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.

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

SponsoredFebruary 1, 2026

Stop Watching Footage, Start Driving Results

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 →
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 →
Ad Loading...
HDT Spotlight video on natural gas truck engines.
Fuel Smartsby Jack RobertsJanuary 26, 2026

Why the Cummins X15N Changed the Conversation About Natural Gas Trucking

Natural gas is quietly building a reputation as a clean, affordable, and reliable alternative fuel for long-haul trucks. And Ian MacDonald with Hexagon Agility says the Cummins X15N is a big reason why.

Read More →
Blue Tesla Semi pulling flatbed trailer inside warehouse or manufacturing facility
Fuel SmartsJanuary 21, 2026

First Tesla Semi for RoadOne IntermodaLogistics

RoadOne IntermodaLogistics has bought a fully electric Tesla Semi heavy-duty truck, the first of up to 10 for its Oakland, California, operations.

Read More →
Mercedes-Benz eActros trucks.
Fuel SmartsJanuary 20, 2026

Mercedes-Benz Initiates Megawatt Charging and Long-Haul EV Truck Trials

Mercedes-Benz has begun a new series of tests in Europe to validate vehicle compatibility with megawatt chargers and assess charging performance, thermal management, and usability on long-haul duty routes.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Windrose-Greenlane truck charging bundle.
Fuel SmartsJanuary 20, 2026

Windrose Bundles Free EV Truck Charging with Greenlane Infrastructure

Windrose customers will receive unlimited charging for three months on Greenlane’s high-power charging network.

Read More →
SponsoredJanuary 19, 2026

3 New Ways Fleet Software Pays: ROI opportunities for modern fleet managers

Safety, uptime, and insurance costs directly impact profitability. This eBook looks at how fleet software is evolving to deliver real ROI through proactive maintenance, AI-powered video telematics, and real-time driver coaching. Learn how fleets are reducing crashes, defending claims, and using integrated data to make smarter operational decisions.

Read More →
SponsoredJanuary 19, 2026

Basic Tracking vs Next Generation Fleet Technology

Fleet software is getting more sophisticated and effective than ever, tying big data models together to transform maintenance, safety, and the value of your existing tech stack. Fleet technology upgrades are undoubtedly an investment, but updated technology can offer a much higher return. Read how upgrading your fleet technology can increase the return on your investment.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeDecember 22, 2025

From Truck APUs to Intelligent Engines: NACFE Updates Idle Reduction Report

Idle reduction for heavy-duty trucks has come a long way. An updated playbook from the North American Council for Freight Efficiency explains what technologies deliver results today — and what’s coming next.

Read More →