Nikola has commenced manufacturing its initial battery-electric semi-truck.

• The production of Nikola's battery-electric semi-truck commenced on Monday.
• The Tre's battery-electric variant is designed for shorter trips, with an estimated range of approximately 350 miles.
• The Tre, a hydrogen-powered vehicle, is set to commence shipping in late next year.

On Wednesday, an electric heavy-truck startup announced that it has started manufacturing the battery-powered version of its electric Tre semitruck at its factory in Coolidge, Arizona, ahead of its rival's electric semitruck.

Executives announced during a presentation for analysts that Nikola plans to start truck deliveries in the second quarter, while production for customers commenced on Monday.

Nikola shares were up about 4% in after-hours trading following the announcement.

Nikola plans to produce between 300 and 500 battery-electric Tre trucks this year, with an estimated range of approximately 350 miles, intended for shorter routes. Production will increase in 2023.

Since Trevor Milton's departure in 2020, Nikola's stock has fallen from its former heights to single digits. The company has severed ties with Milton and settled all outstanding claims related to his actions, as they announced on Wednesday.

Last year, federal fraud charges were brought against Milton for false statements he made prior to Nikola's IPO.

Nikola plans to release a hydrogen fuel cell version of the Tre with a range of up to 500 miles, suitable for longer routes, followed by a next-generation fuel-cell model in 2025 with a range of up to 900 miles.

The company confirmed that the hydrogen Tre is on track to start shipping in late 2023.