# Electric truck video was fake \[Update 18-Dec-2023 CEO sentenced to prison\] **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [October 3, 2020, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-truck-video-was-fake-update-18-dec-2023-ceo-sentenced-to-prison/922126 "2020-10-03T16:40:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2020, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-truck-video-was-fake-update-18-dec-2023-ceo-sentenced-to-prison/922126/21 "2020-10-05T22:12:05Z")
Certainly not at first. Like Rutan he was a gifted and unconventional engineer. With some flair for self-promotion. One of my USAF pals worked for awhile as a factory demo pilot for the -5J. Stupid fun to fly he said. But with some noxious corners best not explored by amateurs. In his telling, by then Bede had become a legend in his own mind and all caution was thrown to the wind. If he could sketch it, they would start selling it. Whether he let down his team or surrounded himself with people who let him down is arguable. But by the end the motivations didn’t much matter; the result was plenty stinky for those on the outside. ---
**Author:** ![friedo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8edcca/32.png) [@friedo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/friedo)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2020, 8:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-truck-video-was-fake-update-18-dec-2023-ceo-sentenced-to-prison/922126/22 "2020-10-06T08:36:05Z")
> [@MrAtoz](#): > > Are we all just pretending not to notice that calling themselves “Nikola” is a blatantly transparent attempt to piggyback on the fame of Tesla? Tesla (the company) certainly noticed. Nikola and Tesla have been involved in a number of ongoing trademark and patent disputes. (The latter focusing largely on design patents regarding the Tesla semi, which unlike the Nikola one seems to actually work and drive under its own power, though is far from ready for production.) ---
**Author:** ![Bijou\_Drains](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bijou_drains/32/2814_2.png) [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2020, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-truck-video-was-fake-update-18-dec-2023-ceo-sentenced-to-prison/922126/23 "2020-10-07T13:50:50Z")
I remember from business law class you can’t have a name similar to another business name so not surprised Tesla is suing. also reminds me of Isis pharma which changed their name to Ionis for obvious reasons. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2020, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-truck-video-was-fake-update-18-dec-2023-ceo-sentenced-to-prison/922126/24 "2020-10-07T13:58:31Z")
‘Nikola’ is not at all similar to ‘Tesla’ using any common sense definition of ‘similar’. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2020, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-truck-video-was-fake-update-18-dec-2023-ceo-sentenced-to-prison/922126/25 "2020-10-07T14:00:13Z")
It’s Tesla’s first name. That creates an impression of being related. You think the choice was accidental? ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2020, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-truck-video-was-fake-update-18-dec-2023-ceo-sentenced-to-prison/922126/26 "2020-10-07T14:08:47Z")
No, I don’t think the choice was accidental but they still aren’t similar. And it is a pretty small percentage of the population that associates the words ‘Tesla’ and ‘Nikola’. I don’t know what the laws are to apply here, but this can’t be a problem based on similarity of names. ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2020, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-truck-video-was-fake-update-18-dec-2023-ceo-sentenced-to-prison/922126/27 "2020-10-07T14:42:25Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > I don’t know what the laws are to apply here, but this can’t be a problem based on similarity of names. I found this on a [Trademark Office Website](https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-1200d1e5044.html) " Although the weight given to the relevant _du Pont_ factors may vary, the following two factors are key considerations in any likelihood of confusion determination: - The similarity or dissimilarity of the marks in their entireties as to appearance, sound, connotation and commercial impression. - The relatedness of the goods or services as described in the application and registration(s)." I think Nikola and Tesla are similar in terms of connotation and commercial impression. The goods themselves are identical, given that both companies are developing electric Semi trucks. The idea that the name Nikola wasn’t selected to imply a connection with Tesla doesn’t pass the smell test. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2020, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-truck-video-was-fake-update-18-dec-2023-ceo-sentenced-to-prison/922126/28 "2020-10-07T15:05:51Z")
But the intended connection may be to the _person_ named Tesla, not the company. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2020, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-truck-video-was-fake-update-18-dec-2023-ceo-sentenced-to-prison/922126/29 "2020-10-07T17:10:48Z")
> [@Cheesesteak](#): > > connotation and commercial impression. That one might do them in. ---
**Author:** ![PastTense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pasttense/32/14550_2.png) [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2023, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-truck-video-was-fake-update-18-dec-2023-ceo-sentenced-to-prison/922126/30 "2023-02-25T17:04:37Z")
An update: the former CEO was convicted of fraud but hasn’t been sentenced yet: > **[Nikola founder’s sentencing on fraud convictions delayed until June 21](https://www.freightwaves.com/news/nikola-founders-sentencing-on-fraud-convictions-delayed)** > > The government opposed a new trial for Nikola Corp. founder Trevor Milton, dismissing his allegations of juror misconduct. The company is still in operation but isn’t doing very well [$450 million loss on revenues of $51 million in 2022] : > Nikola produced 258 Tre BEVs and delivered 131 to dealers for revenue of $50.8 million in 2022. But it cost $155.6 million to sell the trucks, resulting in a gross loss of $104.8 million. Not counting $255.4 million in stock-based compensation, $23.2 million in legal expenses and the $14.6 million to acquire Romeo, Nikola’s net loss for the year was $450.2 million. The company produced 133 Tre BEVs in Q4. It delivered 20 trucks and 21 chargers to dealers, with an average selling price of $374,000. > **[Nikola 'going concern' filing language suggests short financial runway](https://www.freightwaves.com/news/nikola-books-q4-revenue-but-it-was-really-expensive)** > > Nikola is still far from positive financial territory, but the integration of major components should help bring costs down. ---
**Author:** ![PastTense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pasttense/32/14550_2.png) [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2023, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-truck-video-was-fake-update-18-dec-2023-ceo-sentenced-to-prison/922126/31 "2023-12-18T20:15:26Z")
**Nikola founder Trevor Milton sentenced to four years in prison for defrauding investors** [https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/18/business/trevor-milton-nikola-sentenced/index.html](https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/18/business/trevor-milton-nikola-sentenced/index.html) ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2023, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-truck-video-was-fake-update-18-dec-2023-ceo-sentenced-to-prison/922126/32 "2023-12-19T17:59:49Z")
From your cite: “Trevor Milton lied to investors again and again — on social media, on television, on podcasts, and in print,” US Attorney Damian Williams said in a statement. “But today’s sentence should be a warning to start-up founders and corporate executives everywhere — ‘fake it till you make it’ is not an excuse for fraud, and if you mislead your investors, you will pay a stiff price.” Milton will also turn over property in Utah and pay a $1 million fine, the Justice Department said in a [news release](https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/trevor-milton-sentenced-four-years-prison-securities-fraud-scheme). He will also face three years of supervised release after completing his prison sentence. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2023, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-truck-video-was-fake-update-18-dec-2023-ceo-sentenced-to-prison/922126/33 "2023-12-20T00:13:19Z")
Or they think Elon Musk named the company after a 1980s hair band. ---
**Author:** ![Al128](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/al128/32/16541_2.png) [@Al128](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al128)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2023, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-truck-video-was-fake-update-18-dec-2023-ceo-sentenced-to-prison/922126/34 "2023-12-20T00:24:03Z")
would actually fit a pattern … I mean nearly as cool as 420 references … ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2023, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-truck-video-was-fake-update-18-dec-2023-ceo-sentenced-to-prison/922126/35 "2023-12-20T04:20:29Z")
I just referenced this article in the Musk thread. The guy is clearly unhinged… you’ve got to read his rant (at his sentencing). > **['I Am One Quarter Cherokee:' Nikola Founder Gives Unhinged Statement After...](https://www.theautopian.com/i-am-one-quarter-cherokee-nikola-founder-gives-unhinged-statement-after-being-sentenced-to-prison/)** > > Nikola founder Trevor Milton allegedly produced a bizarre statement when being sentenced to prison for fraud. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2023, 12:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-truck-video-was-fake-update-18-dec-2023-ceo-sentenced-to-prison/922126/36 "2023-12-20T12:14:56Z")
He might be one quarter Cherokee but he’s purebred batshit. ---
**Author:** ![Al128](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/al128/32/16541_2.png) [@Al128](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al128)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2023, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-truck-video-was-fake-update-18-dec-2023-ceo-sentenced-to-prison/922126/37 "2023-12-21T01:50:10Z")
not the worst vehicle, Jeep ever built ! ---
**Author:** ![PastTense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pasttense/32/14550_2.png) [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2025, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-truck-video-was-fake-update-18-dec-2023-ceo-sentenced-to-prison/922126/38 "2025-03-29T02:04:25Z")
And the CEO is now pardoned: > The pardon of Milton, who was sentenced to four years in prison for exaggerating the potential of his technology, could wipe out hundreds of millions of dollars in restitution that prosecutors were seeking for defrauded investors. > **[Convicted of bilking investors, Nikola founder and Trump donor gets a...](https://apnews.com/article/nikola-trevor-milton-fraud-trump-pardon-3fcebb0a3820cecb205656f2dc3f6764)** > > The founder of an electric car start-up sentenced to prison for exaggerating the potential of his technology has been pardoned by President Donald Trump, potentially wiping out hundreds of millions of dollars in restitution that prosecutors were... And undoubtedly a coincidence: > Milton, 42, and his wife donated more than $1.8 million to a Trump re-election campaign fund less than a month before the November election, according to the Federal Election Commission. ---
**Author:** ![PastTense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pasttense/32/14550_2.png) [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2026, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-truck-video-was-fake-update-18-dec-2023-ceo-sentenced-to-prison/922126/39 "2026-03-20T14:44:04Z")
> **[Pardoned Nikola Fraudster Is Raising Funds For AI-Powered Planes He Claims...](https://tech.slashdot.org/story/26/03/19/001230/pardoned-nikola-fraudster-is-raising-funds-for-ai-powered-planes-he-claims-will-reshape-aviation)** > > Trevor Milton, the pardoned founder of Nikola, is seeking $1 billion for AI-powered autonomous planes through a new venture called SyberJet. The Tech Buzz reports: "Autonomous planes will be 10 times harder than Nikola ever was," Milton told the... What comes to mind is “Fool me one, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me” ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2026, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-truck-video-was-fake-update-18-dec-2023-ceo-sentenced-to-prison/922126/40 "2026-03-20T17:30:38Z")
Almost makes me wonder what took him so long to set up this new con. Probably negotiating w trump for how large a cut trump will get for directing federal seed money towards this con. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-truck-video-was-fake-update-18-dec-2023-ceo-sentenced-to-prison/922126.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-truck-video-was-fake-update-18-dec-2023-ceo-sentenced-to-prison/922126.md?page=3)