Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Nikola Logs Q4, Refocuses on HD Truck Segment

Nikola officials said they have refocused the business and realigned resources to battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell electric heavy-duty trucks, as well as hydrogen refueling infrastructure.

February 26, 2021
Nikola Logs Q4, Refocuses on HD Truck Segment

Nikola has completed the assembly of the first five Nikola Tre battery-electric vehicle prototypes.

Photo: Nikola

2 min to read


Nikola reported a loss of $147 million, or 38 cents a share, in fourth quarter 2020, compared with a loss of 2.6 million, or 16 cents a share, in Q4 2019. The quarter ended Dec. 31, 2020.

During that time, Nikola officials said the company has refocused its business and realigned resources to battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell electric heavy-duty trucks, as well as hydrogen refueling infrastructure.

Ad Loading...

"In the fourth quarter of 2020, Nikola made the necessary changes to refocus and realign the company. You have seen us restructure our agreement with GM, cancel our battery electric refuse truck program, discontinue our Powersports program,” said Mark Russell, Nikola's Chief Executive Officer.

Commissioning and Validation of the first Nikola Tre

During the fourth quarter update, officials announced that Nikola has completed the assembly of the first five Nikola Tre battery-electric vehicle prototypes.

All trucks are in the commissioning process and are ramping up to full speed, torque, and payload hauling capacity as part of the company’s level two software release and vehicle validation process, Nikola officials said in a press release.

Ad Loading...

Four trucks are in North America at multiple locations undergoing powertrain, durability and extreme weather testing.  One truck remains in Europe for ABS braking, traction control and electronic stability control testing.  Nikola and Iveco have also begun the assembly of the second batch of prototype trucks at the Ulm facility in Germany.

Trial production of Nikola Tre trucks is scheduled to begin in June 2021.

More Fuel Smarts

Illustration of Freightliner Cascadia on highway with engine cutaway
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeAugust 27, 2026

Detroit Opens Orders for EPA 2027 Engines

Detroit isn’t starting from scratch to meet EPA 2027 diesel emissions standards. Its Gen 6 DD13 and DD15 engines keep much of today’s platform while updating the fuel and aftertreatment systems.

Read More →
Group of people and zero-emission trucks during ceremony announcing a West Coast ZEV corridor.
Fuel Smartsby News/Media ReleaseAugust 26, 2026

Zero-Emission Truck Corridor Planned for West Coast

California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia and Baja California are coordinating plans for truck charging and hydrogen fueling from Canada to Mexico.

Read More →
YouTube thumbnail showing Kenworth T880e electric truck and KW marketing director Kyle Kimball.
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeAugust 25, 2026

A Closer Look at Kenworth’s Electric T880E Vocational Truck [Video]

Learn more about Kenworth's T880E battery-electric vocational truck at the Paccar Technical Center, including its range, applications, upfitting considerations, and PTO options, in this HDT Spotlight video.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
White heavy-duty Kenworth T880e battery-powered straight truck with flatbed
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeAugust 25, 2026

Kenworth T880E Brings EV Power to Vocational Trucks

A closer look at the Kenworth T880E’s range, charging, powertrain and upfit options — and where fleets are showing the most interest.

Read More →
Woman with red hair superimposed on background showing a King Fio electric Volvo truck at the port, plus the HDT Truck Fleet Innovators 2026 logo
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeAugust 14, 2026

Jennie Abarca Is Proving Electric Trucks Can Do the Job

HDT Truck Fleet Innovator Jennie Abarca is building confidence in fleet electrification one load at a time while openly sharing the challenges she encounters along the way as a small-fleet owner.

Read More →
EquipmentJuly 23, 2026

Cummins Adjusts 2027 Engine Rollout After EPA Proposal

The engine maker will gradually introduce its new Model Year 2027 diesel engines while continuing to offer current models during the transition, citing the EPA's proposed emissions rule changes.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Four men in suits on the National Mall with giant video screen showing capitol building in the background
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeJuly 10, 2026

EPA Proposal Could Ease 2027 Truck Costs and Buying Uncertainty

The proposal doesn't change the tougher NOx standard, but it would revise key implementation requirements that manufacturers say have driven up costs and complicated fleet purchasing decisions.

Read More →
Illustration showing Paccar MX engine with sketch illustration of DEF fill tank in background
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeJuly 7, 2026

Cummins, Paccar Ease DEF Derates After EPA Guidance

Updated diesel engine software gives truck operators more time to address emissions-system issues while staying compliant with EPA emissions standards.

Read More →
Illustration with wrenches in background with "Maintenance in the Messy Middle: Biodiesel" text and NACFE Run on Less logo
Maintenanceby Jack RobertsJuly 2, 2026

Maintenance in the Messy Middle Part 3: Biodiesel

Biodiesel can reduce emissions, improve fuel-system lubricity and use existing diesel infrastructure. But NACFE’s Messy Middle maintenance report says fleets must actively manage storage, cold-weather operation, filters and oil drain intervals to avoid problems.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
thermo king heavy duty trucking
Safety & ComplianceJuly 1, 2026

Enhance Fleet Performance with High-Efficiency Auxiliary Power Units

Drive sustainable cost savings while increasing driver comfort during short- and long-haul logistics operations.

Read More →