Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Nikola to Unveil Electric Class 8, Strategic Partnership with Ryder

The day has finally arrived when Nikola Motor Company will unveil its electric Class 8 tractor tonight at a press event at the company's Salt Lake City headquarters.

by Jack Roberts
December 1, 2016
Nikola to Unveil Electric Class 8, Strategic Partnership with Ryder

Partial view of the all-electric Class 8 Nikola One tractor, which will be rolled out on the evening of Dec. 1 in Salt Lake City. Photo: Nikola Motors

3 min to read


Partial view of the all-electric Class 8 Nikola One tractor, which will be rolled out on the evening of Dec. 1 in Salt Lake City. Photo: Nikola Motors

CORRECTED — Nikola Motor Company will unveil its electric Class 8 tractor tonight at a press event at the company's Salt Lake City headquarters.

Ad Loading...

Nikola made a splash earlier this year when it announced it had a working prototype zero-emissions Class 8 tractor that could be spec'ed for long-haul commercial applications.

Ad Loading...

The company said the Nikola One model that will be unveiled the evening of Dec. 1 is a continuation of that project, featuring a fully electric drivetrain powered by high-density lithium batteries. Energy is supplied on-the-go by a hydrogen fuel cell, which the company said will give the new truck a range of 800 to 1,200 miles while delivering over 1,000 horsepower and 2,000 ft. lbs. of torque–  which the company noted is nearly double that of any tractor on the road. 

A new Nikola One leasing program will also be officially announced tonight, offering customers unlimited hydrogen fuel, warranty and scheduled maintenance during a 72-month term. The company said that, as of August, it had received more than 7,000 pre-orders for the vehicle. 

Nikola will also announce a new strategic partnership with Ryder System, which will be the exclusive nationwide distribution and maintenance provider for new Nikola truck models.

A manufacturing facility to produce the new all-electric trucks will not be finalized until sometime next year. However, Nikola founder and CEO Trevor Milton said the company is currently in discussions with several states and is seeking a "partner" dedicated to helping it reduce U.S. dependence on fossil fuels while advancing green technology in the trucking industry.

Along with those longer-range goals, Milton will also unveil Nikola’s plan for a network of hydrogen fueling stations across the U.S. and Canada with construction slated to begin before January 2018.

Ad Loading...

“We are extremely excited to finally show off the Nikola One to the public for the first time,” Milton said. “There are many out there that wondered if we would deliver, but today we proudly show off the most advanced semi-truck ever built. We couldn’t be more thrilled to have one of the best brands in America, Ryder, as our trusted partner providing nationwide sales, service and warranty for Nikola Motor Company.” 

Ryder President of Global Fleet Management Solutions Dennis Cooke said, “We commend Nikola for its leadership in zero-emission vehicles, and for its decision to partner with Ryder as their exclusive nationwide distribution and maintenance provider. This relationship is key to expanding our advanced vehicle technology portfolio of innovative solutions.  Ryder continually monitors emerging fleet technologies and seeks to establish relationships with companies that are leading innovation within the commercial transportation industry.” 

In addition to Ryder System’s national coverage, Thompson Machinery, a Caterpillar dealer and an early investor in Nikola Motor Company, will also offer sales and service in Tennessee and Mississippi. 

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that Nikola claimed nearly $3 million in future orders when the number should have been $3 billion. The quoted amount is based on potentially fulfilled orders when the vehicle goes into production, not the total amount received from pre-orders. Because the monetary value is speculative, we replaced it with an older claim of around 7,000 pre-orders. 

More Fuel Smarts

Range Energy eTrailer.
Fuel Smartsby News/Media ReleaseApril 17, 2026

Range Energy Confirms eTrailer Performance in Winter Testing as Commercial Rollout Nears

Range Energy said its production-ready eTrailer system proved it can boost stability, safety, and efficiency in sub-zero winter conditions as the company moves toward scaled deployment.

Read More →
Circles with trucks demonstrating sustainable features and Top Green Fleets logo
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 16, 2026

Top Green Fleets of 2026: Nomination Deadline Extended

Is your company a leader in sustainability efforts among trucking fleets? If so, Heavy Duty Trucking's editors want to hear from you.

Read More →
Youtube thumbnail featuring man in Big-Lebowski-inspired sweater
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeApril 13, 2026

New Lightweight Wheel Cover Targets Simpler Aero Gains [Watch]

Watch to learn how Deflecktor's new wheel cover design is taking a simpler approach to aerodynamics, with an eye toward making it more practical for both trucks and trailers.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Dual truck tires with black aerodynamic wheel cover and a man bending down getting ready to take one off
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 10, 2026

Deflecktor: Hubbub Aerodynamic Wheel Cover Cost-Effective Even for Trailers

Aerodynamic wheel covers can deliver small but meaningful fuel-economy gains for fleets, and Deflecktor says its latest design aims to make the technology easier and more affordable to deploy.

Read More →
Podcast thumbnail saying "How to Save on Fuel Costs" with diesel pump in the background and photo of the woman guest
Fuel SmartsApril 9, 2026

Cutting Fleet Fuel Costs in a Volatile Market [Listen]

When diesel prices are as volatile as they've been in 2026, it makes it tough for trucking fleets to plan and control costs. Breakthrough Fuel's Jenny Vander Zanden has insights on near-term savings strategies.

Read More →
YouTube thumbnail saying "How to Save on Fuel Costs" with woman's photo and a photo of a diesel price pump
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 9, 2026

Diesel Price Swings Aren’t Over. What Can Your Fleet Do?

Practical steps fleets can take to manage fuel costs, from purchasing strategies to driver behavior.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustration with oil wells, dollar bills, and a diesel fuel pump
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 7, 2026

Diesel Prices Surge Toward Record Highs as Oil Price Volatility Intensifies

Prices jumped another 24 cents in a week, with California topping $7.50 and new data showing fleet fuel costs may already be at record levels.

Read More →
Blue Volvo European cabover truck on snowy road
Fuel Smartsby News/Media ReleaseApril 1, 2026

Volvo Testing Hydrogen-Fueled Internal Combustion Engines on Trucks in Europe

Hydrogen combustion engine trucks will be especially suitable over longer distances and in regions where there is limited charging infrastructure or time for recharging of battery-electric trucks, according to the company.

Read More →
Three CEOs pose displaying binders with memorandum of understanding
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 1, 2026

Toyota’s Entry Into Cellcentric Signals Push to Accelerate Hydrogen Truck Adoption

By joining Daimler Truck and Volvo, Toyota brings fuel cell expertise to a joint effort aimed at making hydrogen viable for heavy-duty transport.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustration with oil wells, dollar bills, and a diesel fuel pump
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeMarch 31, 2026

U.S. Diesel Prices Hit $5.40, Top $7 in California

Trucking operators are slowing speeds, cutting empty miles, and declining unprofitable freight as diesel costs continue to rise due to conflict in the Middle East.

Read More →