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Title: The Silent Ascent: My Trip with the Nikola Tre in the Austrian Alps

I’ve been hauling cargo across Europe for years. Usually, I’m in my trusty Scania or a classic Volvo, listening to the rumble of the diesel engine and watching the fuel gauge dip as I climb the steep grades of the Alps. But last week, I decided to try something completely different. I downloaded the Nikola Tre mod.

I’ll be honest: I installed it mostly out of curiosity. I wanted to see if an electric truck could actually handle the heavy hauls I’m used to, or if it would just be a gimmick for city driving. Here is the story of the trip that turned me into a believer.

The Drive – Instant Torque, But Where’s the Range?

Acceleration is a joy. Fully loaded with 24 tons of medical equipment, the Tre pulls away from traffic lights like a scalded cat. No lag, no clutch stall. Hill climbs? Effortless. The regenerative braking is smooth, too – you can coast into toll booths like a pro.

However, the range is the killer. Most mods cap it at ~500–800 km (real Nikola claims ~500 miles, but mods balance for gameplay). That’s fine for intra-Germany or France to Switzerland. But try Oslo → Stockholm → Copenhagen without a charger? You’ll be limping at 5% battery. nikola trucks ets2

And there’s the rub: ETS2’s vanilla map has almost no hydrogen/electric charging infrastructure. You’ll rely on modded service stations (e.g., ETS2 Hydrogen Fuel Stations) or cheat with “infinite range.” Without those, the Nikola becomes a local delivery truck in a long-haul simulator.

Final Verdict: 7/10 – A Promising Prototype

The Nikola Tre in ETS2 is a fascinating “what-if.” It handles beautifully, looks the part, and offers a genuinely different driving feel. But the game’s infrastructure (even with mods) isn’t ready for hydrogen trucks. You’ll spend more time hunting for chargers than enjoying the view.

If SCS Software ever adds official electric/hydrogen networks (like they’re starting to with the Renault E-Tech), Nikola could become a real alternative. Until then, it’s a novelty truck for Sunday drives – not a fleet workhorse.

Pro tip: Pair it with the Promods map and the Hydrogen Fuel Stations mod. And keep a diesel-powered DAF as a rescue vehicle. You’ll thank me. Title: The Silent Ascent: My Trip with the

Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) , "Nikola Trucks" refers to two distinct things: high-quality private vehicle mods created by a modder named

(also known as Nikola_Donbass) and specific mods featuring the real-world Nikola Motor Company electric/hydrogen vehicles. Nikola Trucks (The Modder)

is a well-known creator in the ETS2 community, famous for producing highly detailed "Premium Edition" truck and trailer mods. Unlike many free mods, these are often private, paid mods sold through platforms like Gumroad or restricted Facebook groups. Key Reworks & Features:

Realistic Reworks: He specializes in "reworking" vanilla or older truck models to include high-quality 3D models, full AO (Ambient Occlusion) baking, and custom lightmasks. Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) , "Nikola Trucks"

Popular Models: His portfolio includes detailed versions of the Volvo FH Mk1, MAN F2000 Commander, and Mercedes Actros MP2.

Trailers: He also produces standalone trailers, such as the Schmitz SKO 24, featuring 4K templates and custom license plates. Nikola Motor Company Mods

Separate from the modder's general rework series are mods that introduce the real-world Nikola Corporation vehicles into ETS2. These are futuristic, zero-emission trucks that stand out from the standard diesel fleet.

2. The Hydrogen Fuel Cell Variant

Some advanced modders have created a hydrogen version (Nikola Two). In ETS2, this is simulated by adjusting the fuel tank to represent hydrogen capacity. Unlike battery-electric mods, these allow for "refueling" at standard gas stations (roleplayed as hydrogen pumps), offering a range closer to 800 km.

4.2 Driving Dynamics

• Regenerative braking: Stronger than diesel, reduces brake wear.
• No engine brake noise – replaces with electric motor whine (acoustic feedback for immersion).
• Cold weather effect: FCEV range drops ~15% in northern Scandinavia (simulated via temperature data).