SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Nikola CEO Trevor Milton gave thousands of attendees at a Nikola World event here Monday the first peek into a global zero-emission future.
As is often the case at a Nikola event, there was glitz and glamour.
Milton arrived on stage with the famous Budweiser Clydesdales, representing the company’s iconic client, Anheuser-Busch, that has ordered 800 Class 8 zero-emission trucks from Nikola as part of its sustainability strategy.
“We want to transform everything about the transportation industry,” Milton said. “With Nikola’s vision, the world will be cleaner, safer and healthier.”
The first product unveiled was the autonomous-capable Nikola Reckless, the military all-terrain vehicle that was driven on stage via remote control.
“With virtually no sound and no heat signature, the Reckless provides new meaning to stealth and is defying all standards,” said Andrew Christian, Nikola Powersports vice president of business development and defense. “We believe all military vehicles will transform to battery electric and hydrogen fuel cells in the future.”
As part of the evening, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey discussed Nikola’s contribution to Arizona’s growing economy, adding 2,000 new jobs at their Phoenix headquarters, planned manufacturing plant and hydrogen and fuel cell R&D center.
Milton and Nikola Powersports President Michael Erickson highlighted how Nikola is transforming zero-emission recreational vehicles on land and water.
“The technology and platforms we are developing are mutually beneficial helping us leverage speed to market and scale,” Erickson said. “With our powersports products, you have an experience that is safer with precise control and a near silent ride that heightens your senses.”
Milton and Erickson then introduced the redesigned NZT. Attendees at the event will be able to ride in the NZT Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) on a closed course track at WestWorld on Day Two of Nikola World on April 17.
Then, for the first time, Nikola World attendees saw the Nikola Water Adventure Vehicle (WAV) concept which has been teased for some time and is now a reality. Jordan Darling, vice president of Nikola Powersports and an industry pioneer in the electrification of personal watercraft, said “We at Nikola are creating the world’s first “wakeboard” architecture, which enables us to push the limits in design and propulsion.”
“Nikola is bringing zero-emission sustainability and technology to the water,” Milton said. “With WAV, you can feel the rush of power and acceleration in your chest, with the sound of the water and breeze in your ears. It’s zero impact and pure fun,” Darling added.
Nikola’s Executive Vice President of Hydrogen Jesse Schneider discussed Nikola’s hydrogen fuel cell vision, which vision consists of the world’s first purpose-built fuel cell Class 8 truck, enabling more hydrogen storage, optimized placement of the powertrain, and a robust 70MPa hydrogen fueling network.
“We recently opened our first hydrogen station at our Phoenix headquarters,” he said. “We are leading the way and working with industry and other OEMs to develop hydrogen standards to enable fueling in less than 15 minutes. The goal is safety and interoperability, so that anyone can fuel at our station. This is a big deal.”
At the conclusion of the night, Milton reflected on the small, but mighty, team that started Nikola five years ago in his basement with an idea.
“We now have five products in development that will change transportation for the better,” he said.
He then unveiled “the most advanced commercial truck the world has ever seen, the Nikola Two.” The Nikola Two will be driven on the demonstration track on the second day of Nikola World.
There are currently more than 13,000 Nikola trucks on order. The Nikola trucks feature up to 1,000 horsepower and 2,000 ft-lbs of torque. Nikola recently announced a battery-electric vehicle option for the urban, short haul trucking market.
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