, Nikola listened, and we built the future of watercraft,” Milton said.
On the trucking side, Nikola will eventually offer the Nikola One (sleeper model), Two (day cab), and Tre (also a day cab). On this night, it was the duo and trio who stole the show.
Milton noted how others, like Toyota (NYSE:TM) and Kenworth (NASDAQ:PCAR), are now working on hydrogen trucks, but he’s proud to be the first to go that route.
“If we have to go out and get on top of it and force these other people to do their damned job, I’ll do it,” he said to loud applause.
Melton described hydrogen as one of the most abundant and renewable fuels on the planet, and said the time is right for a hydrogen truck. The key is fuel cells, which provide the necessary power and range.
“The entire truck is built around the fuel cell, which means the chassis is specifically designed…to give you a range of up to 600 miles,” said Jesse Schneider, executive vice president of hydrogen and fuel cell technology at Nikola Motor Company.
Nikola said its tractor engines produce up to 2,000 lb-ft of torque and 1,000 horsepower for an effective range of 500 to 750 miles with a hydrogen refill time of less than 20 minutes. The Nikola Tri, which will be sold in Europe and Australia, has a range of 500 to 1,200 kilometers due to its slightly smaller hydrogen fuel tank.
The tractors feature a 250 kWh 800V AC motor, single-speed direct drive transmission and low noise gears. The vehicles are available in either a 6×2 or 6×4 tractor configuration, and feature electronic liquid-cooled axles. Active descent control comes standard.
The company will actually offer the Two and Three models in both hydrogen-electric and battery-electric variants. The motors are identical, Milton said, but it’s the mechanism used to recharge the electric motor that changes. It is expected that about 80 percent of sales will be from electric hydrogen models.
The frame is made of steel and aluminum and the truck features independent front and rear suspension. Nikola front axles are rated for 12,000 to 14,600 lbs while Nikola tandem rear axles are rated for 40,000 to 46,000 lbs. A SAF-Holland FWAL aluminum fifth wheel is standard.
Air disc brakes are provided by Meritor. The rear brake is a Meritor air disc with regenerative braking technology to compensate for energy lost in the braking process.
Standard lightweight wheels with 275/80 22.5-inch tires. The hydrogen fuel tanks located behind the cab are made of Type IV carbon fibre.
The trucks also feature variable ride height adjustment. Nicola Two weighs between 15,000 and 18,000 pounds. Total combined weight ratio is 80,000 lbs.
The electric motor can reach peak torque almost instantly, allowing the truck to accelerate up to twice as fast as the original diesel tractor, Nikola said. Cab aerodynamics reduce energy needs, and when combined with regenerative braking and efficient electric motors, Nikola tractors have a fuel economy advantage over diesel trucks, the company said.
The company also believes that a drive-by-wire solution that allows torque to be pushed to each wheel independently results in more efficient and stable driving during acceleration, braking and cornering events.
In terms of safety, the trucks come standard with advanced safety systems
By eliminating most of the common components found in diesel engines, Nikola was able to push the driver forward and developed an inlet in the middle of the cab for the driver. This also allowed for a panoramic windshield to improve all-round visibility. Digital camera mirrors provide additional visibility and reduce blind spots. When the vehicle turns, the cameras automatically adapt to the trailer’s movement.
Inside the cab there is room for the team drivers, and the Nikola Two features four seats in total and a table. It also includes a 21-inch 4K infotainment touchscreen that can control most of the truck’s functions and a 13-inch digital instrument cluster with on-board diagnostics.
Milton said: The 21-inch 4K screen gives you full control of your car. “It tells you where the hydrogen stations are, and on the way, it will give you (access to charging). He will tell you how you made money.
“Fit and finish is what you’ll find in high-end cars,” Milton added.
There is also an online customer portal where driver profiles, locations, miles, routes, energy consumption and more can be viewed.
It features electric and hydraulic power steering and high-performance LED lighting.
Nikola offers a “total lease program,” which combines the cost of the vehicle, hydrogen fuel, warranty and maintenance costs into one monthly lease payment. Owners will have the option to trade in a new Nikola every 1 million miles or 84 months, whichever comes first.
All vehicles should be ready for production in the next few years.
