INTERVIEW: NIKOLA MOTOR CEO TREVOR MILTON (TESLA DAILY) (VTIQ, NKLA)

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Nikola Motor CEO Trevor Milton discusses the company's merger with VectoIQ (VTIQ) and upcoming Nasdaq listing under NKLA. Milton emphasizes the transition to public trading brings transparency, moving beyond speculation to SEC-filed facts. He highlights the strategic joint venture with Iveco in Europe as a pivotal moment, validating Nikola's technology and enabling production of zero-emission trucks, including both battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell variants. The CEO explains Nikola's business model focuses on partnering with established players for manufacturing and service, contrasting with Tesla's direct approach, to accelerate development and reduce capital intensity. He details a diverse product roadmap, from the Nikola Tre and Two semi-trucks to the Badger pickup and off-road vehicles, stressing that both battery and hydrogen powertrains have distinct, complementary roles depending on application. A key focus is Nikola's proprietary battery technology, aiming for significantly lower costs and higher recyclability, though production scaling remains a challenge. Milton also addresses the cost-effectiveness and grid-balancing benefits of hydrogen infrastructure compared to battery storage, particularly for heavy-duty applications.