Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) has been hit by Nikola Motor with a $2 billion patent infringement lawsuit, a matter that has become the subject of talk among the concerned parties. Elon Musk, who is the current CEO of the Company, has been accused of stealing several aspects of the startup’s semi truck design.
It was on Tuesday that Nikola went to an Arizona federal court to launch its complaints.
Claims forwarded by Nikola
It was way back in November 2017 that Tesla’s electric semi was unleashed and it is crucial to point out that Nikola through its lawsuit made claims that most of its patents had been infringed. It broke it down to mention the wrap windshield that is developed in such a way to ensure that the driver is able to get unobstructed view of the road.
The design of the Nikola One freight truck
At the moment, Nikola Motor is coming up with its own driverless, hydrogen fuel cell–powered Class 8 truck, a move that has been commended by quite a significant number of market observers.
It was in May 2016 that the company proceeded to make a posting of the design of its Nikola One freight truck. In December the same year, it proceeded to unveil the Nikola One. The development of the Nikola Two day-cab is currently underway and if matters play out according to plan the test might commence in the course of 2018. By the moment 2021 finally arrives it will be going into full production.
The lawsuit takes into close account the increased heated competition in the entire trucking industry. Many other companies, ranging from truckmakers like Daimler, Volkswagen and Navistar to the start ups such as Peloton.
Despite much pressure emanating from the concerned parties for Tesla to provide more details regarding the semi, the company remains reluctant. Mass production is projected to help the company generate higher revenues at a time when business dynamics tend to be shifting pretty fast.
Tesla and Nikola are both named after Nikola Tesla who used to be a famous investor. The two have had disagreements in the past but the best part is that they have resorted to following the law in resolving conflicts.
