Hybrid-Electric Class 8 Truck Scores Zero Emissions in Testing
Nikola Motor Company’s advanced research and development team says it has achieved 100% zero emissions on the company’s hybrid-electric Class 8 truck, the Nikola One.

The Nikola One concept truck Image: Nikola Motors

The Nikola One concept truckImage: Nikola Motors
Nikola Motor Company’s advanced research and development team says it has achieved 100% zero emissions on the company’s hybrid-electric Class 8 truck, the Nikola One.
Nikola announced the Nikola One earlier this year, offering reservations for the as-yet-unreleased vehicle for $1,500 in a move similar to Tesla’s reservation system for its upcoming Model 3.
Nikola's vehicle will be powered by a turbine and electric motor hybrid drivetrain that can develop a total of 2,000 hp and 3,700-lb-ft of torque and achieve a range of up to 1,200 miles on a full tank.
"While other companies have recently announced battery-powered semi-trucks, those trucks are restricted to a range of only a couple hundred miles and four to eight hours of charging between stops," said Trevor Milton, Nikola founder and CEO.
“We are not aware of any zero emission truck in the world that can haul 80,000 pounds more than 1,000 miles and do it without stopping," he added. "The Nikola One requires only 15 minutes of downtime before heading out for the next 1,000 miles."
The company said that so far, it has received more than 7,000 truck reservations with deposits. The Nikola One truck leasing program costs $4,000 to $5,000 per month, depending on truck configuration and options. The first million miles of fuel under the lease is included with each truck sale, said Nikola.
The company plans to officially unveil the working electric truck prototype on Dec. 2 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
In addition to the zero emission semi-truck, Nikola has initiated the first steps to manufacture emission-free power plants that range from 50 kilowatts to 50 megawatts, to cut power generation costs. Nikola believes this technology "not only has the ability to transform America's roadways, but how the world will migrate towards zero-emission energy going forward."
"Imagine what this could do for the air in every city in America,” said Milton. “We knew our emissions would be low, but to have the ability to achieve true zero emissions is revolutionary for the worldwide trucking industry.”
More Fleet Management

Color Match Smarter: Tools That Restore & Perform
For fleet managers and collision repair professionals keeping heavy-duty trucks on the road, getting the color right the first time isn't just about appearance — it's about efficiency, turnaround time, and bottom-line results. Discover how today's digital color tools are transforming the repair process from guesswork to precision.
Read More →
FMCSA Pauses Biennial-Update Enforcement Amid Motus Transition
Carriers whose updates were due on or after June 1 have more time, while FMCSA works to stabilize its new registration system and warns of phishing sites impersonating its new carrier registration system, Motus.
Read More →
2026 Blueprint for Countering Smarter Supply Chain Theft
Cargo theft is no longer just the cost of doing business. It's a multi-billion-dollar criminal enterprise exploiting vulnerabilities across your fleet, drivers, and supply chain.
Read More →
How Telematics Improves Visibility, Control, and Performance in Refrigerated Fleets
Explore how telematics help refrigerated fleets improve visibility, uptime, efficiency, compliance, and cargo protection across connected cold chain operations.
Read More →
What the U.S.-Canada Trade War Means for Trucking
Escalating U.S.-Canada tariffs could disrupt cross-border freight, reduce truck volumes, raise costs, and create new uncertainty for carriers on both sides of the border.
Read More →
What Are Trucking’s Top Concerns for 2026?
The American Transportation Research Institute wants to know what's worrying trucking fleet managers, drivers, and other stakeholders in its annual Industry Issues survey.
Read More →
American Trucking Associations Looks for a New Leader
ATA President and CEO Chris Spear abruptly left his job at the association on August 21, at a pivotal time for the trucking industry.
Read More →
Public Wi-Fi Cybersecurity Risks: How Truck Drivers and Fleets Can Protect Their Data
Public Wi-Fi can expose truck drivers and fleets to credential theft, malware, and other cyber threats. Here’s how to reduce the risk on the road.
Read More →
For Nicky Cupp, Fleet Innovation Starts With Frustration
HDT Truck Fleet Innovator Nicky Cupp turns everyday pain points at Fraley & Schilling into opportunities for better technology and smarter processes.
Read More →
Adam Buttgenbach’s Approach to Electric Trucks: Start With Where They Fit
HDT Truck Fleet Innovator Adam Buttgenbach helped PepsiCo build one of North America’s largest EV fleets by focusing on where electric trucks make operational sense.
Read More →


