Nikola Motor Claims $2.3 Billion In Pre-Orders For Electric Truck

Since their One electric semi concept was unveiled last month, Nikola Motor officials claim to have scored over 7,000 pre-orders and deposits.

This translates to more than $2.3 billion. Impressive, especially considering that the new startup has yet to unveil an actual prototype and what we’ve seen so far are just renderings. Oh, and the numbers, which were announced in a press release by the company’s CEO, Trevor Miltobv.

“Our technology is 10-15 years ahead of any other OEM in fuel efficiencies, MPG and emissions. We are the only OEM to have a near zero emission truck and still outperform diesel trucks running at 80,000 pounds. To have over 7,000 reservations totaling more than 2.3 billion dollars, with five months remaining until our unveiling ceremony, is unprecedented.“

Nikola Motor can reserve your very own all-electric semi for $1,500, but the ultimate plan is to sell it under a lease program that will have truck drivers pay $5,000 a month, which will include unlimited miles, maintenance, warranty, unlimited fuel and the lease payment as well.

With a natural gas range extender and six electric motors, one at each wheel, combining more than 2,000 HP and 3,700 lb-ft (5,017 Nm) of torque, and a claimed driving range of 1,200 miles (1,931 km), the Nikola One can accelerate from naught to sixty (96 km/h), under load, in roughly 30 seconds, or twice as fast as a diesel-powered semi.