The Nikola One Launch Event
After the ceremony, guests line up for a close look at the tractor's interior. Hundreds of truckers came to see the unveiling, and most have ordered one or more Nikolas.
U.S. Xpress lettering suggests strong support from the Chattanooga-based carrier's chairman, Max Fuller. He believes the Nikola will be a "game changer."
Daycab version, called Nikola Two, looks like a normal conventional. Its hood will house a hydrogen fuel cell that generates electricity stored in batteries; from there the juice powers four or six electric motors.
The Nikola One prototype rotates on a turntable with the veil still in place.
Unique nose styling with LED lighting shows even through the veil.
Cab-over-engine configuration (though there is no engine as such) helps add interior space. Black cabinet houses hydrogen storage bottles.
Instrument panel claims simplicity with more than adequate info displayed for the driver.
Bunks are 54 inches wide, thanks to interior space said to be 30% larger than typical long sleeper compartments.
Trevor Milton describes the vehicle's concept and design. He envisions "total vertical integration," from building and selling Nikolas to fueling, maintenance support, and load-finding software.