Nikola Motors NZT: Evolution Is Here
The Only Constant Is Change Itself
Story By: Keith Hook
Photos Provided By: Nikola Motors
The term Driving Innovation had a distinct, singular perspective until recent years. Our previous understanding was an entity pushing the development of a new product, service or business model that could catch on in other uses, leading to a competitive market advantage. Still true today, but with the rapidly emerging and more accepted EV market upon us, companies like Nikola Motors are changing the definition. You can now get behind the wheel of innovation, strap in, and travel in ways far more advanced than we have before, and with zero emissions impact. Literally driving innovation. Personally, this new variation of the term sounds a lot more interesting.
I think driving this innovation is more important than most of us realize, and even more important than rattling off specifications and features of this brand new platform that was released publicly mid-April at the Nikola World 2019 event in Scottsdale, AZ. Yes, hearing figures like 590 horsepower, 775 ft-lbs of instantly applied torque, and 0-to-60mph in less than 4 seconds are worthy of attention. But honestly, that’s the native result of running four high-efficiency electric drive motors. Including a premium sound system, 35” LT tires, HVAC, and dual touchscreen monitors in the cockpit are impressive, sure, but what’s most significant is the car’s impact. Not only the benefit to the environment, but on what Nikola is doing to evolve our sport.
Most enthusiasts will focus their attention on the 150 mile range per charge, the $80,000.00+ price tag, or the 5250lb weigh in on the enclosed cabin version of the vehicle. All traits worthy of ridicule against our current day UTVs, but we have to quickly acknowledge one very undeniable fact. This vehicle is not being released to replace the prized possession you own today, nor is it something that most of us will even consider to purchase in the foreseeable future. It’s entrance onto the scene forces development across many platforms, which will undoubtedly catch on in other markets, giving innovative companies a competitive advantage. But what Nikola Powersports is really doing is paving the future of what the unpaved OHV experience for future generations of enthusiasts could be. And they know it….
EV technology is here to stay, and growing rapidly at that. The advancements we appreciate in on-road solutions eventually hit the dirt, and Nikola wants to be the front runner for 4 wheels. We are seeing very capable two-wheeled electric dirt machines already from KTM, Alta, and Zero – just to name a few. After all, automotive innovation is what drives our industry.
Being the first to achieve something comes with a long list of challenges, struggles, and often, defeat. Triumph, however, is achieved by overcoming those moments from the nay-sayers, who will cowardly remind said pioneer of what they’re doing wrong. Whether it’s climbing a steeper hill, jumping a wider gap, or hitting a faster top speed, we all eventually recognize and praise the accomplishment as so. Building an EV off-road vehicle is no different. Our industry will sit back and point fingers at why it won’t work, but all we’re doing is empowering that platform with the needed evolution in order to accomplish the inconceivable: a competitive and accepted electric UTV.
The development team at Nikola Powersports acknowledges that the NZT, by industry definition, is essentially not a UTV, but rather in a category of its own. Which we would agree with. We would define what they’re striving for as advancement of the science and innovation of our sport. By proving that EV technology works in off-road, it will empower the masses with more capabilities, from the peace of mind of a 1,000,000 mile drivetrain, to the control and manageability of vehicle data and efficiencies. When you top it off with opening up new trail systems that are currently restricted due to noise or air pollution concerns, it seems everyone can find a perk they like.
In 2021, we’re going to see a new experience brought to life, one of a truly customized, high-end variation from the Arizona-based manufacturer. This luxury platform will satisfy a niche demographic looking to enhance their off-road adventures, in a cutting edge fashion. Nikola will take the next few years to work out some real world details, including working with 100s of riding destinations across the nation to implement charging stations where we need them the most. They’ve also acknowledged the need for an open-air model, not only to satisfy us “wind-in-your-face” kind of guys, but also to offer a lower price point. They aim to please all these expectations, just not from Day 1.
I challenge you to recognize the advancements being made. We are not giving up on our gas powered UTVs by any means, nor are we saying that we’ll see a major shift in market share any time soon. But we are excited to see what this technology will bring. The entire team at Nikola is passionately committed to delivering nothing but the very best, right from the start. Rest assured, we will continue to educate ourselves about the NZT and stay in touch with Nikola directly. We’ll hold our tongue on presenting a formal review until we get in the driver seat for at least a few charging cycles, and truly push the limits of this electric OHV and drive innovation for ourselves.
Full vehicle specifications and pre-order information can be found at https://nikolamotor.com/nzt
