Nikola One semi trailer tractor
Credit: Nikola Motor Company/Autoomobile
It’s not as spectacular (either in numbers or dollar value) as pre-orders for the Tesla Model 3, but over 7,000 pre-orders worth $2.3 billion for the Nikola One semi trailer tractor is none-the-less, impressive.
With, “6x6 100% electric drive”, this looks like the solution to the sustainable long distance haulage problem. However, Nikola also claims, “Never plug in – turbine charges batteries automatically while driving”. Sounds like a serial hybrid.
Wrightspeed use a serial hybrid drivetrain, with turbine, for short-haul, such as delivery & garbage trucks. In such applications, efficiency is improved over a conventional, internal combustion engine vehicle because the electric component of the drive-train allows energy to be recovered in the frequent stops in such applications.
Long-haul, almost by definition, is not start-stop, so little gain in efficiency should be expecteded through that avenue. On the other hand, energy recovery going down hill can have a significant effect on overall efficiency.
The largest battery currently available in a Tesla Model S is 90 kWh, so a, “320 kWh battery”, represents the potential for a substantial injection of energy from the grid.
Perhaps most important for customers’ bottom line, is the, “Nikola complete leasing program $5,000 a month. Includes lease payment, unlimited miles, unlimited fuel, warranty & scheduled maintenance.”
And the name? “Nikola”, was the first name of Nikola Tesla, the famous electrical engineer.
http://futurism.com/nikola-motor-says-its-electric-truck-has-over-7000-pre-orders-amounting-to-over-2-3-billion/
http://www.autoomobile.com/news/nikola-motors-truck-looks-cooler-than-optimus-prime/40030338/
https://nikolamotor.com/one / Nikola One semi trailer tractor prime mover electric truck pre-orders Nikola Motor truck 7,000 big rigs ordered in just one month 2.3 billion dollars coolest trucks ever seen better than Optimus Prime CEO of Nikola Motor Company reservations 7,000 reservations deposits launching electric class 8 semi-truck Nikola One tech technology 10 to 15 years in front other OEM MPG emissions fuel efficiency only OEM almost zero emission trucks outperform diesel trucks 80,000 pounds Trevor Milton CEO reservations 7,000 worth 2.3 billion dollars leasing program Nikola One truck costs $4000 to $5000 per month configuration options chosen first million miles of fuel included offsets monthly leasing cost by 100% average diesel more than $400,000 and over 1,000,000 miles maintenance costs more than $100,000 lease of the Nikola One costs eliminated drive around very cool looking truck Nikola One unveiling /
