A prototype of the Nikola Zero all electric UTV from Nikola Motor.
A view of the Nikola Zero cockpit.
In May, Nikola Motor, known more for developing an electric powered long-haul truck, also announced that it was developing an impressive electric powered UTV, the Nikola Zero. Now, in September the company has unveiled a prototype vehicle. According to the company, here are some of the key specifications for the vehicle:
- 100% electric powered vehicle
- Range up to 200 miles
- 400 volts
- Up to 520 hp
- Up to 467 ft-lbs of torque
- 72kWh Battery
- All-wheel Drive
- Instant torque in < 1 sec
- 0-60 mph in 3 seconds
- 20″ suspension
- 32″ tires
- 14.5″ of ground clearance
- Optional 10 degree rear steering box
- Waterproof motor and gearbox
- Two 7″ displays or one optional 15″ display
- Seats 4
A 2-seat version will also be offered according to management. The vehicle will be priced at $37,000 and the target date for deliveries is Q3 2017. A model can be reserved with a $750 deposit. Learn more: Electrek.co
Comment: From the pictures, the Nikola Zero appears to also have solar panels on the roof. At 72kWh the battery pack for the Nikola Zero is very large. By comparison the Ranger EV Li-Ion battery pack features a 30v 8.3 kWh battery and a 15v 4.1 kWh battery. The price point also seems to be on the low side given the size of the battery pack. The Ranger EV Li-Ion with a much smaller battery pack sell for a $11,700 premium over their standard Ranger EV. Given that high performance UTVs sell for $25,000 or more, the price premium of a similar vehicle with a large lithium ion battery pack should place the Nikola Zero at a price point well above $37,000. It will be interesting to see if the vehicle can make it to market. In any case, the vehicle is another indication of a continuing trend of electric UTVs being purposefully built for more demanding applications and uses other than hunting.