So far, the prospect of zero emissions electric motoring has evaded the large commercial vehicle market for practical reasons, but that may change with the latest start-up firm to show its face. Nikola Motors takes its name from Nikola Tesla, who also inspired the name of everybody’s favourite electric car brand, Tesla.
Nikola Motors plans on introducing two very different vehicles in coming years – an electric off-road buggy and, most interestingly, a huge hybrid lorry, running off electricity with a compressed natural gas (CNG) turbine providing backup power.
Under the sleek (for a truck) bodywork of the Nikola One lie two massive electric motors producing 1,000 horsepower each, and providing drive to all six wheels. This provides not only superior traction thanks to sophisticated torque vectoring, but the regenerating effect of the brakes allows the Nikola One to have a 50% shorter braking distance compared with a diesel lorry.
That’s not the only favourable comparison to make, either. Nikola Motors claims that fuel costs will be significantly lower than on modern diesel lorries. The hybrid powertrain provides around 15mpg, as opposed to the 5mpg figure achieved by most lorries.
Even better, the first 5,000 people to reserve a Nikola One truck will be rewarded with their first million miles worth of CNG free. This is possible as the company actually runs its own natural gas wells, allowing it to control the price and availability of the fuel.
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Worried about finding somewhere to fill up? Don't be - provided you live in the US. Nikola's CNG stations cover the whole of the USA and the company plans to add more in coming years. And on top of all this, Nikola will cover all maintenance and servicing for one monthly lease fee - providing a whole new truck after 72 months or 1,000,000 miles, whichever comes first.
The unique powertrain means that the Nikola One benefits from a much lower centre of gravity than a regular truck, as well as a more spacious cab with greater visibility. The superior torque of an electric motor also guarantees effortless power for pulling loads up hills. Inside, there’s clearly been inspiration from Tesla, as the One has a huge, 15-inch portrait-style touchscreen to control most of its features.
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There’s been no word on when the Nikola One will be available to buy, but order books are open now, with a refundable $1,500 deposit securing your truck.
Nikola’s other offering is much less practical, but could be great fun. The Nikola Zero is a 520hp electric 4x4 created for pure hooliganism on an off-road course.
With a range of up to 150 miles, there’s plenty of fun to be had, and a 3-second 0-60 time combined with monstrous tyres and huge ground clearance should guarantee you won’t get stuck anywhere. You can reserve a Nikola Zero for $750.
Would you place your faith in a hybrid lorry? Let us know in the comments below...