Thoughts Regarding Nikola electric truck

I think they're a little confused on there target customer right now. That cab/sleeper seems to target long haul, but CNG trucks are not selling well in that market right now, but it is expected to pick up. If they are anticipating a rise in long haul CNG, I think they'll miss the mark due to price. CNG adds about $50K to a truck which is expected to be offset in ~4 years in fuel savings. So this would make a $150K truck ~$200K. Would you pay an extra $175K for a hybrid? You're looking at 10+ years to see a savings based on fuel savings alone, but what about down time? Dealer support for problems? There are a lot of what ifs that will scare many people off. They would have been better to start off with a day cab targeted at local delivery and expand from there.

 

Hey, it's a hybrid, so you can run the HOV lanes! Save lots of time during rush hour in the big cities.

 

There will be no one willing to work on them outside of major cities. It bad enough finding someone to work on Paccar engines for the guys that have them, I can't imagine trying to get something like that worked on when you've broken down in backwoods nowhere.

 

Seems it might be a better seller if they offer a diesel/electric version to start off.

 

https://nikolamotor.com/one
They're saying lighter than a standard truck. Cost effective is just 1 downfall, I still see service being a huge issue. I would make so much more sense to start with P&D. It'd be a little easier to swallow if it were cheaper and they had a dealer in the city the truck was running.

 

I'm more interested in the Elio, it should be coming out soon. It's being built in the old GM buildings in Shreveport
https://www.eliomotors.com/

 

Let's talk professionally. The creator on this truck don't understand the TRUCKING at all. Every driver who is owner operator know how much you can make per month and how much you can SAVE per month specially on the low rates right now ! Even with the little bit savings for fuel because you still use fuel. It is natural gas but this is a fuel. Not all electric truck ! You will pay 3 times at least more the prise you pay now for diesel truck brand new. That's mean if you make from $4000 to $6000 per month that's the average can make owner operators who drive from 1000 to 2000 miles per week I am not talking for the working dogs make 3500 miles per week I am talking for the average people. And you pay $5000 payments per month for the "electric truck" even if you don't pay any fuel you will make nothing for your pocket. But they say you will pay fuel $1.50 per gal. Or if you work as a dog non stop driving with no home time maybe once per year to be able to make the payments you can save from $1000-$3000 per month in this case. As a owner operator from 10 years i can tell you MR. Creator I will not be in this business any more for that kind of money for that kind of miles. Because I am not working for free even one mile !!! With my fuel economy on my cheap Volvo truck I can beat every expensive "electric truck" any time everywhere. So if they are not planing to make this truck in the same prise range what is the diesel trucks now will be better to stop this project because doesn’t mater how much money the Creator have he will lose his money very quick. The electric truck is a nice idea but for a guys who understand this business. Thank you and try it next time with better knowledge about this business Mr Trevor Milton