SOFIC 2018: Nikola Reckless All-Electric UTV for Special Forces


At SOFIC 2018, the International Special Operations Forces Industry Exhibition Conference currently taking place in Tampa, Florida, Nikola Corportation is showcasing its Reckless all-electric Utility Task Vehicle (UTV).


SOFIC 2018 Nikola Reckless All Electric UTV for Special Forces
The Nikola Reckless UTV at the SOFIC 2018 outdoor display.


The Reckless UTV is a totally electric, 555 HP vehicle that can go from 0 to 100 kilometers-per-hour in just over 3 seconds. It features 100% electric power steering, 20” front and rear suspension travel, 14” ground clearance, 62” wide frame, four independent electric motors, 32” tires, bead lock wheels, tow hitch, 10” infotainment center display, 7” instrument cluster, multiple color options, IP 67 waterproofing...

According to Nikola, the Reckless is  a prime mover, autonomous weapon system, portable power supply and reconaissance vehicle all in one platform. The electric motors drive each wheel, eliminating belts, increasing efficiencies, delivering instant responses and eliminating the failures of belts altogether. With 4 motors, if one were to get damaged, Reckless can still operate at high performance

The Reckless has the power capacity available to support anything from remote weapon systems to powering command centers. The vehicle is nearly silent and has a low thermal signature due to its state-of-the-art refrigerant cooling system. It was designed with modularity in mind. Multiple technologies and components can be easily added as needed.

The vehicle can be fitted with remote weapon stations. The can accommodate a 7.62mm machine gun, 12.7 mm gun, 40 mm MK19 automatic grenade launcher or Javelin anti-tank guided missiles. At SOFIC 2018, the Reckless is shown fitted with an Aimlock R-M1 weapon station, featuring autonomous target detection, active stabilization and automatic target tracking.