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

Solar panels on top of a red Class 8 truck sleeper cab
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeMarch 15, 2026

Vanair Introduces Solar, Battery Power Ecosystem for Class 8 Trucks

The company’s expanded EPEQ ecosystem includes flexible solar panels, lithium batteries, hydraulic power systems, and a portable fast charger for electric trucks.

Read More →
HDT Talks Trucking thumbnail saying: NACFE's Messy Middle: Which Fuel Wins?
Fuel SmartsMarch 11, 2026

Run on Less “Messy Middle” Data Shows Multiple Paths for Truck Powertrains [Listen]

Listen as Mike Roeth of the North American Council for Freight Efficiency shares insights into battery-electric trucks, natural gas, biofuels, and clean diesel on this episode of HDT Talks Trucking.

Read More →
YouTube thumbnail with Mike Roeth of NACFE saying "NACFE's Messy Middle: Which Fuel Wins?"
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeMarch 11, 2026

Run on Less “Messy Middle” Data Shows Multiple Paths Forward for Truck Powertrains [Watch]

NACFE's Run on Less - Messy Middle project demonstrates the power of data in helping to guide the future of alternative fuels and powertrains for heavy-duty trucks.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Mike Kucharski, vice president, JKC Trucking.
Fuel Smartsby Jack RobertsMarch 10, 2026

Trucking Executive Warns Fuel Spike from Middle East Conflict Hitting Fleets Fast

Mike Kucharski, vice president of refrigerated carrier JKC Trucking, says diesel price jumps tied to global instability are squeezing carriers already struggling with weak freight rates.

Read More →
A mechanic in a workshop leans over the open engine compartment of a large yellow vehicle, inspecting components while holding a tablet.
Sponsoredby Kristy CoffmanMarch 9, 2026

Smarter Maintenance Strategies to Keep Trucks Rolling

In today’s cost-conscious market, fleets are finding new ways to get more value from every truck on the road. See how smarter maintenance strategies can boost uptime, control costs and drive stronger long-term returns.

Read More →
Group of researchers and engineers standing next to an electric heavy-duty truck used in Purdue’s wireless charging project.
Fuel Smartsby News/Media ReleaseFebruary 3, 2026

Researchers Demonstrate Wireless Charging of Electric Heavy-Duty Truck at Highway Speeds

Purdue researchers demonstrated a high-power wireless charging system capable of delivering energy to electric heavy-duty trucks at highway speeds, advancing the concept of electrified roadways for freight transportation.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustration showing diesel exhaust fluid pump sign and EPA headquarters
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeFebruary 3, 2026

EPA Wants to Know: Are DEF De-Rates Really Needed for Diesel Emissions Compliance?

The Environmental Protection Agency is asking diesel engine makers to provide information about diesel exhaust fluid system failures as it considers changes to emissions regulations.

Read More →
SponsoredFebruary 1, 2026

6 Dashcam Tactics to Improve Safety & ROI

6 intelligent dashcam tactics to improve safety and boost ROI

Read More →
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeJanuary 29, 2026

California: Clean Truck Check Rules Still in Force for Out-of-State Trucks, Despite EPA Disapproval

The Environmental Protection Agency said California can’t enforce its Heavy-Duty Inspection and Maintenance Regulation, known as Clean Truck Check, on vehicles registered outside the state. But California said it will keep enforcing the rule.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustration of Department of Justice building superimposed by truck exhaust stacks
Fuel SmartsJanuary 27, 2026

Justice Department Pulls Back on Criminal Prosecution of Diesel Emissions Deletes

The Trump administration has announced it will no longer criminally prosecute “diesel delete” cases of truck owners altering emissions systems in violation of EPA regulations. What does that mean for heavy-duty fleets?

Read More →