Tesla may have overshadowed the Nikola One with
their electric Semi unveiled last December, but development of the hydrogen
electric truck continues.
The small start-up has already partnered with Bosch,
claiming that they will bring the One and Two semis to the market by 2021.
However, before that, Nikola One will unleash a fleet on the roads next year
for testing purposes.
Celebrating the announcement is a video released by
Nikola Motor, which shows the One on the road, with its futuristic styling,
hauling a big trailer behind it. The company claims that their model will
“outperform any semi-truck in every category”, including “weight, acceleration,
stopping, safety, and features”.
The Nikola One utilizes a hydrogen fuel cell,
combined with electric motors rated at around 1,000 horsepower, and a 320kWh
lithium-ion battery. As it stands, the semi has a 500-1000-mile (805-1,609 km)
range. It also promises to complete the 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) acceleration in 30
seconds, under load. That’s about half the time required by a diesel-powered
truck.
Unlimited miles and free hydrogen fuel are offered
to buyers, as part of a special leasing program, which will set them back for US$ 5,000 to US$ 7,000 monthly, for a 72-month program. Owners will be able to trade
the One when the contract expires, or when the semi clocks 1 million miles (1.6
million km).
