Hydrogen fuel cell-electric truck startup Nikola Motor Company has announced that it's going to build a $US1billion factory in Arizona.

The company, which says it now has orders for 8000 of its Nikola One and Nikola Two tractor units, says it will build a 93,000-square-metre (one million square foot) zero emissions factory on a 200-hectare site near Phoenix.

Building of the plant will begin in 2019, said Nikola chief executive Trevor Milton in a joint announcement with Arizona Governor Doug Ducey.

They said that the factory will create 2000 jobs and bring more than $1billion in capital investment to the region by 2024.

"This incredible new technology will revolutionise transportation, and we're very proud it will be engineered right here in Arizona," Ducey said.

Nikola's "selection of Arizona demonstrates that we are leading the charge when it comes to attracting innovative, industry-disrupting companies."

Nikola says its electric trucks will be able to run up to 2000 kilometres (1200 miles) between refuelling stops, thanks to the hydrogen fuel cells that produce electricity.

The company plans to lease its trucks to customers, supplying hydrogen as part of the lease cost, through a nationwide network of 376 hydrogen fuelling stations….which it hasn't yet begun to build.

Huge transport operator and supply chain management company Ryder System Inc. has said it will be Nikola's exclusive provider for distribution and maintenance across USA.

Nikola says its trucks will have 320 kWh battery packs, capable of producing the equivalent of 1000 horsepower and 2000 lb ft of torque and running at 110km/h with a typical US semi-trailer loading.

It has partnered with Bosch in developing the powertrain systems for the Nikola trucks, including an eAxle housing an electric motor, transmission and electronics.

Swedish fuel cell developer PowerCell AB is providing the fuel cell stacks that produce electricity from hydrogen.

Nikola says it plans to field test its Nikola Two day-cab prototypes this year, with in-operation testing with transport operators to follow. Testing of the Nikola One sleeper cab tractor unit will follow.