The first Nikola Tre electric tractor was completed at IVECO's plant in Germany.
The first Nikola Tre electric semi-trailer in Europe is completed, according to Nikola Motor Company's third quarter report. The prototype has been finalized at IVECO’s Ulm plant and four more Nikola Tres could be completed by the end of the year at the plant currently under development.
According to the manufacturer, the production of the experimental series will continue in the first half of next year, but the exact number has not been published yet. The completed prototype is now subjected to numerous tests and trials. In the first round, they are placed on a treadmill, the torque output of the e-axles is adjusted, and it is also tested on a test track.
The timing of the launch of Nikola Tre in Europe is still questionable, but the brand plans to launch in North America in the last quarter of 2021. Overseas versions are expected to be assembled from main units from Europe at Nikola’s Arizona plant.
It is possible that the Nikola Tre semi-trailer will be sold by us under the name IVECO “E-Way”. After CNH Industrial acquired a stake in Nikola Motor Company last year, there was almost no question that the model would get a European-developed cab. Developing a cabin that meets EU standards is costly. Due to this, the disguised Nikola Tre shown in the picture is fundamentally different from the fantasy drawings presented in 2018 and more like an IVECO S-Way.
The Tre is powered by a 480 kW (650 hp) electric motor, which draws the power it needs to operate from the 720 kWh battery pack at maximum capacity. In this case, the range that can be covered with one charge can be up to 400 kilometers. The novelty will be available in two (4 × 2) or three-axis (6 × 2) versions.
Nikola also plans to develop a fuel cell version, but it will have to wait a few more years.
(Source: vezess.hu / photo: pixabay.com)