Apr 17 2019
Nikola CEO Trevor Milton offered thousands of participants a sneak peek into a global zero-emission future at the Nikola World event held at WestWorld of Scottsdale on April 16th, 2019. The event was also broadcasted live to a global audience through www.nikolamotor.com.
The evening started with Milton arriving on stage by the well-known Budweiser Clydesdales, signifying the company’s iconic client, Anheuser-Busch, that has purchased 800 Class 8 zero-emission trucks from Nikola as part of its sustainability strategy.
We want to transform everything about the transportation industry. With Nikola’s vision, the world will be cleaner, safer and healthier.
Trevor Milton, CEO, Nikola Powersports.
The autonomous-capable Nikola Reckless, the military all-terrain vehicle, was the first product that was showcased and it was driven on stage through remote control.
With virtually no sound and no heat signature, the Reckless provides new meaning to stealth and is defying all standards. We believe all military vehicles will transform to battery electric and hydrogen fuel cells in the future.
Andrew Christian, Vice President, Business Development and Defense, Nikola Powersports.
During the event, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey reviewed Nikola’s role in Arizona’s growing economy, including 2,000 new jobs at their Phoenix headquarters, planned manufacturing plant, and hydrogen and fuel cell R&D center.
Milton and Michael Erickson, President of Nikola Powersports, underlined how Nikola is revolutionizing zero-emission recreational vehicles on land and water.
The technology and platforms we are developing are mutually beneficial helping us leverage speed to market and scale. With our powersports products, you have an experience that is safer with precise control and a near silent ride that heightens your senses.
Michael Erickson, President, Nikola Powersports.
After that, Milton and Erickson exhibited the redesigned NZT. Participants at the event will be able to travel in the NZT Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) on a closed course track at WestWorld on Day 2 of Nikola World on April 17.
Next, Nikola World participants, for the first time, saw the Nikola Water Adventure Vehicle (WAV) concept, which has been teased for a while and has now become a reality.
We at Nikola are creating the world’s first ‘wakeboard’ architecture, which enables us to push the limits in design and propulsion.
Jordan Darling, Vice President, Nikola Powersports.
He is also an industry pioneer in the electrification of personal watercraft.
“Nikola is bringing zero-emission sustainability and technology to the water,” stated Milton. “With WAV, you can feel the rush of power and acceleration in your chest, with the sound of the water and breeze in your ears. It’s zero impact and pure fun,” added Darling.
Jesse Schneider, Nikola’s Executive Vice President of Hydrogen, talked about Nikola’s hydrogen fuel cell vision. The vision includes the world’s first purpose-built fuel cell Class 8 truck, allowing more hydrogen storage, optimized placement of the powertrain, and a strong 70 MPa hydrogen fueling network.
We recently opened our first hydrogen station at our Phoenix headquarters. We are leading the way and working with industry and other OEMs to develop hydrogen standards to enable fueling in less than 15 minutes. The goal is safety and interoperability so that anyone can fuel at our station. This is a big deal.
Jesse Schneider, Executive Vice President of Hydrogen, Nikola Powersports.
Nikola President Mark Russell and Milton uncovered the first-of-a-kind Nikola Tre with its clean, contemporary design for the European market.
With a range between 500 and 750 miles depending upon load, this gorgeous vehicle will have fast hydrogen fueling in under 15 minutes, even in Europe.
Mark Russell, President, Nikola Powersports.
“Think about Europe with no more diesel trucks,” stated Milton. “The roads will be clean, quiet and beautiful.”
Every Nikola product has been developed for the future with autonomous driving hardware in place.
At the end of the event, Milton addressed the small, but potent, team that established Nikola five years ago in his basement with an idea. “We now have five products in development that will change transportation for the better,” he said.
He then showcased “the most advanced commercial truck the world has ever seen, the Nikola Two.” The Nikola Two will be driven on the demonstration track on the second day of Nikola World.
At present, there are over 13,000 Nikola trucks on order. The Nikola trucks incorporate up to 1,000 horsepower and 2,000 ft-lbs of torque. Nikola newly introduced a battery-electric vehicle option for the urban, short-haul trucking market.
Nikola World will welcome over 4,000 guests in two days, including hundreds of Nikola truck reservation holders. Nikola has collaborated with Ryder System, Inc. and Thompson Machinery to provide world-class sales, service, and warranty through their more than 800 locations across North America.