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Nikola’s hydrogen fuel trucks made a bold impression at the M1 Concourse Ride & Drive event, showcasing both fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The event provided hands-on experiences for influencers and experts alike — revealing a new era in zero-emission Class 8 trucking. With Nikola’s Tre FCEV now entering serious production in Arizona and a 100-truck order recently announced, the message is clear: Nikola is back in the game, and this time with wheels firmly on the ground.
Breaking Ground: The First Class 8 FCEV in North America
Nikola’s Tre fuel cell truck isn’t just a prototype — it’s in full production. According to representatives at the event, the Tre FCEV is the first Class 8 fuel cell truck to reach this milestone in North America. The truck boasts a 500-mile range and zero emissions, a major leap forward in long-haul clean transport. With deployment starting in California and production initiated on July 31st, this development signals that hydrogen-powered heavy trucks are no longer future promises — they’re market-ready.
Even more remarkable, Nikola has secured a deal involving 100 units of its hydrogen FCEV trucks — an extremely rare commitment for zero-emission technology in a historically diesel-dominated industry. Typically, fleets test new tech with one or two units, rarely reaching double digits. This order reflects growing confidence in Nikola’s vision and product execution.
Infrastructure Challenges and Mobile Solutions
One of the major hurdles facing hydrogen trucking is infrastructure. While Nikola has begun building permanent stations in California with partner Volta, they’ve also developed a flexible workaround: mobile fuelers. These “dispensers on wheels” can support fleets of up to 50 trucks, ideal for trial programs or in areas awaiting station buildouts. With permitting times for mobile units clocking in at just six weeks — versus months for fixed locations — this solution enables rapid rollout of FCEV technology.
California remains the epicenter due to incentives and policy support, but Nikola’s broader strategy is nationwide. As the U.S. hydrogen economy expands — aided by the Inflation Reduction Act and production tax credits — Nikola plans to bring fuel cell deployment coast-to-coast.
BEV Power: The Nikola Tre Battery Electric Truck
On the battery-electric side, Nikola’s Tre BEV made a strong showing. With 733 kWh of onboard energy stored across nine modular battery packs, it delivers instant torque through a rear electric axle. Drivers at the event reported 12,500 ft-lbs of torque and roughly 640 continuous horsepower — impressive stats for a zero-emission hauler.
Sandy Munro, among others, test-drove the Tre BEV with a 70,000-pound trailer. His response? “I never touched the brake thanks to the regen — but this thing has more power than I know what to do with.”
The Tre BEV’s layout, comfort, and intuitive controls also impressed. Unlike traditional diesel rigs requiring gear shifts and warm-up procedures, Nikola’s BEV starts like any modern EV — quiet, smooth, and fast. For new drivers or those switching from cars to trucks, the learning curve is practically flat.
Smooth Ride, High Praise
Guests at the M1 Concourse praised both variants — BEV and FCEV — for their ride quality and minimal driver fatigue. Rich Rebuilds, a first-time semi-truck driver, remarked on the smoothness: “It’s like driving your typical EV.” He noted the absence of vibration and noise, common pain points for diesel drivers that often lead to long-term health issues.
Another guest pointed out the ease of operation, contrasting it with old-school Peterbilts: “You don’t have to wait for it to idle or warm up. No herky-jerky shifts. Just drive.”
With straightforward controls — park, neutral, reverse — and regen braking that eliminates frequent pedal use, Nikola’s cabs are both modern and welcoming. The cab layout itself earned special praise for ergonomics and intuitive design, with discussions underway about future upgrades like powered refrigerators and heated storage.
Fuel Cell Dynamics and Driving Performance
While the BEV carries its batteries low in the chassis for a stable center of gravity, the FCEV adds complexity by placing hydrogen tanks in a “backpack” assembly behind the cab. Despite this, Nikola has invested heavily in suspension tuning to maintain smooth ride dynamics.
During test laps, drivers pushed the trucks up to 60 mph on the M1 track — not typical for a Class 8 demo — and reported outstanding stability. The regenerative braking system, paired with a ZF Bapco-developed stability control program, provided confidence even during aggressive driving. The only complaints came from the realization that it was a prototype — one that already outshines many production vehicles in build quality.
Changing the Industry and Driver Experience
Nikola’s trucks don’t just perform well — they have the potential to change the entire image of trucking. With features that make the experience less physically punishing, they may attract younger, tech-savvy drivers into an aging workforce.
“This is a pioneering experience,” one guest said. “What kid wouldn’t want to drive something like this instead of sitting in a lecture hall?” The trucker shortage is real, and these trucks offer a cleaner, easier, and more futuristic alternative — no diesel smell, no gear jamming, and no hearing loss from engine roar.
One humorous but poignant moment came when a speaker quipped, “There’ll be two kinds of CDL licenses soon — one for diesel gear jammers, and one for this.”
Real Progress, Real Trucks
The event closed on a note of vindication for Nikola. Years of skepticism, mockery, and scrutiny — especially after the infamous “rolling truck” controversy — were met with laughter and confidence. The trucks are here, they work, and people are driving them.
As Sandy Munro said, “People told me I was wasting my time with Nikola. But I got to drive the truck, on a track, with a trailer — and it was outstanding.”
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