Nikola Motor and Tesla Motors don’t have anything in common, except for their names inspired by the famous physicist. Yet the former might be on to something as well, with the recently unveiled electric truck concept.
The Nikola One study offers a 1,200-mile (1,931 km) range and a combined output of more than 2,000 HP and over 3,700 lb-ft (5,017 Nm) of torque, produced by six electric motors (one on each wheel) and a natural gas range extender. Accelerating from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h), under load, takes around 30 seconds, while a diesel-powered semi would need double that time.
Power is sent to the 6×6 100 percent electric drive and the study also benefits from a 320 kWh battery, regenerative braking and fully independent suspension, claiming it can climb a six percent grade at maximum weight at 65 mph (105 km/). By comparison, a typical class 8 diesel truck, under similar conditions, “would have a hard time reaching 35 mph (56 km/h)”, says the company.
In the cab, the Nikola One is equipped with 15-inch touchscreen display, 10-inch instrument cluster display, 4G LTE internet and Wi-Fi, panoramic windshield, sunroof, 306-degree view cameras, 42-inch television, microwave, two full size beds and a full-size fridge and freezer. These features are powered by the 320 kWh battery pack and reportedly allow the driver to stay in the cab for almost a week, without draining the batteries enough to initiate turbine charge.
Operating costs on a heavy class diesel-powered semi-truck are between 40 and 60 cents per mile, but Nikola Motor states that their machine is estimate to drive at half that cost, meaning 20-30 cents per mile.
The manufacturer is working on a prototype and has started taking reservations, for $,1500. The plan is to create a lease program for truck drivers to pay $5,000 a month, which will include lease payment, unlimited fuel, unlimited miles, maintenance and warranty. Owners will also be allowed to trade-in their One for a new one every 72 months or 1,000,000 miles (1,609,344 km), with no additional cost. Prices for the Nikola One will range from $350,000 to $415,000, depending on options.
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