Electrification dream maker

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – From the original magneto to gasoline direct injection and now to the first all-electric UTV powered by individual wheel motors, Bosch is at the core of numerous powertrain breakthroughs. Nikola Powersports showcased its all-electric Nikola NZT™ for the first time publicly to consumers at its Nikola World event. Behind the innovative vision from Nikola, Bosch assisted by providing systems and components expertise to help make the NZT a reality.

“Anything in electrification, Bosch is behind us,” said Michael Erickson, president of Nikola Powersports. “From our commercial vehicle trucks to our powersports lineup, Bosch has been invaluable as we bring new visions of electrification to market.”

The Nikola NZT is the most advanced electric UTV in the world with staggering performance and capabilities. It features more than 500 horsepower coming from the state-of-the-art battery and four wheel-independent motors. The electrification in the Nikola NZT creates an impressive acceleration feat, 0-60 in less than 3.5 seconds.

“The NZT delivers on the full potential of electrification: green and mean,” said Chris Efremidis, director for Bosch’s engineering team that supported the development of the Nikola NZT. “Approaches such as wheel-independent motors are already making their way into the passenger car segment. We’re only going to see more inventive ways for electrification to provide the end customer with better performance.”

Already more than one million electric and hybrid vehicles around the world contain Bosch technology. The leading provider of technology and services acquired 30 electromobility projects worth several billion euros in 2018, and by 2025, Bosch aims to increase its sales in electromobility tenfold.

Individual motors on every wheel

A key feature of the Nikola NZT’s unique electric approach are four independent electric motors that provide instant power on every wheel. Bosch SMG220 motors eliminate belts, increasing efficiency and performance. The electric motor at each wheel gives drivers torque to each wheel where and when needed, limiting slip. This provides a unique 4x4 experience with full torque nearly the entire time without needing to hit a specific RPM to reach optimal torque – a feature largely unattainable in a gas version. Thanks to the combination of the four independent motors, the Nikola NZT will achieve 440 kW output, which translates to 590 horsepower and 722 ft. lbs. torque before gear reduction. After the reduction at the wheel hub, the torque can peak at 9,386 ft. lbs.

The greater horsepower and torque aren’t at a penalty though, as the motors only take the exact amount of energy they need to perform as directed. However, when extra torque and horsepower is needed, it’s there thanks to the independent wheel motors. Electric motors also help with regenerative braking to re-charge the battery.

Vehicle controls – software plus components from Bosch

Enabled by software expertise from Bosch, the Nikola NZT’s complex vehicle controls precisely control the torque at each wheel, a function typically available in the highest-end sports cars. Together with the Bosch anti-lock braking system (ABS), the unique software is combined with the vehicle control unit from Bosch to enable the Nikola NZT to demonstrate supercar agility, always utilizing and never wasting any torque and energy over any type of terrain. Bosch also helped Nikola with functional safety, calibration and the overall electric/electronic (E/E) architecture approach required to support such a high-performance vehicle.