Nikola (0A3R) 424B5 Prospectus supplement for primary offering

Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration No. 333-264068

The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. Neither we nor the selling stockholders may sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION — DATED DECEMBER 6, 2023

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

(To Prospectus dated April 14, 2022)

Nikola Corporation

$100,000,000 of Shares of Common Stock

We are offering $100,000,000 of shares of our common stock, $0.0001 par value per share, pursuant to a public offering. In addition, we have granted the underwriters an option to purchase up to $15,000,000 of additional shares of common stock solely to cover over-allotments.

Concurrently with this offering, we are offering, pursuant to a separate prospectus supplement,    % green convertible senior notes due 2026, which we refer to as the convertible notes, in an aggregate principal amount of $200,000,000, plus up to an additional $30,000,000 aggregate principal amount of convertible notes that the underwriters of the concurrent offering have the option to purchase from us. The completion of this offering is not contingent on the completion of the concurrent offering, and the completion of the concurrent offering is not contingent on the completion of this offering. See “Concurrent Offering” beginning on page S-25.

Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, or Nasdaq, under the symbol “NKLA.” On December 5, 2023, the last reported sale price of our common stock on Nasdaq was $0.97 per share.

	Per Share of Common Stock	Total
Public offering price	$	$
Underwriting discounts and commissions(1)	$	$
Proceeds, before expenses, to us(2)	$	$

(1) We refer you to “Underwriting” beginning on page S-26 of this prospectus supplement for additional information regarding underwriting compensation.

(2) The figures above do not include proceeds or fees related to the concurrent offering.

Investing in our common stock involves risks that are described in the “Risk Factors” section beginning on page S-5 of this prospectus supplement and any risk factors that are included in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, that are incorporated by reference herein.

Neither the SEC nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The underwriters expect to deliver the shares in the public offering to purchasers on or about                 , 2023.

Book-Running Managers

BTIG Baird Bryan, Garnier & Co. Wolfe | Nomura Alliance

Prospectus Supplement dated                 , 2023.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Prospectus Supplement	Page
About This Prospectus Supplement	S-1
Prospectus Supplement Summary	S-2
The Offering	S-3
Risk Factors	S-5
Forward-Looking Statements	S-9
Use of Proceeds	S-12
Description of Common Stock	S-13
Capitalization	S-17
Dilution	S-19
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations to Non-U.S. Holders	S-21
Concurrent Offering	S-25
Underwriting	S-26
Legal Matters	S-34
Experts	S-34
Where You Can Find More Information	S-34

Prospectus	Page
About This Prospectus	1
Risk Factors	2
Nikola Corporation	3
Forward-Looking Statements	4
Use of Proceeds	5
Description of Debt Securities	6
Description of Capital Stock	12
Description of Depository Shares	17
Description of Warrants	19
Description of Rights	21
Forms of Securities	22
Plan of Distribution	24
Legal Matters	26
Experts	26
Change in Auditor	26
Where You Can Find More Information	28

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

This document contains two parts. The first part is this prospectus supplement, which describes the specific terms of the public offering and also supplements and updates information contained in the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. The second part is the accompanying prospectus, which provides more general information, some of which may not apply to the public offering. If the information contained in this prospectus supplement differs or varies from the information contained in the accompanying prospectus, you should rely on the information set forth in this prospectus supplement.

Neither we nor the underwriters have authorized anyone else to provide you with information that is in addition to or different from that contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, along with the information contained in any permitted free writing prospectuses we have authorized for use in connection with the public offering. Neither we nor the underwriters take responsibility for, or provides assurances as to, the reliability of any other information that others may give you.

We are offering to sell, and seeking offers to buy, shares of our common stock with respect to the public offering only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus supplement or the date of the accompanying prospectus, and the information in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is accurate only as of the date of those respective documents, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus or of any sale of our common stock. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates. It is important for you to read and consider all information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus in making your investment decision. You should read both this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, as well as the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and the additional information described under “Where You Can Find More Information” in this prospectus supplement and in the accompanying prospectus, before investing in our common stock.

This prospectus supplement contains summaries of certain provisions contained in some of the documents described herein, but reference is made to the actual documents for complete information. All of the summaries are qualified in their entirety by the actual documents. Copies of some of the documents referred to herein have been filed, will be filed or will be incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus supplement is a part, and you may obtain copies of those documents as described below under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”

Unless the context indicates otherwise, references in this prospectus supplement to the “company,” “Nikola,” “we,” “us,” “our” and similar terms refer to Nikola Corporation (f/k/a VectoIQ Acquisition Corp.) and its consolidated subsidiaries.

Nikola and the Nikola logo are our trademarks. This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may also contain trademarks and trade names that are the property of their respective owners.

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PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY

This summary highlights certain information contained in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus about us and the public offering. Because it is a summary, it does not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing. Before investing in our common stock, you should read this entire prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus carefully, including the “Risk Factors” section beginning on page S-5 herein and in the accompanying prospectus, and the documents we have incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, along with the financial statements and accompanying notes incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

Our Company

We are a technology innovator and integrator, working to develop innovative energy and transportation solutions. We are pioneering a business model that is intended to enable corporate customers to integrate next generation truck technology, hydrogen fueling and charging infrastructure, and related maintenance. By creating this ecosystem, we and our strategic business partners and suppliers expect to build a long-term competitive advantage for clean technology vehicles and next generation fueling solutions.

We believe our expertise lies in design, innovation, software, and engineering. We assemble, integrate, and commission our vehicles in collaboration with our business partners and suppliers. Our approach has always been to leverage strategic partnerships to help lower cost, increase capital efficiency and accelerate speed to market.

As of November 2, 2023, together with our dealers, we have received non-binding customer orders for 277 hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks, from 35 customers.

Concurrent Offering

Concurrently with this offering, we are offering, pursuant to a separate prospectus supplement,    % green convertible senior notes due 2026, which we refer to as the convertible notes, in an aggregate principal amount of $200,000,000, plus up to an additional $30,000,000 aggregate principal amount of convertible notes that the underwriters of the concurrent offering have the option to purchase from us. The completion of this offering is not contingent on the completion of the concurrent offering, and the completion of the concurrent offering is not contingent on the completion of this offering. Accordingly, you should not assume that the concurrent offering will be consummated on the terms described in this prospectus supplement, if at all. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, any of the convertible notes, or the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the convertible notes, we are offering in the concurrent offering. See “Concurrent Offering.”

Corporate Information

We are a Delaware corporation and were incorporated as VectoIQ Acquisition Corp., or VectoIQ, in January 2018. On June 3, 2020, VectoIQ consummated a business combination with Nikola Corporation, a Delaware corporation, or Legacy Nikola, and, in connection therewith, (i) VectoIQ’s wholly-owned subsidiary merged with and into Legacy Nikola, whereby Legacy Nikola survived the merger and was deemed the accounting predecessor of the merger and became the successor registrant for SEC purposes and (ii) we changed our name to “Nikola Corporation.” Upon consummation of the foregoing transactions, Legacy Nikola became our wholly-owned subsidiary.

Our principal executive offices are located at 4141 E Broadway Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85040. Our telephone number is (480) 666-1038. Our website address is www.nikolamotor.com. Information contained on our website or connected thereto does not constitute part of, and is not incorporated by reference into, this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus.

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THE OFFERING

Common stock offered by us                     shares. In addition, we have granted the underwriters an option to purchase up to an additional $15,000,000 of additional shares of common stock solely to cover over-allotments.

Common stock to be outstanding immediately after the public offering                     shares, assuming the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase up to an additional $15,000,000 of additional shares of common stock.

Concurrent offering Concurrently with this offering, we are offering, pursuant to a separate prospectus supplement,        % green convertible senior notes due 2026, which we refer to as the convertible notes, in an aggregate principal amount of $200,000,000, plus up to an additional $30,000,000 aggregate principal amount of convertible notes that the underwriters of the concurrent offering have the option to purchase from us.

The completion of this offering is not contingent on the completion of the concurrent offering, and the completion of the concurrent offering is not contingent on the completion of this offering. Accordingly, you should not assume that the concurrent offering will be consummated on the terms described in this prospectus supplement, if at all. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, any of the convertible notes, or the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the convertible notes, we are offering in the concurrent offering. See “Concurrent Offering.”

Use of proceeds We estimate that the net proceeds to us from this offering will be approximately $        million (or approximately $        million if the underwriters fully exercise their option to purchase additional shares of common stock), after deducting the underwriters’ discounts and commissions and our estimated offering expenses. We currently intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for working capital and general corporate purposes. See “Use of Proceeds.”

Risk factors Investing in our common stock involves significant risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-5 of this prospectus supplement and in the documents incorporated by reference herein and in the accompanying prospectus for a discussion of factors you should consider carefully before deciding to invest in our common stock.

Nasdaq trading symbol “NKLA”

The number of shares of our common stock to be outstanding immediately after the public offering (assuming $100.0 million of shares of our common stock are sold in the public offering and no convertible notes in the concurrent offering are converted into shares of common stock) is based on 1,024,299,702 shares outstanding as of November 27, 2023 and excludes:

• 15,143,395 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options granted under Legacy Nikola’s 2017 Stock Option Plan, or the 2017 Option Plan, with a weighted-average exercise price of $1.39 per share;

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• 35,552,227 shares available for future issuance under our 2020 Stock Incentive Plan, or the 2020 Stock Plan;

• 4,000,000 shares available for future issuance under our 2020 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, or the 2020 ESPP;

• 16,751,362 shares underlying restricted stock units, or RSUs, granted pursuant to the 2020 Stock Plan;

• 464,248 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants to purchase common stock, with an exercise price of $11.50 per share;

• 376,935 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants to purchase common stock, with an exercise price of $96.96 per share;

• 250,416 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants to purchase common stock, with a weighted average exercise price of $39.68 per share;

• approximately 24,809,547 shares underlying our 8.00% / 11.00% convertible senior PIK toggle notes due 2026 and our 8.00% / 8.00% series C convertible senior PIK toggle notes due 2026, or collectively, the PIK Toggle Notes, and up to 5,338,301 shares underlying the maximum principal amount of notes potentially issuable as payment in kind, or PIK, interest payments on the PIK Toggle Notes;

• 6,845,977 shares related to our series A-2 senior convertible notes, or Series A-2 Notes; and

• up to 64,351 shares of stock available for future issuance under the Romeo 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan.

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RISK FACTORS

Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the risks described below and under the section titled “Risk Factors” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended by Amendment No. 1 to Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, any amendment or update thereto reflected in our subsequent filings with the SEC, and all of the other information in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and the documents that we have incorporated by reference herein and therein, including our financial statements and related notes incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. If any of these risks is realized, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be materially and adversely affected. In that event, the trading price of the notes and our common stock could decline and you could lose part or all of your investment. Additional risks and uncertainties that are not yet identified or that we currently think are immaterial may also materially harm our business and financial condition , results of operations and prospects and could result in a complete loss of your investment.

Risks Related to the Common Stock Offering

Purchasers in the public offering will experience immediate and substantial dilution in the book value of their investment.

Purchasers of our common stock in the public offering will experience immediate dilution in the net tangible book value of the common stock purchased in the public offering because the price per share of common stock in the public offering is substantially higher than the net tangible book value per share of our common stock outstanding immediately after the public offering. Based on an assumed public offering price of $0.97 per share, which is the last reported sale price of our common stock on Nasdaq on December 5, 2023, and after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, our adjusted net tangible book value as of September 30, 2023, would have been approximately $606.3 million, or approximately $0.55 per share of our common stock. As a result, if you purchase shares of common stock in the public offering, you would suffer immediate and substantial dilution of $0.42 per share with respect to the net tangible book value of the common stock. See “Dilution” in this prospectus supplement for a detailed discussion of the dilution you will incur if you purchase shares in the public offering.

We will have broad discretion in how we use the net proceeds of the public offering and, if consummated, the concurrent offering. We may not use these proceeds effectively, which could affect our results of operations and cause our stock price to decline.

Although we currently intend to use the net proceeds from the public offering in the manner described in the section entitled “Use of Proceeds” in this prospectus supplement, we will have considerable discretion in the application of the net proceeds of the public offering and the concurrent offering. We may use the net proceeds for purposes that do not yield a significant return or any return at all for our stockholders. In addition, pending their use, we may invest the net proceeds from the public offering in a manner that does not produce income or that loses value. If we do not invest or apply the net proceeds from the public offering in ways that enhance stockholder value, we may fail to achieve expected financial results, which could cause our stock price to decline.

If we raise additional capital in the future, your ownership in us could be diluted.

Any issuance of equity we may undertake in the future to raise additional capital could cause the price of our common stock to decline, or require us to issue shares at a price that is lower than that paid by holders of our common stock in the past, which would result in those newly issued shares being dilutive. If we obtain funds through a credit facility or through the issuance of debt or preferred securities, these securities would likely have rights senior to your rights as a stockholder, which could impair the value of our common stock.

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We have never paid dividends on our capital stock, and we do not anticipate paying dividends in the foreseeable future.

We have never paid dividends on any of our capital stock and currently intend to retain any future earnings to fund the growth of our business. Any determination to pay dividends in the future will be at the discretion of our board of directors, and will depend on our financial condition, operating results, capital requirements, general business conditions and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant. As a result, capital appreciation, if any, of our common stock will be the sole source of gain for the foreseeable future.

Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market or conversion of convertible notes sold in the concurrent offering, if consummated, and other issuances of equity or equity-linked securities by us, could cause the price of our common stock to decline.

Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock or securities convertible into shares of our common stock in the public market, including the sale of convertible notes in the concurrent offering, or the perception that these sales might occur could depress the market price of our common stock and could impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional equity securities. We are unable to predict the effect that sales may have on the prevailing market price of our common stock. In addition, the sale of substantial amounts of our common stock could adversely impact its price. As of November 27, 2023, we had outstanding 1,024,299,702 shares of common stock, options to purchase 15,143,395 shares of common stock, warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,091,599 shares of common stock, and 16,751,362 shares of common stock underlying RSUs granted pursuant to the 2020 Stock Plan. We also had up to 24,809,547 shares of common stock underlying the PIK Toggle Notes, up to 5,338,301 shares underlying the maximum principal amount of notes potentially issuable as PIK interest payments on the PIK Toggle Notes, 6,845,977 shares of common stock related to the Series A-2 Notes and up to 64,351 shares of common stock available for future issuance under the Romeo 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan. All of these shares of our common stock are freely transferable, subject to in certain cases compliance with Rule 144 by affiliates. We have also registered the offer and sale of shares of our common stock that we have issued and may in the future issue under our employee equity incentive plans. In addition, we may issue additional shares pursuant to our amended and restated equity distribution agreement with Citigroup Global Markets Inc., dated August 4, 2023, and pursuant to the conversion of notes that may be issued pursuant to our securities and purchase agreement, dated August 21, 2023. These shares may be sold freely in the public market upon issuance, subject to relevant vesting schedules, and applicable securities laws. In addition, we have in the past issued and may in the future issue equity securities as consideration for various types of corporate transactions, including acquisitions, strategic partnerships and licensing transactions, which results in dilution to our existing stockholders and may result in additional sales of our common stock. Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market or the perception that these sales might occur could depress the market price of our common stock and could impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional equity securities. We are unable to predict the effect that sales may have on the prevailing market price of our common stock. In addition, the sale of substantial amounts of our common stock could adversely impact the trading price of our common stock.

Risks Related to the Concurrent Offering

The issuance of shares of our common stock upon conversion of the convertible notes will dilute the ownership interests of our stockholders and could depress the trading price of our common stock.

We must settle conversions of the convertible notes being offered in the concurrent offering in shares of our common stock (together with cash in lieu of issuing any fractional share) together with a cash payment representing the present value of remaining coupon payments on the converted notes. The issuance of shares of our common stock upon conversion of the convertible notes will dilute the ownership interests of our stockholders, which could depress the trading price of our common stock. In addition, the market’s expectation that conversions may occur could depress the trading price of our common stock even in the absence of actual conversions. Moreover, the expectation of conversions could encourage the short selling of our common stock, which could place further downward pressure on the trading price of our common stock.

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Hedging activity by investors in the convertible notes could depress the trading price of our common stock.

We expect that many investors in the convertible notes being offered in the concurrent offering, including potential purchasers of the convertible notes following the concurrent offering, will seek to employ a convertible note arbitrage strategy. Under this strategy, investors typically short sell a certain number of shares of our common stock and adjust their short position over time while they continue to hold the convertible notes. Investors may also implement this type of strategy by entering into swaps on our common stock in lieu of, or in addition to, short selling shares of our common stock. This market activity, or the market’s perception that it will occur, could depress the trading price of our common stock.

Provisions in the indenture governing the convertible notes could delay or prevent an otherwise beneficial takeover of us.

Certain provisions in the convertible notes and the indenture governing the convertible notes could make a third party attempt to acquire us more difficult or expensive. For example, if a takeover constitutes a “fundamental change” (which will be defined in the indenture to include certain change-of-control events and the delisting of our common stock), then noteholders will have the right to require us to repurchase their convertible notes for cash. In addition, if a takeover constitutes a “make-whole fundamental change” (which will be defined in the indenture to include fundamental changes and certain additional business combination transactions), then we may be required to temporarily increase the conversion rate for the convertible notes. In either case, and in other cases, our obligations under the convertible notes and the indenture could increase the cost of acquiring us or otherwise discourage a third party from acquiring us or removing incumbent management, including in a transaction that holders of our common stock may view as favorable.

We may be unable to raise the funds necessary to repurchase the convertible notes for cash following a fundamental change, and our other indebtedness may limit our ability to repurchase the convertible notes.

Noteholders may, subject to a limited exception, require us to repurchase their convertible notes following a “fundamental change” (which will be defined in the indenture governing the convertible notes to include certain change-of-control events and the delisting of our common stock) at a cash repurchase price generally equal to the principal amount of the convertible notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. We may not have enough available cash or be able to obtain financing at the time we are required to repurchase the convertible notes. In addition, applicable law, regulatory authorities and the agreements governing our other indebtedness may restrict our ability to repurchase the convertible notes. Our failure to repurchase convertible notes when required will constitute a default under the indenture governing the convertible notes. A default under the indenture or the fundamental change itself could also lead to a default under agreements governing our other indebtedness, which may result in that other indebtedness becoming immediately payable in full. We may not have sufficient funds to satisfy all amounts due under the other indebtedness and the convertible notes.

The indenture governing the convertible notes will not restrict us from incurring additional indebtedness, and the incurrence of the convertible notes and any additional indebtedness could limit the cash flow available for our operations, expose us to risks that could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

As of September 30, 2023, we had approximately $271.5 million of consolidated indebtedness, including finance lease liabilities and financing obligations. We will incur $200.0 million (or, if the underwriters of the concurrent offering fully exercise their option to purchase additional convertible notes, $230.0 million) principal amount of additional indebtedness as a result of the concurrent offering. The indenture for the convertible notes will not contain any meaningful restrictive covenants and will not prohibit us or our subsidiaries from incurring additional indebtedness in the future. Accordingly, we may incur a significant amount of additional indebtedness following the concurrent offering, if it is completed. The incurrence of indebtedness could have significant negative consequences for our stockholders and our business, results of operations and financial condition by, among other things:

• increasing our vulnerability to adverse economic and industry conditions;

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• limiting our ability to obtain additional financing;

• requiring the dedication of a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to service our indebtedness, which will reduce the amount of cash available for other purposes;

• limiting our flexibility to plan for, or react to, changes in our business;

• diluting the interests of our existing stockholders as a result of issuing shares of our common stock upon conversion of the convertible notes; and

• placing us at a possible competitive disadvantage with competitors that are less leveraged than us or have better access to capital.

Our business may not generate sufficient funds, and we may otherwise be unable to maintain sufficient cash reserves, to pay amounts due under our indebtedness, and our cash needs may increase in the future. In addition, our existing PIK Toggle Notes contain certain restrictive covenants on the incurrence of secured debt over $500.0 million, and any future indebtedness that we may incur may contain financial and other restrictive covenants that limit our ability to operate our business, raise capital or make payments under our other indebtedness. If we fail to comply with these covenants or to make payments under our indebtedness when due, then we would be in default under that indebtedness, which could, in turn, result in that and our other indebtedness becoming immediately payable in full.

The accounting method for the convertible notes could adversely affect our reported financial results.

The accounting method for reflecting the shares of our common stock underlying the convertible notes in our reported diluted earnings per share may adversely affect our reported earnings and financial condition. We expect that, under applicable accounting principles, the shares underlying the convertible notes will be reflected in our diluted earnings per share using the “if-converted” method. Under that method, diluted earnings per share would generally be calculated assuming that all the convertible notes were converted into shares of common stock at the beginning of the reporting period, unless the result would be anti-dilutive. The application of the if-converted method may reduce our reported diluted earnings per share.

In addition, there may be embedded features within the convertible notes that under applicable accounting standards could require us to separately account for the features as an embedded derivative. Under this treatment, the embedded derivative would be measured at its fair value and accounted for separately as a liability that would be marked-to-market at the end of each reporting period. The initial value allocated to an embedded derivative would be treated as a debt discount that is amortized into interest expense over the term of the notes. For each financial statement period after the issuance of the notes, a gain or loss would be reported in our statement of operations to the extent the valuation of the embedded derivative changes from the previous period. This accounting treatment would subject our reported net income (loss) to significant non-cash volatility.

In addition, as a result of the amortization of the debt discount, the interest expense associated with the convertible notes would be greater than the coupon rate on the convertible notes, which would result in lower reported net income or higher reported net loss.

We have not reached a final determination regarding the accounting treatment for the convertible notes, and the description above is preliminary. Accordingly, we may account for the convertible notes in a manner that is significantly different than described above.

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents we have filed with the SEC that are incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements relate to future periods, future events or our future operating or financial plans or performance. When used in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated herein and therein by reference, words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “plan,” “predict,” “potential,” “target,” “goal,” “strategy,” “seem,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward looking statements. These are statements that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

• statements regarding the company’s expectations regarding its business and the potential benefits received from the planned integrated offering of trucks and fueling solutions, including the Tre fuel cell electric trucks and mobile fuelers, and its belief that its integrated fueling and charging systems will create competitive benefits;

• the potential benefits received from the company’s hydrogen production, offtake, distribution and dispensing plans;

• the expected performance and specifications of company vehicles and hydrogen production, distribution and fueling solutions; the benefits and attributes of the company’s business model and strategy;

• the benefits and attributes of the company’s business model and strategy;

• the company’s expectations for its trucks and market acceptance of electric trucks;

• expected benefits of the company’s strategic partnerships;

• the company’s plans with respect to its potential leasing arrangements;

• the company’s plans with respect to its maintenance and service program;

• our future capital requirements and ability to raise capital;

• expected uses of our common stock;

• beliefs regarding our competitive position;

• market opportunity;

• expectations regarding expense levels;

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• expected scope, costs and timing related to the battery-electric truck recall, including the nature of the repairs, expected costs to repair the vehicles and timing of such expenses, and any potential offsets, timing of battery replacement and truck deliveries;

• our financial and business performance;

• expected timing with respect to the build out of our manufacturing facility, and production and attributes of our fuel cell electric trucks and battery electric trucks;

• expectations regarding our hydrogen fuel station rollout plan;

• timing of completion of validation testing, volume production and other milestones;

• changes in our strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects and plans;

• the execution of definitive agreements with our business partners and the success of our planned collaborations;

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• the failure to convert LOIs or MOUs into binding orders;

• the cancellation of orders;

• our future capital requirements and sources and uses of cash;

• costs of capital;

• the outcome of investigations, litigation, complaints, product liability claims and/or adverse publicity;

• the implementation, market acceptance and success of our business model;

• developments relating to our competitors and industry;

• the impact of health epidemics on our business and the actions we may take in response thereto;

• our expectations regarding our ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection and not infringe on the rights of others;

• our ability to obtain funding for our operations and planned operations;

• the impact of inflation on our business; our business, expansion plans and opportunities;

• our business, expansion plans and opportunities;

• our ability to achieve cost reductions for our vehicles; customer demand for our trucks;

• assumptions regarding our recall campaign;

• the continued availability of government incentives;

• changes in applicable laws or regulations; and

• anticipated trends and challenges in our business and the markets in which we operate.

These statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or otherwise implied by the forward-looking statements, including the following:

• our ability to execute our business model, including market acceptance of our products and planned services;

• changes in applicable laws or regulations;

• risks associated with the outcome of any legal, regulatory, or judicial proceedings;

• the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business;

• our ability to raise capital;

• our ability to compete;

• our ability to service or repay our debt;

• the success of our business collaborations;

• regulatory developments;

• the possibility that we may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors;

• risks related to the recall, including higher than expected costs, the discovery of additional problems, delays retrofitting the trucks and delivering such trucks to customers, supply chain and other issues that may create additional delays, order cancellations as a result of the recall, litigation, complaints and/or product liability claims, and reputational harm;

• our history of operating losses; and

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• other risks and uncertainties described in the registration statement of which this prospectus supplement forms a part, including those under the section entitled “Risk Factors” and those incorporated by reference herein.

Given these risks and uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Additional cautionary statements or discussions of risks and uncertainties that could affect our results or the achievement of the expectations described in forward-looking statements may also be contained in the documents we incorporate by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

These forward-looking statements made by us in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any of the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus speak only as of the date of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law or regulation. You should, however, review additional disclosures we make in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC and incorporated herein by reference.

You should read this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents that we incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus completely and with the understanding that our actual future results, levels of activity and performance as well as other events and circumstances may be materially different from what we expect. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.

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USE OF PROCEEDS

We estimate that the net proceeds to us from this offering will be approximately $                million (or approximately $                million if the underwriters fully exercise their option to purchase additional shares of common stock), after deducting the underwriters’ discounts and commissions and our estimated offering expenses. We currently intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for working capital and general corporate purposes.

We currently intend to use the net proceeds from the public offering in the manner described above. Accordingly, we will retain broad discretion over the use of these proceeds. Pending application of the net proceeds as described above, we may invest the net proceeds in short- and intermediate-term, interest-bearing obligations, investment-grade instruments, certificates of deposit or direct or guaranteed obligations of the U.S. government.

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DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK

This section describes the general terms and provisions of the shares of our common stock. This description is only a summary. Our restated certificate of incorporation, or our Certificate of Incorporation, and our amended and restated bylaws, or our Bylaws, have been filed as exhibits to our periodic reports filed with the SEC, which are incorporated by reference into the prospectus and this prospectus supplement. You should read our Certificate of Incorporation and our Bylaws for additional information before you invest in our common stock. See “Where You Can Find More Information.”

Authorized and Outstanding Common Stock

Our Certificate of Incorporation authorizes the issuance of 1,600,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.0001 par value per share. As of November 27, 2023, there were 1,024,299,702 shares of common stock issued and outstanding, and as of November 27, 2023, there were 166 holders of record of our common stock. Because many of our shares of common stock are held by brokers and other nominees on behalf of stockholders, this number is not indicative of the total number of stockholders represented by these stockholders of record.

Common Stock

Voting Power

Except as otherwise required by law or as otherwise provided in any certificate of designation for any series of preferred stock, the holders of common stock possess all voting power for the election of our directors and all other matters requiring stockholder action. Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share on matters to be voted on by stockholders.

Dividends

Holders of outstanding shares of our common stock will be entitled to receive such dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by our board of directors in its discretion out of funds legally available therefor. In no event will any stock dividends or stock splits or combinations of stock be declared or made on common stock unless the shares of common stock at the time outstanding are treated equally and identically. We have not paid any cash dividends to date. We may retain future earnings, if any, for future operations, expansion and debt repayment and have no current plans to pay cash dividends for the foreseeable future. Any decision to declare and pay dividends in the future will be made at the discretion of the board and will depend on, among other things, our results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors that the board may deem relevant. In addition, our ability to pay dividends may be limited by covenants of future outstanding indebtedness we or our subsidiaries incur.

Liquidation, Dissolution and Winding Up

In the event of our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, distribution of assets or winding-up, the holders of the common stock will be entitled to receive an equal amount per share of all of our assets of whatever kind available for distribution to stockholders, after the rights of the holders of the preferred stock have been satisfied.

Preemptive or Other Rights

Holders of our common stock have no preemptive, conversion or other subscription rights, and there are no sinking fund or redemption provisions applicable to our common stock.

Election of Directors

Our board of directors is divided into three classes, each of which will generally serve for a term of three years with only one class of directors being elected in each year. There is no cumulative voting with respect to

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the election of directors, with the result that the holders of more than 50% of the shares voted for the election of directors can elect all of the directors.

Registration Rights

On June 3, 2020, we entered into a Registration Rights and Lock-Up Agreement with certain of our stockholders, or the Holders. Pursuant to the terms of the Registration Rights and Lock-Up Agreement, subject to certain requirements and customary conditions, including with regard to the number of demand rights that may be exercised, the Holders may demand at any time or from time to time, that the Company file a registration statement on Form S-3 (or on Form S-1 if Form S-3 is not available) to register the Company’s securities held by such Holders. The Registration Rights and Lock-Up Agreement will also provide the Holders with “piggy-back” registration rights, subject to certain requirements and customary conditions.

We generally must pay all expenses relating to any such registrations, other than underwriting discounts and selling commissions. The terms of the registration rights are specified in the relevant registration rights agreement.

Certain Provisions of Delaware Law and Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws

Certain provisions of Delaware law, our Certificate of Incorporation and our Bylaws, described below, may have the effect of delaying, deferring or discouraging another party from acquiring control of us.

Special Meetings of Stockholders

Our Certificate of Incorporation provides that special meetings of our stockholders may be called by such persons as provided in our Bylaws. Our Bylaws provide that special meetings of our stockholders may be called only by (i) a majority vote of our board of directors, (ii) our Secretary, at the request of the Chairman of our board, (iii) our executive chairman, or (iv) the vote of the stockholders owning not less than 25% of our issued and outstanding stock; provided that our board of directors approves such stockholder request for a special meeting.

Advance Notice Requirements for Stockholder Proposals and Director Nominations

Our Bylaws provide that stockholders seeking to bring business before our annual meeting of stockholders, or to nominate candidates for election as directors at our annual meeting of stockholders, must provide timely notice of their intent in writing. To be timely under our Bylaws, a stockholder’s notice will need to be received by the company secretary at our principal executive offices not later than the close of business on the 90th day nor earlier than the open of business on the 120th day prior the anniversary of the date of our proxy statement provided in connection with the previous year’s annual meeting of stockholders; provided, however, that in the event that no annual meeting was held in the previous year or the annual meeting is called for a date that is more than 30 days before or after the anniversary date of the previous year’s annual meeting, notice by the stockholder must be received by the secretary no later than the close of business on the latter of the 90th day prior to such annual meeting and the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made. Our Certificate of Incorporation and our Bylaws specify certain requirements as to the form and content of a stockholders’ meeting. These provisions may preclude our stockholders from bringing matters before our annual meeting of stockholders or from making nominations for directors at our annual meeting of stockholders.

Authorized but Unissued Shares

Our authorized but unissued common stock and preferred stock are available for future issuances without stockholder approval and could be utilized for a variety of corporate purposes, including future offerings to raise

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additional capital, acquisitions and employee benefit plans. The existence of authorized but unissued and unreserved common stock and preferred stock could render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of us by means of a proxy contest, tender offer, merger or otherwise.

Exclusive Forum Selection

Our Certificate of Incorporation requires, to the fullest extent permitted by law, that derivative actions brought in our name, actions against directors, officers and employees for breach of fiduciary duty and other similar actions be brought in the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware or, if that court lacks subject matter jurisdiction, another federal or state court situated in the State of Delaware. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of our capital stock shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the forum provisions in our Certificate of Incorporation. Our Certificate of Incorporation also requires the federal district courts of the United States shall be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, and the stockholder bringing the suit will be deemed to have to service of process on such stockholder’s counsel. Although we believe these provisions benefit us by providing increased consistency in the application of Delaware law in the types of lawsuits to which it applies, a court may determine that these provisions are unenforceable, and to the extent they are enforceable, the provisions may have the effect of discouraging lawsuits against our directors and officers, although our stockholders will not be deemed to have waived our compliance with federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.

Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law

We are subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, or the DGCL, regulating corporate takeovers. In general, Section 203 prohibits a publicly-held Delaware corporation from engaging, under certain circumstances, in a business combination with an interested stockholder for a period of three years following the date that such stockholder became an interested stockholder unless:

• prior to the date of the transaction, the board of directors of the corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder; upon completion of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the voting stock outstanding, but not the outstanding voting stock owned by the interested stockholder, (1) shares owned by persons who are directors and also officers and (2) shares owned by employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or

• at or subsequent to the date of the transaction, the business combination is approved by the board of directors of the corporation and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock which is not owned by the interested stockholder.

Generally, Section 203 defines a “business combination” to include a merger, asset or stock sale, or other transaction resulting in a financial benefit to the “interested stockholder,” and an “interested stockholder” as a person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns or, within three years prior to the determination of interested stockholder status, did own 15% or more of a corporation’s outstanding voting stock. We expect the existence of this provision to have an anti-takeover effect with respect to transactions our board of directors does not approve in advance. We also anticipate that Section 203 may discourage business combinations or other attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for the shares of common stock held by our stockholders. A Delaware corporation may opt out of these provisions either with an express provision in its original certificate of incorporation or in an amendment to its certificate of incorporation or bylaws approved by its stockholders. However, we have not opted out, and do not currently intend to opt out of, these provisions.

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Certain of the provisions of the DGCL, our Certificate of Incorporation and our Bylaws could have the effect of discouraging others from attempting hostile takeovers and, as a consequence, they may also inhibit temporary fluctuations in the market price of our common stock that often result from actual or rumored hostile takeover attempts. These provisions may also have the effect of preventing changes in our management. It is possible that these provisions could make it more difficult to accomplish transactions that stockholders may otherwise deem to be in their best interests.

Limitation on Liability and Indemnification of Directors and Officers

Our Certificate of Incorporation limits our directors’ liability to the fullest extent permitted under the DGCL. The DGCL provides that directors of a corporation will not be personally liable for monetary damages for breach of their fiduciary duties as directors, except for liability:

• for any transaction from which the director derives an improper personal benefit;

• for any act or omission not in good faith or that involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;

• for any unlawful payment of dividends or redemption of shares; or

• for any breach of a director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders.

Delaware law and our Certificate of Incorporation provide that we will, in certain situations, indemnify our directors and officers and may indemnify other employees and other agents, to the fullest extent permitted by law. Any indemnified person is also entitled, subject to certain limitations, to advancement, direct payment, or reimbursement of reasonable expenses (including attorneys’ fees and disbursements) in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding.

In addition, we have entered into indemnification agreements with our directors and officers. These agreements, among other things, require us to indemnify our directors and officers for certain expenses, including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, and settlement amounts incurred by a director or officer in any action or proceeding arising out of their services as one of our directors or officers or any other company or enterprise to which the person provides services at our request.

We maintain a directors’ and officers’ insurance policy pursuant to which our directors and officers are insured against liability for actions taken in their capacities as directors and officers. We believe these provisions in our Certificate of Incorporation and our Bylaws and these indemnification agreements are necessary to attract and retain qualified persons as directors and officers.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers, or control persons, in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

Listing

Our common stock is traded on Nasdaq under the symbol “NKLA.”

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company.

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CAPITALIZATION

The following table presents our cash and cash equivalents and our capitalization as of September 30, 2023:

• on an actual basis;

• on an as adjusted basis to give effect to the issuance and sale of $100,000,000 of our common stock we are offering, after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and our estimated offering expenses; and

• on a pro forma as adjusted basis to give further effect to the issuance and sale of $200,000,000 aggregate principal amount of convertible notes in the concurrent offering, after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and our estimated offering expenses, assuming the concurrent offering is consummated.

The information in the table below is illustrative only, and our capitalization following the completion of this offering and the concurrent offering, if it is completed, will depend on the final terms of the offerings. Moreover, because the completion of this offering is not contingent on the completion of the concurrent offering, you should not assume that the concurrent offering, as reflected in the pro forma as adjusted column in the table below, will take place.

This table should be read in conjunction with the other information included or incorporated by reference this prospectus supplement, including our consolidated financial statements and related notes.

	As of September 30, 2023
	Actual			As adjusted			Pro forma as adjusted
	(In thousands, except share and per share data)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	362,850		$			$
Debt:
Collateralized note(1)	$	3,187		$	3,187		$	3,187
Insurance premium financing(1)		3,673		$	3,673		$	3,673
Series A-2 Notes(1)(2)		32,381			32,381			32,381
PIK Toggle Notes(3)(4)		132,605			132,605			132,605
% green convertible senior notes due 2026 we are offering pursuant to the concurrent offering(5)		—			—			200,000
Total debt(7)		171,846			171,846			371,846
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value per share; 150,000,000 shares authorized, no shares outstanding, actual, as adjusted and pro forma as adjusted		—			—			—
Common stock, $0.0001 par value per share; 1,600,000,000 shares authorized; 992,033,979 shares outstanding, actual;                  shares outstanding, as adjusted and pro forma as adjusted(6)		99
Additional paid-in capital		3,520,890
Accumulated deficit		(2,917,473	)		(2,917,473	)		(2,917,473	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		52			52			52
Total stockholders’ equity(5)		603,568
Total capitalization(5)	$	775,414		$			$

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(1) Reflects principal amount outstanding, without deduction for debt discounts or issuance costs.

(2) The holders of the remaining outstanding Series A-2 Notes exercised their conversion rights and converted their notes into 30,231,974 shares of our common stock.

(3) Consists of approximately $117.0 million principal amount of our convertible senior PIK toggle notes due 2026 that we issued in June 2022, or the June 2022 PIK Toggle Notes, and $11.0 million principal amount of our convertible senior PIK toggle notes due 2026 that we issued in June 2023, or the June 2023 PIK Toggle Notes and, together with the June 2022 PIK Toggle Notes, the PIK Toggle Notes, together with approximately $4.3 million and $0.2 million additional principal amount of June 2022 PIK Toggle Notes and June 2023 PIK Toggle Notes, respectively, that we accrued in connection with our expectation to elect to pay interest on the applicable series of PIK Toggle Notes in the form of additional PIK Toggle Notes, or PIK Interest.

(4) Reflects principal amount outstanding, plus accrued PIK interest, without deduction for debt discounts or issuance costs.

(5) The amounts shown in the table above for the convertible notes we are offering pursuant to the concurrent offering represent their principal amount. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to the Concurrent Offering—The accounting method for the convertible notes could adversely affect our reported financial results.”

(6) The number of shares of common stock included in the table above offering (assuming $100.0 million of shares of our common stock are sold in the public offering and no convertible notes in the concurrent offering are converted into shares of common stock) is based on 992,033,979 shares of common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2023, and excludes the following, in each case, as of such date:

• 15,158,448 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options granted under the 2017 Option Plan, with a weighted-average exercise price of $1.39 per share;

• 36,359,692 shares available for future issuance under the 2020 Stock Plan;

• 4,000,000 shares available for future issuance under the 2020 ESPP;

• 16,301,793 shares underlying restricted stock units, or RSUs, granted pursuant to the 2020 Stock Plan;

• 464,248 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants to purchase common stock, with an exercise price of $11.50 per share;

• 376,935 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants to purchase common stock, with an exercise price of $96.96 per share;

• 250,416 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants to purchase common stock, with a weighted-average exercise price of $39.68 per share;

• approximately 24,809,547 shares underlying the PIK Toggle Notes, and up to 5,338,301 shares underlying the maximum principal amount of notes potentially issuable as PIK interest payments on the PIK Toggle Notes;

• 37,077,951 shares related to the Series A-2 Notes; and

• up to 64,351 shares of stock available available for issuance under the Romeo 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan.

(7) Excludes finance lease liabilities and financing obligations.

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DILUTION

If you purchase our common stock in the public offering, your ownership interest will be immediately diluted to the extent of the difference between the public offering price per share and the net tangible book value per share of our common stock immediately after the public offering. Net tangible book value per share is determined by dividing the excess of our total tangible assets over our total liabilities by the number of shares of common stock outstanding.

Our net tangible book value as of September 30, 2023 was approximately $510.6 million, or approximately $0.51 per share, based on 992,033,979 shares of our common stock outstanding as of that date. After giving effect to the assumed sale by us of 103,092,783 shares of common stock by us at the assumed public offering price of $0.97 per share in this public offering, which is the last reported sale price of our common stock on Nasdaq on December 5, 2023, and assuming no convertible notes in the concurrent offering are converted into shares of common stock, and after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, our as adjusted net tangible book value as of as of September 30, 2023 would have been approximately $606.3 million, or approximately $0.55 per share. This represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of $0.04 per share to existing stockholders and immediate dilution of $0.42 per share to investors in the public offering, as illustrated by the following table:

Assumed public offering price per share			$	0.97
Net tangible book value per share as of September 30, 2023	$	0.51
Increase in net tangible book value per share attributable to investors purchasing shares in the public offering		0.04
As adjusted net tangible book value per share after giving effect to the public offering				0.55
Dilution per share to investors in the public offering			$	0.42

A $0.50 increase or decrease in the assumed public offering price of $0.97 per share, the last reported sale price of our common stock on Nasdaq on December 5, 2023, would increase or decrease our as adjusted net tangible book value by approximately $0.05 per share, and the dilution per share to investors in the public offering by approximately $0.45 per share, assuming that the number of shares offered by us, as set forth above, remains the same and after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. We may also increase or decrease the aggregate amount of the shares we are offering in the public offering. A 1.0 million share increase or decrease in the number of shares offered by us would not have a material impact on our as adjusted net tangible book value or the dilution per share to investors in this offering, assuming that the assumed public offering price of $0.97 per share remains the same and after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. The as adjusted information discussed above is illustrative only. Our net tangible book value following the completion of the public offering is subject to adjustment based on the actual public offering price of our shares and other terms of the public offering determined at pricing.

If the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase up to $15.0 million of additional shares from us at an assumed public offering price of $0.97 per share, the last reported sale price of our common stock on Nasdaq on December 5, 2023, the as adjusted net tangible book value per share after the public offering would be $0.56 per share, the increase in net tangible book value per share to existing stockholders would be $0.05 per share and the dilution to new investors purchasing shares in the public offering would be $0.41 per share. The foregoing tables and calculations (other than net tangible book value calculations) (assuming $100.0 million of shares of our common stock are sold in the public offering and no convertible notes in the concurrent offering are

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converted into shares of common stock) is based on 992,033,979 shares of common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2023, and excludes the following, in each case, as of such date:

• 15,158,448 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options granted under the 2017 Option Plan, with a weighted-average exercise price of $1.39 per share;

• 36,359,692 shares available for future issuance under the 2020 Stock Plan;

• 4,000,000 shares available for future issuance under the 2020 ESPP;

• 16,301,793 shares underlying restricted stock units, or RSUs, granted pursuant to the 2020 Stock Plan;

• 464,248 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants to purchase common stock, with an exercise price of $11.50 per share;

• 376,935 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants to purchase common stock, with an exercise price of $96.96 per share;

• 250,416 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants to purchase common stock, with a weighted average exercise price of $39.68 per share;

• approximately 24,809,547 shares underlying the PIK Toggle Notes, and up to 5,338,301 shares underlying the maximum principal amount of notes potentially issuable as PIK interest payments on the PIK Toggle Notes;

• 37,077,951 shares related to the Series A-2 Notes; and

• up to 64,351 of stock available for issuance under shares the Romeo 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan.

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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

TO NON-U.S. HOLDERS

The following is a general discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to non-U.S. holders (as defined herein) with respect to their ownership and disposition of shares of our common stock issued pursuant to the public offering. All prospective non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors with respect to the U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of our common stock. In general, a non-U.S. holder means a beneficial owner of our common stock (other than an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) that is not, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

• an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States;

• a corporation, or an entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, created or organized in the United States or under the laws of the United States or of any state thereof or the District of Columbia;

• an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source; or

• a trust if (1) a U.S. court can exercise primary supervision over the trust’s administration and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all of the trust’s substantial decisions or (2) the trust has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.

This discussion is based on current provisions of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which we refer to as the Code, existing U.S. Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, published administrative pronouncements and rulings of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, which we refer to as the IRS, and judicial decisions, all as in effect as of the date of this prospectus supplement. These authorities are subject to change and to differing interpretation, possibly with retroactive effect. Any change or differing interpretation could alter the tax consequences to non-U.S. holders described in this prospectus supplement.

We assume in this discussion that a non-U.S. holder holds shares of our common stock as a capital asset within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, for investment). This discussion does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to a particular non-U.S. holder in light of that non-U.S. holder’s individual circumstances, nor does it address any estate or gift tax consequences, or any aspects of U.S. state, local or non-U.S. taxes. This discussion also does not consider any specific facts or circumstances that may apply to a non-U.S. holder and does not address the special tax rules applicable to particular non-U.S. holders, such as corporations that accumulate earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax, tax-exempt organizations, banks, financial institutions, insurance companies, brokers, dealers or traders in securities, commodities or currencies, tax-qualified retirement plans, holders subject to the alternative minimum tax or the Medicare contribution tax on net investment income, holders that are subject to the special tax accounting rules of Section 451(b) of the Code, holders who hold or receive our common stock pursuant to the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation, holders holding our common stock as part of a hedge, straddle or other risk reduction strategy, conversion transaction or other integrated investment, holders deemed to sell our common stock under the constructive sale provisions of the Code, controlled foreign corporations, passive foreign investment companies and certain former U.S. citizens or long-term residents.

In addition, this discussion does not address the tax treatment of entities or arrangements that are treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes or partners in such partnerships. If an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, holds shares of our common stock, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner in such partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Such partners and partnerships should consult their tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of our common stock.

We have not obtained, nor do we intend to obtain, a ruling with respect to the U.S. federal income tax consequences to a non-U.S. holder of the purchase, ownership or disposition of our common stock and there can be no assurance that a court or the IRS will not take a contrary position to one or more of the tax consequences described herein.

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Distributions on Our Common Stock

Distributions, if any, on our common stock generally will constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent paid from our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. If a distribution exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits, the excess will be treated as a tax-free return of the non-U.S. holder’s investment, up to such holder’s adjusted tax basis in the common stock. Any remaining excess will be treated as capital gain from the sale or exchange of such common stock, subject to the tax treatment described below in “Gain on sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of our common stock.” Any such distribution also will be subject to the discussion below under the heading “FATCA withholding.”

Dividends paid to a non-U.S. holder generally will be subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a 30% rate of the gross amount of dividends or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty between the United States and such holder’s country of residence.

Dividends that are treated as effectively connected with a trade or business conducted by a non-U.S. holder within the United States and, if an applicable income tax treaty so provides, that are attributable to a permanent establishment or a fixed base maintained by the non-U.S. holder within the United States, generally are exempt from the 30% withholding tax if the non-U.S. holder satisfies applicable certification and disclosure requirements. However, such U.S. effectively connected income, net of specified deductions and credits, is taxed at the same U.S. federal income tax rates applicable to United States persons (as defined in the Code, which we refer to as U.S. persons). Any U.S. effectively connected income received by a non-U.S. holder that is a corporation may also, under certain circumstances, be subject to an additional “branch profits tax” at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty between the United States and such holder’s country of residence.

To claim a reduction of or exemption from withholding, a non-U.S. holder generally will be required to provide (a) a properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or successor form) and satisfy applicable certification and other requirements to claim the benefit of an applicable income tax treaty between the United States and such holder’s country of residence, or (b) a properly executed IRS Form W-8ECI stating that dividends are not subject to withholding because they are effectively connected with such non-U.S. holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States. Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding their entitlement to benefits under a relevant income tax treaty.

A non-U.S. holder that is eligible for a reduced rate of U.S. withholding tax under an income tax treaty may obtain a refund or credit of any excess amounts withheld by timely filing an appropriate claim for refund with the IRS.

Gain on Sale, Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of Our Common Stock

Subject to the discussion below regarding backup withholding and FATCA withholding, in general, a non-U.S. holder will not be subject to any U.S. federal income tax on any gain realized upon such holder’s sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of shares of our common stock unless:

• the gain is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the non-U.S. holder and, if an applicable income tax treaty so provides, is attributable to a permanent establishment or a fixed base maintained in the United States by such non-U.S. holder, in which case the non-U.S. holder generally will be taxed at the same U.S. federal income tax rates applicable to U.S. persons and, if the non-U.S. holder is a foreign corporation, the branch profits tax described above in “Distributions on our common stock” also may apply;

• the non-U.S. holder is a nonresident alien individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the disposition and certain other conditions are met, in which case the non-U.S. holder will be subject to a 30% tax (or such lower rate as may be specified by an

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applicable income tax treaty) on the gain derived from the disposition, which may be offset by U.S. source capital losses of the non-U.S. holder, if any (even though the individual is not considered a resident of the United States), provided that the non-U.S. holder has timely filed U.S. federal income tax returns with respect to such losses; or

• our common stock constitutes a U.S. real property interest because we are, or have been, at any time during the five-year period preceding such disposition (or the non-U.S. holder’s holding period, if shorter) a “U.S. real property holding corporation.” Generally, a corporation is a U.S. real property holding corporation only if the fair market value of its U.S. real property interests equals or exceeds 50% of the sum of the fair market value of its worldwide real property interests plus its other assets used or held for use in a trade or business. Although there can be no assurance, we do not believe that we are, and do not anticipate becoming, a U.S. real property holding corporation. Even if we are or become a U.S. real property holding corporation, provided that our common stock is regularly traded, as defined by applicable Treasury Regulations, on an established securities market, our common stock will be treated as a U.S. real property interest only with respect to a non-U.S. holder that holds more than 5% of our outstanding common stock, directly or indirectly, actually or constructively, during the shorter of the 5-year period ending on the date of the disposition or the period that the non-U.S. holder held our common stock. In such case, such non-U.S. holder generally will be taxed on its gain derived from the disposition at the same U.S. federal income tax rates applicable to U.S. persons. No assurance can be provided that our common stock will be or continue to be regularly traded on an established securities market for purposes of the rules described above.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

The gross amount of the distributions on our common stock paid to a non-U.S. holder (whether or not such distributions constitute dividends) and the tax withheld, if any, with respect to such distributions generally will be reported annually to the IRS and such holder. Non-U.S. holders will have to comply with specific certification procedures to establish that the holder is not a U.S. person in order to avoid backup withholding at the applicable rate with respect to dividends on our common stock. A non-U.S. holder generally will not be subject to U.S. backup withholding with respect to payments of dividends on our common stock if it certifies its non-U.S. status by providing a valid IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or successor form) or W-8ECI, or otherwise establishes an exemption; provided that the applicable withholding agent does not have actual knowledge or reason to know such non-U.S. holder is a U.S. person. Dividends paid to non-U.S. holders that are subject to the U.S. withholding tax, as described above in “Distributions on our common stock,” generally will be exempt from U.S. backup withholding.

Information reporting and backup withholding will generally apply to the proceeds of a disposition of our common stock by a non-U.S. holder effected by or through the U.S. office of any broker, U.S. or foreign, unless the holder certifies its status as a non-U.S. holder and satisfies certain other requirements, or otherwise establishes an exemption. Generally, information reporting and backup withholding will not apply to a payment of disposition proceeds to a non-U.S. holder where the transaction is effected outside the United States through a non-U.S. office of a broker. However, for information reporting purposes, dispositions effected through a non-U.S. office of a broker with substantial U.S. ownership or operations generally will be treated in a manner similar to dispositions effected through a U.S. office of a broker. Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the application of the information reporting and backup withholding rules to them.

Copies of information returns may be made available to the tax authorities of the country in which the non-U.S. holder resides or is incorporated under the provisions of a specific treaty or agreement.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from a payment to a non-U.S. holder may be allowed as a credit against the non-U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, and may entitle such holder to a refund, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

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FATCA Withholding

Sections 1471 to 1474 of the Code, U.S. Treasury Regulations and other applicable guidance, commonly referred to as “FATCA”, generally impose a U.S. federal withholding tax of 30% on dividends on stock in a U.S. corporation paid to (i) a “foreign financial institution” (as specifically defined for this purpose), unless such institution enters into an agreement with the U.S. government to, among other things, withhold on certain payments and to collect and provide to the U.S. tax authorities substantial information regarding U.S. account holders of such institution (which includes certain equity and debt holders of such institution, as well as certain account holders that are foreign entities with U.S. owners) or otherwise qualifies for an exemption from these rules, or (ii) a non-financial foreign entity (as defined in the Code), unless such entity provides the withholding agent with either a certification that it does not have any substantial direct or indirect U.S. owners or provides information regarding substantial direct and indirect U.S. owners of the entity, or otherwise qualifies for an exemption from these rules. Proposed Treasury Regulations (upon which taxpayers and withholding agents are entitled to rely) eliminate possible FATCA withholding on the gross proceeds from a sale or other disposition of our common stock. Under certain circumstances, a non-U.S. holder might be eligible for refunds or credits of such taxes. An intergovernmental agreement between the United States and an applicable foreign country may modify the requirements described in this paragraph.

Investors are encouraged to consult with their tax advisors regarding the implications of FATCA to their particular circumstances.

EACH PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR SHOULD CONSULT ITS TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE PARTICULAR U.S. FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL AND NON-U.S. TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF OUR COMMON STOCK, INCLUDING THE CONSEQUENCES OF ANY PROPOSED CHANGE IN APPLICABLE LAWS.

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CONCURRENT OFFERING

Concurrently with this offering, we are offering, pursuant to a separate prospectus supplement,     % green convertible senior notes due 2026, which we refer to as the convertible notes, in an aggregate principal amount of $200,000,000. We have granted the underwriters of the concurrent offering an option to purchase, for settlement within a period of 13 days from, and including, the date the convertible notes are first issued, up to an additional $30,000,000 principal amount of convertible notes solely to cover over-allotments. We estimate that the net proceeds to us from the concurrent offering, if it is consummated, will be approximately $     million (or approximately $     million if the underwriters of the concurrent offering fully exercise their option to purchase additional convertible notes), after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and our estimated offering expenses.

The completion of this offering is not contingent on the completion of the concurrent offering, and the completion of the concurrent offering is not contingent on the completion of this offering. Accordingly, you should not assume that the concurrent offering will be consummated on the terms described in this prospectus supplement, if at all, or that we will receive any additional proceeds from the concurrent offering. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, any of the convertible notes, or the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the convertible notes, we are offering in the concurrent offering.

The convertible notes will be our senior, unsecured obligations and will accrue interest at a rate of     % per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year, beginning on June 15, 2024. The convertible notes will mature on December 15, 2026, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted. At any time before the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately before the maturity date, noteholders may convert their convertible notes at their option. We will settle conversions by delivering (i) shares of our common stock (together, if applicable, with cash in lieu of any fractional share) at the then-applicable conversion rate; and (ii) a cash amount representing the present value of remaining scheduled coupon payments on the converted convertible notes, which we refer to as the coupon make-whole premium. The initial conversion rate is                  shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of convertible notes, which represents an initial conversion price of approximately $     per share of common stock. The conversion rate and conversion price will be subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events. If a “make-whole fundamental change” (which will be defined in the indenture governing the convertible notes to include certain business combination transactions involving us and the delisting of our common stock) occurs, then we will in certain circumstances increase the conversion rate for a specified period of time.

The convertible notes will be redeemable, in whole or in part (subject to certain limitations described below), for cash at our option at any time, and from time to time, on or after December 15, 2025, but only if the last reported sale price per share of our common stock exceeds 175% of the conversion price for a specified period of time. However, we may not redeem less than all of the outstanding convertible notes unless at least $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of convertible notes are outstanding and not called for redemption as of the time we send the related redemption notice. The redemption price will be equal to the principal amount of the convertible notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date.

If a “fundamental change” (which will be defined in the indenture governing the convertible notes to include certain change-of-control events and the delisting of our common stock) occurs, then, subject to a limited exception, noteholders may require us to repurchase their convertible notes for cash. The repurchase price will be equal to the principal amount of the convertible notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the applicable repurchase date.

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UNDERWRITING

BTIG, LLC is acting as representative of each of the underwriters named below. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in an underwriting agreement among us and the underwriters, we have agreed to sell to the underwriters, and each of the underwriters has agreed, severally and not jointly, to purchase from us the number of shares of common stock set forth opposite its name below.

Underwriter	Number of Shares
BTIG, LLC
Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated
Bryan, Garnier & Co. Limited
Nomura Securities International, Inc.
WR Securities, LLC
Total

Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the underwriting agreement, the underwriters have agreed, severally and not jointly, to purchase all of the shares sold under the underwriting agreement if any of these shares are purchased. If an underwriter defaults, the underwriting agreement provides that the purchase commitments of the non-defaulting underwriters may be increased or the underwriting agreement may be terminated. Certain of the underwriters may offer and sell the shares to the public through one or more of their respective affiliates or other registered broker-dealers or selling agents. Bryan, Garnier & Co. Limited is not a broker-dealer registered with the SEC and will only make sales of shares in the United States, or to nationals or residents of the United States (including its territories and possessions), through one or more SEC-registered broker-dealers or otherwise in compliance with applicable securities laws (including but not limited to Rule 15a-6 under the Exchange Act) and the rules of Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. “Wolfe | Nomura Alliance” is the marketing name used by Wolfe Research Securities and Nomura Securities International, Inc. in connection with certain equity capital markets activities conducted jointly by the firms. Both Nomura Securities International, Inc. and WR Securities, LLC are serving as underwriters in the offering described herein. In addition, WR Securities, LLC and certain of its affiliates may provide sales support services, investor feedback, investor education, and/or other independent equity research services in connection with this offering.

We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.

The underwriters are offering the shares, subject to prior sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by them, subject to approval of legal matters by their counsel, including the validity of the shares, and other conditions contained in the underwriting agreement, such as the receipt by the underwriters of officer’s certificates and legal opinions. The underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify offers to the public and to reject orders in whole or in part.

Option to Purchase Additional Shares

We have granted an option to the underwriters to purchase up to                  additional shares at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount. The underwriters may exercise this option for 30 days from the date of this prospectus supplement. If the underwriters exercise this option, each underwriter will be obligated, subject to conditions contained in the underwriting agreement, to purchase a number of additional shares proportionate to that underwriter’s initial amount reflected in the above table.

Commissions and Discounts

The representative has advised us that the underwriters propose initially to offer the shares to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and to dealers at that price less a

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concession not in excess of $     per share. After the initial offering, the public offering price, concession or any other term of the offering may be changed.

The following table shows the public offering price, underwriting discount and proceeds before expenses to us. The information assumes either no exercise or full exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares.

	Per Share		Without Option	With Option
Public offering price		%	$	$
Underwriting discounts and commissions		%	$	$
Proceeds, before expenses, to us		%	$	$

The total expenses of the offering, not including the underwriting discount, are estimated at $     and are payable by us. In connection with this offering and the concurrent offering, we have also agreed to reimburse the underwriters for certain of their expenses in an amount up to $185,000.

No Sales of Similar Securities

Pursuant to certain “lock-up” agreements, we and our executive officers and directors, have agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not to offer, sell, assign, transfer, pledge, contract to sell, or otherwise dispose of or announce the intention to otherwise dispose of, or enter into any swap, hedge or similar agreement or arrangement that transfers, in whole or in part, the economic consequence of ownership of, directly or indirectly, or make any demand or request or exercise any right with respect to the registration of, or file with the SEC a registration statement under the Securities Act relating to, any common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any common stock without the prior written consent of the representative for a period of 30 days after the date of the underwriting agreements.

This lock-up provision applies to common stock and to securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for common stock. It also applies to common stock owned now or acquired later by the person executing the agreement or for which the person executing the agreement later acquires the power of disposition. The exceptions to the lock-up for executive officers and directors are for: (a) the transfer of shares of common stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for common stock (i) as a bona fide gift to any member of the immediate family of the executive officer or director or to a trust formed for the benefit of an immediate family member, (ii) by will or intestate succession, or (iii) as a bona fide gift to a charity, non-profit organization or educational institution; (b) the exercise of options or warrants to purchase our common stock (including exercise on a “cashless” basis to the extent permitted by the instruments representing such options or warrants); (c) the establishment or modification of a trading plan pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act for the transfer of shares of common stock; (d) a transfer or sale of any shares pursuant to an existing Rule 10b5-1 plan; (e) transactions relating to shares of common stock or other securities acquired in open market transactions after the completion of the offerings; (f) a transfer in connection with a divorce settlement; (g) a transfer or disposition of any shares made to satisfy tax withholding obligations pursuant to the existing equity incentive plans or arrangements; and (h) a transfer in connection with a bona fide third-party tender offer, merger, stock sale, recapitalization, consolidation or other transaction approved by the board of directors; each of which is subject to certain conditions set forth in the lock-up agreements with the executive officers and directors. The exceptions to the lock-up for us are: (1) our sale of shares of common stock in this offering; (2) our issuance of stock options pursuant to existing option plans, employee benefit plans, or other employee compensation plans existing on the date hereof; (3) our issuance of common stock upon the exercise of options or warrants to purchase our common stock, or upon the conversion of convertible instruments, in each case outstanding as of the date of this prospectus supplement and described in this prospectus supplement; (4) our issuance of common stock upon conversion of the PIK Toggle Notes; and (5) our sale of the convertible notes issued in the concurrent offering (including any issuance of common stock upon conversion of such convertible notes).

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Nasdaq Listing

Our common stock is listed on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “NKLA.”

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company.

Price Stabilization, Short Positions

Until the distribution of the shares is completed, SEC rules may limit underwriters and selling group members from bidding for and purchasing our common stock. However, the representative may engage in transactions that stabilize the price of the common stock, such as bids or purchases to peg, fix or maintain that price.

In connection with the offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell our common stock in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, purchases on the open market to cover positions created by short sales and stabilizing transactions. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of shares than they are required to purchase in the offering. “Covered” short sales are sales made in an amount not greater than the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares described above. The underwriters may close out any covered short position by either exercising their option to purchase additional shares or purchasing shares in the open market. In determining the source of shares to close out the covered short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase shares through the option granted to them. “Naked” short sales are sales in excess of such option. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of our common stock in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of various bids for or purchases of shares of common stock made by the underwriters in the open market prior to the completion of the offering.

Similar to other purchase transactions, the underwriters’ purchases to cover the syndicate short sales may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of our common stock or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of our common stock. As a result, the price of our common stock may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market. The underwriters may conduct these transactions on Nasdaq, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.

Neither we nor any of the underwriters make any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of our common stock. The underwriters are not obliged to engage in these transactions or that these transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.

Passive Market Making

In connection with this offering, the underwriters and selling group members may engage in passive market making transactions in the common stock on Nasdaq in accordance with Rule 103 of Regulation M under the Exchange Act during a period before the commencement of offers or sales of common stock and extending through the completion of distribution. A passive market maker must display its bid at a price not in excess of the highest independent bid of that security. However, if all independent bids are lowered below the passive market maker’s bid, that bid must then be lowered when specified purchase limits are exceeded. Passive market making may cause the price of our common stock to be higher than the price that otherwise would exist in the open market in the absence of those transactions. The underwriters and dealers are not required to engage in passive market making and may end passive market making activities at any time.

Electronic Distribution

In connection with the offering, certain of the underwriters or securities dealers may distribute prospectuses by electronic means, such as e-mail.

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Other Relationships

Some of the underwriters and their respective affiliates have engaged in, and may in the future engage in, investment banking and other commercial dealings in the ordinary course of business with us or our affiliates. They have received, or may in the future receive, customary fees and commissions for these transactions. In addition, BTIG, LLC, Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated, Bryan, Garnier & Co. Limited, Nomura Securities International, Inc. and WR Securities, LLC are also acting as underwriters in the concurrent offering of the convertible notes, for which they will receive customary discounts and commissions if the concurrent offering is consummated.

In addition, in the ordinary course of their business activities, the underwriters and their respective affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers. Such investments and securities activities may involve securities or instruments of ours or our affiliates. The underwriters and their respective affiliates may also make investment recommendations or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or financial instruments and may hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long or short positions in such securities and instruments.

Foreign Jurisdictions

European Economic Area

In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area, or each, a Relevant State, no shares have been offered or will be offered pursuant to the offering to the public in that Relevant State prior to the publication of a prospectus in relation to the shares which has been approved by the competent authority in that Relevant State or, where appropriate, approved in another Relevant State and notified to the competent authority in that Relevant State, all in accordance with the Prospectus Regulation), except that offers of shares may be made to the public in that Relevant State at any time under the following exemptions under the Prospectus Regulation:

(a) to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined under the Prospectus Regulation;

(b) to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined under the Prospectus Regulation), subject to obtaining the prior consent of the relevant financial intermediary nominated by the issuers for any such offer; or

(c) in any other circumstances falling within Article 1(4) of the Prospectus Regulation,

provided that no such offer of shares shall require the Issuer or any Manager to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Regulation or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 23 of the Prospectus Regulation.

Each person in a Relevant State who initially acquires any shares or to whom any offer is made will be deemed to have represented, acknowledged and agreed to and with the Company and the Managers that it is a qualified investor within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation.

In the case of any shares being offered to a financial intermediary as that term is used in Article 5(1) of the Prospectus Regulation, each such financial intermediary will be deemed to have represented, acknowledged and agreed that the shares acquired by it in the offer have not been acquired on a non-discretionary basis on behalf of, nor have they been acquired with a view to their offer or resale to, persons in circumstances which may give rise to an offer to the public other than their offer or resale in a Relevant State to qualified investors, in circumstances in which the prior consent of the underwriters has been obtained to each such proposed offer or resale.

We, the underwriters and their affiliates will rely upon the truth and accuracy of the foregoing representations, acknowledgements and agreements.

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For the purposes of this provision, the expression an “offer to the public” in relation to any shares in any Relevant State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and any shares to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for any shares, and the expression “Prospectus Regulation” means Regulation (EU) 2017/1129.

The above selling restriction is in addition to any other selling restrictions set out below.

In connection with the offering, the underwriters are not acting for anyone other than the issuer and will not be responsible to anyone other than the issuer for providing the protections afforded to their clients nor for providing advice in relation to the offering.

United Kingdom

In relation to the United Kingdom, or UK, no shares have been offered or will be offered pursuant to the offering to the public in the UK prior to the publication of a prospectus in relation to the shares which has been approved by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK in accordance with the UK Prospectus Regulation and the FSMA, except that offers of shares may be made to the public in the UK at any time under the following exemptions under the UK Prospectus Regulation and the FSMA:

(a) to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined under the UK Prospectus Regulation;

(b) to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined under the UK Prospectus Regulation), subject to obtaining the prior consent of the underwriters for any such offer; or

(c) at any time in other circumstances falling within section 86 of the FSMA,

provided that no such offer of shares shall require the Issuer or any Manager to publish a prospectus pursuant to Section 85 of the FSMA or Article 3 of the UK Prospectus Regulation or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 23 of the UK Prospectus Regulation.

Each person in the UK who initially acquires any shares or to whom any offer is made will be deemed to have represented, acknowledged and agreed to and with the Company and the Managers that it is a qualified investor within the meaning of the UK Prospectus Regulation.

In the case of any shares being offered to a financial intermediary as that term is used in Article 5(1) of the UK Prospectus Regulation, each such financial intermediary will be deemed to have represented, acknowledged and agreed that the shares acquired by it in the offer have not been acquired on a non-discretionary basis on behalf of, nor have they been acquired with a view to their offer or resale to, persons in circumstances which may give rise to an offer to the public other than their offer or resale in the UK to qualified investors, in circumstances in which the prior consent of the underwriters has been obtained to each such proposed offer or resale.

We, the underwriters and their affiliates will rely upon the truth and accuracy of the foregoing representations, acknowledgements and agreements.

For the purposes of this provision, the expression an “offer to the public” in relation to any shares in the UK means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and any shares to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for any shares, the expression “UK Prospectus Regulation” means Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, and the expression “FSMA” means the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.

In connection with the offering, the underwriters are not acting for anyone other than the issuer and will not be responsible to anyone other than the issuer for providing the protections afforded to their clients nor for providing advice in relation to the offering.

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This document is for distribution only to persons who (i) have professional experience in matters relating to investments and who qualify as investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended, or Financial Promotion Order, (ii) are persons falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) (“high net worth companies, unincorporated associations etc.”) of the Financial Promotion Order, (iii) are outside the United Kingdom, or (iv) are persons to whom an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended, or FSMA) in connection with the issue or sale of any securities may otherwise lawfully be communicated or caused to be communicated (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”). This document is directed only at relevant persons and must not be acted on or relied on by persons who are not relevant persons. Any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to relevant persons and will be engaged in only with relevant persons.

Canada

The shares may be sold only to purchasers purchasing, or deemed to be purchasing, as principal that are accredited investors, as defined in National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions or subsection 73.3(1) of the Securities Act (Ontario), and are permitted clients, as defined in National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations. Any resale of the shares must be made in accordance with an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the prospectus requirements of applicable securities laws.

Securities legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if this prospectus supplement (including any amendment thereto) contains a misrepresentation, provided that the remedies for rescission or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory. The purchaser should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory for particulars of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.

Pursuant to section 3A.3 (or, in the case of securities issued or guaranteed by the government of a non-Canadian jurisdiction, section 3A.4) of National Instrument 33-105 Underwriting Conflicts (NI 33-105), the underwriters are not required to comply with the disclosure requirements of NI 33-105 regarding underwriter conflicts of interest in connection with this offering.

Switzerland

The shares may not be publicly offered in Switzerland and will not be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, or SIX, or on any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. This document has been prepared without regard to the disclosure standards for issuance prospectuses under art. 652a or art. 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or the disclosure standards for listing prospectuses under art. 27 ff. of the SIX Listing Rules or the listing rules of any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the shares or the offering may be publicly distributed or otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland.

Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the offering, the Company, the shares have been or will be filed with or approved by any Swiss regulatory authority. In particular, this document will not be filed with, and the offer of shares will not be supervised by, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA (FINMA), and the offer of shares has not been and will not be authorized under the Swiss Federal Act on Collective Investment Schemes, or CISA. The investor protection afforded to acquirers of interests in collective investment schemes under the CISA does not extend to acquirers of shares.

Australia

No placement document, prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document has been lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, or ASIC, in relation to the offering. This

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prospectus does not constitute a prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document under the Corporations Act 2001, or Corporations Act, and does not purport to include the information required for a prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document under the Corporations Act.

Any offer in Australia of the shares may only be made to persons, or Exempt Investors, who are “sophisticated investors” (within the meaning of section 708(8) of the Corporations Act), “professional investors” (within the meaning of section 708(11) of the Corporations Act) or otherwise pursuant to one or more exemptions contained in section 708 of the Corporations Act so that it is lawful to offer the shares without disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act.

The shares applied for by Exempt Investors in Australia must not be offered for sale in Australia in the period of 12 months after the date of allotment under the offering, except in circumstances where disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act would not be required pursuant to an exemption under section 708 of the Corporations Act or otherwise or where the offer is pursuant to a disclosure document which complies with Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act. Any person acquiring shares must observe such Australian on-sale restrictions.

This prospectus contains general information only and does not take account of the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person. It does not contain any securities recommendations or financial product advice. Before making an investment decision, investors need to consider whether the information in this prospectus is appropriate to their needs, objectives and circumstances, and, if necessary, seek expert advice on those matters.

Hong Kong

The shares have not been offered or sold and will not be offered or sold in Hong Kong, by means of any document, other than (a) to “professional investors” as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) of Hong Kong and any rules made under that Ordinance; or (b) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a “prospectus” as defined in the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32) of Hong Kong or which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of that Ordinance. No advertisement, invitation or document relating to the shares has been or may be issued or has been or may be in the possession of any person for the purposes of issue, whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere, which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public of Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to shares which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to “professional investors” as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance and any rules made under that Ordinance.

Japan

The shares have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan (Law No. 25 of 1948, as amended) and, accordingly, will not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in Japan, or for the benefit of any Japanese Person or to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to any Japanese Person, except in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and ministerial guidelines promulgated by relevant Japanese governmental or regulatory authorities in effect at the relevant time. For the purposes of this paragraph, “Japanese Person” shall mean any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan.

Singapore

This prospectus has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, the shares were not offered or sold or caused to be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase and will not be offered or sold or caused to be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or

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purchase, and this prospectus or any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the shares, has not been circulated or distributed, nor will it be circulated or distributed, whether directly or indirectly, to any person in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor (as defined in Section 4A of the Securities and Futures Act (Chapter 289) of Singapore, as modified or amended from time to time, or the SFA) pursuant to Section 274 of the SFA, (ii) to a relevant person (as defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA) pursuant to Section 275(1) of the SFA, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A) of the SFA, and in accordance with the conditions specified in Section 275 of the SFA, or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA.

Where the shares are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 of the SFA by a relevant person which is:

(a) a corporation (which is not an accredited investor (as defined in Section 4A of the SFA)) the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor; or

(b) a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary of the trust is an individual who is an accredited investor,

securities or securities-based derivatives contracts (each term as defined in Section 2(1) of the SFA) of that corporation or the beneficiaries’ rights and interest (howsoever described) in that trust shall not be transferred within six months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the shares pursuant to an offer made under Section 275 of the SFA except:

(a) to an institutional investor or to a relevant person, or to any person arising from an offer referred to in Section 275(1A) or Section 276(4)(i)(B) of the SFA;

(b) where no consideration is or will be given for the transfer;

(c) where the transfer is by operation of law; or

(d) as specified in Section 276(7) of the SFA.

Dubai International Financial Centre

This prospectus relates to an Exempt Offer in accordance with the Offered Securities Rules of the Dubai Financial Services Authority, or DFSA. This prospectus is intended for distribution only to persons of a type specified in the Offered Securities Rules of the DFSA. It must not be delivered to, or relied on by, any other person. The DFSA has no responsibility for reviewing or verifying any documents in connection with Exempt Offers. The DFSA has not approved this prospectus nor taken steps to verify the information set forth herein and has no responsibility for the prospectus. The shares to which this prospectus relates may be illiquid and/or subject to restrictions on their resale. Prospective purchasers of the shares offered should conduct their own due diligence on the shares. If you do not understand the contents of this prospectus you should consult an authorized financial advisor.

Israel

This document does not constitute a prospectus under the Israeli Securities Law, 5728-1968, and has not been filed with or approved by the Israel Securities Authority. In Israel, this prospectus supplement is being distributed only to, and is directed only at, qualified investors listed in the first addendum, or the Addendum, to the Israeli Securities Law. Qualified investors may be required to submit written confirmation that they fall within the scope of the Addendum.

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LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the common stock offered by this prospectus supplement will be passed upon for us by Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, Palo Alto, California. Latham & Watkins LLP, Los Angeles, California, is representing the underwriters in connection with this offering.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of Nikola Corporation incorporated by reference in Nikola Corporation’s Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2022, and the effectiveness of Nikola Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their reports thereon which contain an explanatory paragraph describing conditions that raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern as described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements further which conclude, among other things, that Nikola Corporation did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, based on Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), because of the effects of the material weakness described, and incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance upon the reports of such firm given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing. Such financial statements are, and audited financial statements to be included in subsequently filed documents will be, incorporated herein in reliance upon the reports of Ernst & Young LLP pertaining to such financial statements and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of the respective dates (to the extent covered by consents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission) given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

The financial statements of Romeo Power, Inc. as of December 31, 2021, and for the year then ended, incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement by reference to Nikola Corporation’s amended Current Report on Form 8-K/A dated November 28, 2022, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report. Such financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance upon the report of such firm given their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We have filed a registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC under the Securities Act. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are part of the registration statement, but the registration statement includes and incorporates by reference additional information and exhibits. We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. The SEC maintains a web site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding companies, such as ours, that file documents electronically with the SEC. The address of that site on the worldwide web is www.sec.gov.

The SEC permits us to “incorporate by reference” the information contained in documents we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents rather than by including them in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. Information that is incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and you should read it with the same care that you read this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. Later information that we file with the SEC will automatically update and supersede the information that is either contained, or incorporated by reference, in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, and will be considered to be a part of this prospectus supplement and the

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accompanying prospectus from the date those documents are filed. We have filed with the SEC, and incorporate by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus:

• our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, as amended on May  12, 2023 (with certain information in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations and Item 8. Financial Statements as amended by Exhibit 99.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 17, 2023);

• our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2023, June  30, 2023 and September 30, 2023;

• our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 17, 2022 (as amended on November  28, 2022, and further amended on March 24, 2023), February 22, 2023, March 16, 2023, March 20, 2023, March 28, 2023, March 30, 2023, March  31, 2023, April 4, 2023, April 14, 2023, April 28, 2023, May 9, 2023 (to the extent filed under Item 8.01), May 10, 2023, May 25, 2023, June 29, 2023, July 3, 2023 (as amended on July 7, 2023), August 4, 2023, August 4, 2023, August 17, 2023, August 18, 2023, August 21, 2023, September 1, 2023, September 19, 2023, September  21, 2023, September  22, 2023, October  24, 2023 and November 17, 2023;

• our definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on April 25, 2023 and all other filings under Section 14 of the Exchange Act after December 31, 2022; and

• the description of our common stock set forth in Exhibit 4.11 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 as amended on May 12, 2023, together with any amendment or report filed with the SEC for the purpose of updating such description.

We also incorporate by reference all additional documents that we file with the SEC under the terms of Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act on or after the date of this prospectus supplement and the termination of any offering of securities offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. We are not, however, incorporating, in each case, any documents or information that we are deemed to furnish and not file in accordance with SEC rules.

You may request a copy of any or all of the documents incorporated by reference but not delivered with this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at the following address and number: Nikola Corporation, 4141 E Broadway Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85040, telephone (480) 666-1038. We will not, however, send exhibits to those documents, unless the exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference in those documents.

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PROSPECTUS

$1,200,000,000

Nikola Corporation

Debt Securities

Common Stock

Preferred Stock

Depositary Shares

Warrants

Rights

We may, from time to time, offer and sell the securities identified above in one or more offerings. The aggregate initial offering price of all securities sold under this prospectus will not exceed $1,200,000,000.

This prospectus describes the general terms of these securities and the general manner in which these securities will be offered. We will provide the specific terms of these securities in supplements to this prospectus. The prospectus supplements will also describe the manner in which these securities will be offered and may also add to, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read carefully this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement before you invest.

We may offer and sell these securities separately or together in any combination for sale directly to investors or through underwriters, dealers or agents. If any underwriters, dealers or agents are involved in the sale of any of these securities, we will set forth their names and describe their compensation in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “NKLA.” On April 14, 2022, the last reported sale price of our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market was $8.02 per share.

Investing in our securities involves risks. See the section entitled “Risk Factors” included in or incorporated by reference into the accompanying prospectus supplement and in the documents we incorporate by reference in this prospectus.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this prospectus is April 14, 2022

TABLE OF CONTENTS

	Page
About This Prospectus		1
Risk Factors		2
Nikola Corporation		3
Forward-Looking Statements		4
Use of Proceeds		5
Description of Debt Securities		6
Description of Capital Stock		12
Description of Depositary Shares		17
Description of Warrants		19
Description of Rights		21
Forms of Securities		22
Plan of Distribution		24
Legal Matters		26
Experts		26
Change in Auditor		26
Where You Can Find More Information		28

We have not authorized anyone to provide any information other than that contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of us or to which we have referred you. We take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. We are not making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, or incorporated by reference, is accurate only as of the dates of those documents. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, using a “shelf” registration, or continuous offering, process. Under this shelf registration process, we may, from time to time, offer and sell separately or together in any combination the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings up to a maximum aggregate offering price of $1,200,000,000.

This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering and the offered securities. Any prospectus supplement, or information incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement, may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. Any statement that we make in this prospectus will be modified or superseded by any inconsistent statement made by us in a prospectus supplement. The registration statement we filed with the SEC includes exhibits that provide more detail of the matters discussed in this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and the related exhibits filed with the SEC and any prospectus supplement, together with additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information,” before making your investment decision.

On June 3, 2020, or the Closing Date, VectoIQ Acquisition Corp., our predecessor company, or VectoIQ, consummated the previously announced merger pursuant to that certain Business Combination Agreement, dated March 2, 2020, or the Business Combination Agreement, by and among VectoIQ, VCTIQ Merger Sub Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of VectoIQ incorporated in the State of Delaware, or Merger Sub, and Nikola Corporation, a Delaware corporation, or Legacy Nikola. Pursuant to the terms of the Business Combination Agreement, a business combination between the company and Legacy Nikola was effected through the merger of Merger Sub with and into Legacy Nikola, with Legacy Nikola surviving as the surviving company and as a wholly-owned subsidiary of VectoIQ, or the Merger and, collectively with the other transactions described in the Business Combination Agreement, the Business Combination. On the Closing Date, and in connection with the closing of the Business Combination, VectoIQ Acquisition Corp. changed its name to Nikola Corporation.

Unless the context indicates otherwise, references in this prospectus to the “company,” “Nikola,” “we,” “us,” “our” and similar terms refer to Nikola Corporation (f/k/a VectoIQ Acquisition Corp.) and its consolidated subsidiaries, including Legacy Nikola. References to “VectoIQ” refer to our predecessor company prior to the consummation of the Business Combination.

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RISK FACTORS

Investing in our securities involves risk. The prospectus supplement relating to a particular offering will contain or incorporate by reference a discussion of risks applicable to an investment in the securities offered. Prior to making a decision about investing in our securities, you should carefully consider the specific factors discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or Current Reports on Form 8-K incorporated by reference into this prospectus, as well as any prospectus supplement to this prospectus, and the other information contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus. See “Where You Can Find More Information.” The risks and uncertainties described in the documents we incorporate by reference are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations. The occurrence of any of these risks might cause you to lose all or part of your investment in the offered securities.

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NIKOLA CORPORATION

We are a technology innovator and integrator, working to develop innovative energy and transportation solutions. We are pioneering a business model that is intended to enable corporate customers to integrate next-generation truck technology, hydrogen fueling and charging infrastructure, and related maintenance. By creating this ecosystem, we and our strategic business partners and suppliers expect to build a long-term competitive advantage for clean technology vehicles and next generation fueling solutions.

We believe our expertise lies in design, innovation, software, and engineering. We assemble, integrate, and commission our vehicles in collaboration with our business partners and suppliers. Our approach has always been to leverage strategic partnerships to help lower cost, increase capital efficiency and accelerate speed to market.

We are a Delaware corporation and were incorporated as VectoIQ Acquisition Corp., in January 2018. On June 3, 2020, VectoIQ consummated the Business Combination and, in connection therewith, (i) VectoIQ’s wholly-owned subsidiary merged with and into Legacy Nikola, whereby Legacy Nikola survived the Merger and was deemed the accounting predecessor of the Merger and became the successor registrant for SEC purposes and (ii) we changed our name to “Nikola Corporation.” Upon consummation of the foregoing transactions, Legacy Nikola became our wholly-owned subsidiary.

Our principal executive offices are located at 4141 E Broadway Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85040. Our telephone number is (480) 666-1038. Our website address is www.nikolamotor.com. Information contained on our website or connected thereto does not constitute part of, and is not incorporated by reference into, this prospectus or the registration statement of which it forms a part.

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

When used in this prospectus, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “project,” “forecast,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “seeks,” “scheduled,” “will,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, and include but are not limited to:

• our financial and business performance;

• changes in our strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects and plans;

• our future capital requirements and sources and uses of cash;

• litigation, complaints, product liability claims and/or adverse publicity;

• the implementation, market acceptance and success of our business model;

• developments relating to our competitors and industry;

• the impact of health epidemics, including the COVID-19 pandemic, on our business and the actions we may take in response thereto;

• our expectations regarding our ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection and not infringe on the rights of others;

• our ability to obtain funding for our operations;

• the outcome of any known and unknown regulatory proceedings;

• our business, expansion plans and opportunities; and

• changes in applicable laws or regulations.

These statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or otherwise implied by the forward-looking statements, including the following:

• our ability to execute our business model, including market acceptance of our planned products and services;

• the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business;

• our ability to raise capital;

• the possibility that we may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors;

• changes in applicable laws or regulations; and

• other risks and uncertainties described in the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, including those under the section entitled “Risk Factors.”

Given these risks and uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. We will discuss many of these risks and uncertainties in greater detail in any prospectus supplement under the heading “Risk Factors.” Additional cautionary statements or discussions of risks and uncertainties that could affect our results or the achievement of the expectations described in forward-looking statements may also be contained in the documents we incorporate by reference into this prospectus.

These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this prospectus. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law or regulation. You should, however, review additional disclosures we make in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC and incorporated herein by reference.

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USE OF PROCEEDS

Unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities offered by this prospectus for general corporate purposes. General corporate purposes may include additions to working capital, financing of capital expenditures, repayment or redemption of existing indebtedness, repurchases of stock, and future acquisitions and strategic investment opportunities. Unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, pending the application of net proceeds, we expect to invest the net proceeds in investment grade, interest-bearing securities.

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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

The following is a summary of the general terms of the debt securities. We will file a prospectus supplement that may contain additional terms when we issue debt securities. The terms presented here, together with the terms in a related prospectus supplement, together with any pricing supplement or term sheet, will be a description of the material terms of the debt securities.

We may issue, from time to time, debt securities, in one or more series. These debt securities that we may issue include senior debt securities, senior subordinated debt securities, subordinated debt securities, convertible debt securities and exchangeable debt securities. The debt securities we offer will be issued under an indenture between us and the trustee named in the indenture. The following is a summary of the material provisions of the form of indenture filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. All capitalized terms have the meanings specified in the indenture. For each series of debt securities, the applicable prospectus supplement for the series may change and supplement the summary below.

As used in this section only, “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Nikola Corporation excluding our subsidiaries, unless expressly stated or the context otherwise requires.

General Terms of the Indenture

The indenture does not limit the amount of debt securities that we may issue. It provides that we may issue debt securities for any series of debt securities up to the principal amount that we may authorize. Except for the limitations on consolidation, merger and sale of all or substantially all of our assets contained in the indenture, the terms of the indenture do not contain any covenants or other provisions designed to give holders of any debt securities protection against changes in our operations, financial condition or transactions involving us. For each series of debt securities, any restrictive covenants for those debt securities will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement for those debt securities.

We may issue the debt securities issued under the indenture as “discount securities,” which means they may be sold at a discount below their stated principal amount. These debt securities, as well as other debt securities that are not issued at a discount, may, for United States federal income tax purposes, be treated as if they were issued with “original issue discount,” or OID, because of interest payment and other characteristics. Special United States federal income tax considerations applicable to debt securities issued with original issue discount will be described in more detail in any applicable prospectus supplement.

You should refer to the prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of debt securities for a description of the following terms of the debt securities offered by that prospectus supplement and by this prospectus:

• the title of those debt securities;

• any limit on the aggregate principal amount of that series of debt securities;

• the date or dates on which principal and premium, if any, of the debt securities of that series is payable;

• the interest rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) or the method used to determine the rate or rates, and the date or dates from which interest, if any, on the debt securities of that series will accrue, and the dates when interest is payable and related record dates;

• the right, if any, to extend the interest payment periods and the duration of the extensions;

• if the amount of payments of principal or interest is to be determined by reference to an index or formula, or based on a coin or currency other than that in which the debt securities are stated to be payable, the manner in which these amounts are determined and the calculation agent, if any, with respect thereto;

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• the place or places where and the manner in which principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the debt securities of that series will be payable and the place or places where those debt securities may be presented for transfer and, if applicable, conversion or exchange;

• the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and other terms and conditions upon which those debt securities may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at our option or the option of a holder of those securities, if we or a holder is to have that option;

• our obligation or right, if any, to redeem, repay or purchase those debt securities pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provision or at the option of a holder of those securities, and the terms and conditions upon which the debt securities will be redeemed, repaid or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to that obligation;

• the terms, if any, on which the debt securities of that series will be subordinate in right and priority of payment to our other debt;

• the denominations in which those debt securities will be issuable;

• if other than the entire principal amount of the debt securities when issued, the portion of the principal amount payable upon acceleration of maturity as a result of a default on our obligations;

• whether any securities of that series are to be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities and the depositary for those global securities;

• if the principal of or any premium or interest on the debt securities of that series is to be payable, or is to be payable at our election or the election of a holder of those securities, in securities or other property, the type and amount of those securities or other property, or the manner of determining that amount, and the period or periods within which, and the terms and conditions upon which, any such election may be made;

• the events of default and covenants relating to the debt securities that are in addition to, modify or delete those described in this prospectus;

• conversion or exchange provisions, if any, including conversion or exchange prices or rates and adjustments thereto;

• whether and upon what terms the debt securities may be defeased, if different from the provisions set forth in the indenture;

• the nature and terms of any security for any secured debt securities;

• the terms applicable to any debt securities issued at a discount from their stated principal amount; and

• any other specific terms of any debt securities.

The applicable prospectus supplement will present material United States federal income tax considerations for holders of any debt securities and the securities exchange or quotation system on which any debt securities are to be listed or quoted.

Conversion or Exchange Rights

Debt securities may be convertible into or exchangeable for shares of our equity securities or other securities. The terms and conditions of conversion or exchange will be stated in the applicable prospectus supplement. The terms will include, among others, the following:

• the conversion or exchange price;

• the conversion or exchange period;

• provisions regarding our ability or the ability of any holder to convert or exchange the debt securities;

• events requiring adjustment to the conversion or exchange price; and

• provisions affecting conversion or exchange in the event of our redemption of the debt securities.

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Consolidation, Merger or Sale

We cannot consolidate with or merge with or into, or transfer or lease all or substantially all of our assets to, any person, unless we are the surviving corporation or the successor person is a corporation organized under the laws of the United States, any state of the United States or the District of Columbia and expressly assumes our obligations under the debt securities and the indenture. In addition, we cannot complete such a transaction unless immediately after completing the transaction, no event of default under the indenture, and no event that, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an event of default under the indenture, has occurred and is continuing. When the successor person has assumed our obligations under the debt securities and the indenture, we will be discharged from all our obligations under the debt securities and the indenture except in limited circumstances.

This covenant would not apply to any recapitalization transaction, a change of control affecting us or a highly leveraged transaction, unless the transaction or change of control were structured to include a merger or consolidation or transfer or lease of all or substantially all of our assets.

Events of Default

The indenture provides that the following will be “events of default” with respect to any series of debt securities:

• failure to pay interest for 30 days after the date payment is due and payable;

• failure to pay principal or premium, if any, on any debt security when due, either at maturity, upon any redemption, by declaration or otherwise and, in the case of technical or administrative difficulties, only if such default persists for a period of more than three business days;

• failure to make sinking fund payments when due and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days;

• failure to perform other covenants for 60 days after notice that performance was required;

• certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization relating to us; or

• any other event of default provided in the applicable officer’s certificate, resolution of our board of directors or the supplemental indenture under which we issue a series of debt securities.

An event of default for a particular series of debt securities does not necessarily constitute an event of default for any other series of debt securities issued under the indenture. For each series of debt securities, any modifications to the above events of default will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement for those debt securities.

The indenture provides that if an event of default specified in the first, second, third, fourth or sixth bullets above occurs and is continuing, either the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may declare the principal amount of all those debt securities (or, in the case of discount securities or indexed securities, that portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of that series) to be due and payable immediately. If an event of default specified in the fifth bullet above occurs and is continuing, then the principal amount of all those debt securities (or, in the case of discount securities or indexed securities, that portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of that series) will be due and payable immediately, without any declaration or other act on the part of the trustee or any holder. In certain cases, holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may, on behalf of holders of all those debt securities, rescind and annul a declaration of acceleration.

The indenture imposes limitations on suits brought by holders of debt securities against us. Except for actions for payment of overdue principal or interest, no holder of debt securities of any series may institute any action against us under the indenture unless:

• the holder has previously given to the trustee written notice of default and continuance of such default;

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• the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the affected series have requested that the trustee institute the action;

• the requesting holders have offered the trustee indemnity for the reasonable expenses and liabilities that may be incurred by bringing the action;

• the trustee has not instituted the action within 60 days of the request and offer of indemnity; and

• the trustee has not received inconsistent direction by the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the affected series.

We will be required to file annually with the trustee a certificate, signed by one of our officers, stating whether or not the officer knows of any default by us in the performance, observance or fulfillment of any condition or covenant of the indenture.

Discharge, Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

We can discharge or decrease our obligations under the indenture as stated below.

We may discharge obligations to holders of any series of debt securities that have not already been delivered to the trustee for cancellation and that have either become due and payable or are by their terms to become due and payable, or are scheduled for redemption, within one year. We may effect a discharge by irrevocably depositing with the trustee cash or government obligations denominated in the currency of the debt securities, as trust funds, in an amount certified to be enough to pay when due, whether at maturity, upon redemption or otherwise, the principal of, and any premium and interest on, the debt securities and any mandatory sinking fund payments.

Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may also discharge any and all of our obligations to holders of any series of debt securities at any time, which we refer to as defeasance. We may also be released from the obligations imposed by any covenants of any outstanding series of debt securities and provisions of the indenture, and we may omit to comply with those covenants without creating an event of default under the trust declaration, which we refer to as covenant defeasance. We may effect defeasance and covenant defeasance only if, among other things:

• we irrevocably deposit with the trustee cash or government obligations denominated in the currency of the debt securities, as trust funds, in an amount certified to be enough to pay at maturity, or upon redemption, the principal (including any mandatory sinking fund payments) of, and any premium and interest on, all outstanding debt securities of the series; and

• we deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel from a nationally recognized law firm to the effect that the holders of the series of debt securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of the defeasance or covenant defeasance and that defeasance or covenant defeasance will not otherwise alter the holders’ U.S. federal income tax treatment of principal, and any premium and interest payments on, the series of debt securities.

In the case of a defeasance by us, the opinion we deliver must be based on a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service issued, or a change in U.S. federal income tax law occurring, after the date of the indenture, since such a result would not occur under the U.S. federal income tax laws in effect on that date.

Although we may discharge or decrease our obligations under the indenture as described in the two preceding paragraphs, we may not avoid, among other things, our duty to register the transfer or exchange of any series of debt securities, to replace any temporary, mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen series of debt securities or to maintain an office or agency in respect of any series of debt securities.

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Modification of the Indenture

The indenture provides that we and the trustee may enter into supplemental indentures without the consent of the holders of debt securities to, among other things:

• evidence the assumption by a successor entity of our obligations;

• add to our covenants for the benefit of the holders of debt securities, or to surrender any rights or power conferred upon us;

• add any additional events of default;

• add to, change or eliminate any of the provisions of the indenture in a manner that will become effective only when there is no outstanding debt security which is entitled to the benefit of the provision as to which the modification would apply;

• add guarantees with respect to or secure any debt securities;

• establish the forms or terms of debt securities of any series;

• evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment by a successor trustee and add to or change any of the provisions of the indenture as is necessary for the administration of the trusts by more than one trustee;

• cure any ambiguity or correct any inconsistency or defect in the indenture;

• modify, eliminate or add to the provisions of the indenture as shall be necessary to effect the qualification of the indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 or under any similar federal statute later enacted, and to add to the indenture such other provisions as may be expressly required by the Trust Indenture Act; and

• make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under the indenture that will not be inconsistent with any provision of the indenture as long as the new provisions do not adversely affect the interests of the holders of any outstanding debt securities of any series created prior to the modification.

The indenture also provides that we and the trustee may, with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of debt securities of each series of debt securities affected by such supplemental indenture then outstanding, add any provisions to, or change in any manner, eliminate or modify in any way the provisions of, the indenture or any supplemental indenture or modify in any manner the rights of the holders of the debt securities. We and the trustee may not, however, without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security affected thereby:

• extend the final maturity of any debt security;

• reduce the principal amount or premium, if any;

• reduce the rate or extend the time of payment of interest;

• reduce the amount of the principal of any debt security issued with an original issue discount that is payable upon acceleration;

• change the currency in which the principal, and any premium or interest, is payable;

• impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on any debt security when due;

• if applicable, adversely affect the right of a holder to convert or exchange a debt security; or

• reduce the percentage of holders of debt securities of any series whose consent is required for any modification of the indenture or for waivers of compliance with or defaults under the indenture with respect to debt securities of that series.

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The indenture provides that the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding debt securities of any series, by notice to the relevant trustee, may on behalf of the holders of the debt securities of that series waive any default and its consequences under the indenture except:

• a default in the payment of, any premium and any interest on, or principal of, any such debt security held by a nonconsenting holder; or

• a default in respect of a covenant or provision of the indenture that cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security of each series affected.

Concerning the Trustee

The indenture provides that there may be more than one trustee under the indenture, each for one or more series of debt securities. If there are different trustees for different series of debt securities, each trustee will be a trustee of a trust under the indenture separate and apart from the trust administered by any other trustee under that indenture. Except as otherwise indicated in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement, any action permitted to be taken by a trustee may be taken by such trustee only on the one or more series of debt securities for which it is the trustee under the indenture. Any trustee under the indenture may resign or be removed from one or more series of debt securities. All payments of principal of, and any premium and interest on, and all registration, transfer, exchange, authentication and delivery of, the debt securities of a series will be effected by the trustee for that series at an office designated by the trustee in New York, New York.

The indenture provides that, except during the continuance of an event of default, the trustee will perform only such duties as are specifically set forth in the indenture. During the existence of an event of default, the trustee will exercise those rights and powers vested in it under the indenture and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise as a prudent person would exercise under the circumstances in the conduct of such person’s own affairs.

If the trustee becomes a creditor of ours, the indenture places limitations on the right of the trustee to obtain payment of claims or to realize on property received in respect of any such claim as security or otherwise. The trustee may engage in other transactions. If it acquires any conflicting interest relating to any duties concerning the debt securities, however, it must eliminate the conflict or resign as trustee.

No Individual Liability of Incorporators, Stockholders, Officers or Directors

The indenture provides that no past, present or future director, officer, stockholder or employee of ours, any of our affiliates, or any successor corporation, in their capacity as such, shall have any individual liability for any of our obligations, covenants or agreements under the debt securities or the indenture.

Governing Law

The indenture and the debt securities will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

This section describes the general terms and provisions of the shares of our common stock, $0.0001 par value per share, and preferred stock, $0.0001 par value per share. This description is only a summary. Our restated certificate of incorporation, or our Certificate of Incorporation, and our amended and restated bylaws, or our Bylaws, have been filed as exhibits to our periodic reports filed with the SEC, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus. You should read our Certificate of Incorporation and our Bylaws for additional information before you buy any of our common stock, preferred stock or other securities. See “Where You Can Find More Information.”

Authorized and Outstanding Stock

Our Certificate of Incorporation authorizes the issuance of 600,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.0001 par value per share, and 150,000,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock, $0.0001 par value per share. As of December 31, 2021, there were 413,340,550 shares of common stock and no shares of preferred stock outstanding. The outstanding shares of common stock are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable. As of December 31, 2021, there were 91 holders of record of our common stock. Because many of our shares of common stock are held by brokers and other nominees on behalf of stockholders, this number is not indicative of the total number of stockholders represented by these stockholders of record.

Common Stock

Voting Power

Except as otherwise required by law or as otherwise provided in any certificate of designation for any series of preferred stock, the holders of common stock possess all voting power for the election of our directors and all other matters requiring stockholder action. Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share on matters to be voted on by stockholders.

Dividends

Holders of outstanding shares of our common stock will be entitled to receive such dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by our board of directors in its discretion out of funds legally available therefor. In no event will any stock dividends or stock splits or combinations of stock be declared or made on common stock unless the shares of common stock at the time outstanding are treated equally and identically. We have not paid any cash dividends to date. We may retain future earnings, if any, for future operations, expansion and debt repayment and have no current plans to pay cash dividends for the foreseeable future. Any decision to declare and pay dividends in the future will be made at the discretion of the board and will depend on, among other things, our results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors that the board may deem relevant. In addition, our ability to pay dividends may be limited by covenants of future outstanding indebtedness we or our subsidiaries incur.

Liquidation, Dissolution and Winding Up

In the event of our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, distribution of assets or winding-up, the holders of the common stock will be entitled to receive an equal amount per share of all of our assets of whatever kind available for distribution to stockholders, after the rights of the holders of the preferred stock have been satisfied.

Preemptive or Other Rights

Holders of our common stock have no preemptive, conversion or other subscription rights, and there are no sinking fund or redemption provisions applicable to our common stock.

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Election of Directors

Our board of directors is divided into three classes, each of which will generally serve for a term of three years with only one class of directors being elected in each year. There is no cumulative voting with respect to the election of directors, with the result that the holders of more than 50% of the shares voted for the election of directors can elect all of the directors.

Registration Rights

On June 3, 2020, we entered into a Registration Rights and Lock-Up Agreement with certain of our stockholders, or the Holders. Pursuant to the terms of the Registration Rights and Lock-Up Agreement, subject to certain requirements and customary conditions, including with regard to the number of demand rights that may be exercised, the Holders may demand at any time or from time to time, that the Company file a registration statement on Form S-3 (or on Form S-1 if Form S-3 is not available) to register the Company’s securities held by such Holders. The Registration Rights and Lock-Up Agreement will also provide the Holders with “piggy-back” registration rights, subject to certain requirements and customary conditions.

On June 11, 2021 and September 24, 2021, we entered into common stock purchase agreements with Tumim Stone Capital LLC, or Tumim, pursuant to which Tumim committed to purchase up to an aggregate of $600 million of our common stock. In connection with such purchase agreements, we also entered into registration rights agreements with Tumim to register for resale under the Securities Act the shares of our common stock that have been and may be issued to Tumim under the purchase agreements.

We generally must pay all expenses relating to any such registration, other than underwriting discounts and selling commissions. The terms of the registration rights are specified in the relevant registration rights agreement.

Preferred Stock

Our Certificate of Incorporation provides that shares of preferred stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series. Our board of directors is authorized to fix the voting rights, if any, designations, powers and preferences, the relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and any qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof, applicable to the shares of each series of preferred stock. Our board of directors is able to, without stockholder approval, issue preferred stock with voting and other rights that could adversely affect the voting power and other rights of the holders of the common stock and could have anti-takeover effects. The ability of our board of directors to issue preferred stock without stockholder approval could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control of Nikola or the removal of existing management.

Certain Provisions of Delaware Law and Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws

Certain provisions of Delaware law, our Certificate of Incorporation and our Bylaws, described below, may have the effect of delaying, deferring or discouraging another party from acquiring control of us.

Special Meetings of Stockholders

Our Certificate of Incorporation provides that special meetings of our stockholders may be called by such persons as provided in our Bylaws. Our Bylaws provide that special meetings of our stockholders may be called only by (i) a majority vote of our board of directors, (ii) our Secretary, at the request of the Chairman of our board, (iii) our executive chairman, or (iv) the vote of the stockholders owning not less than 25% of our issued and outstanding stock; provided that our board of directors approves such stockholder request for a special meeting.

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Advance Notice Requirements for Stockholder Proposals and Director Nominations

Our Bylaws provide that stockholders seeking to bring business before our annual meeting of stockholders, or to nominate candidates for election as directors at our annual meeting of stockholders, must provide timely notice of their intent in writing. To be timely under our Bylaws, a stockholder’s notice will need to be received by the company secretary at our principal executive offices not later than the close of business on the 90th day nor earlier than the open of business on the 120th day prior the anniversary of the date of our proxy statement provided in connection with the previous year’s annual meeting of stockholders; provided, however, that in the event that no annual meeting was held in the previous year or the annual meeting is called for a date that is more than 30 days before or after the anniversary date of the previous year’s annual meeting, notice by the stockholder must be received by the secretary no later than the close of business on the latter of the 90th day prior to such annual meeting and the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made. Our Certificate of Incorporation and our Bylaws specify certain requirements as to the form and content of a stockholders’ meeting. These provisions may preclude our stockholders from bringing matters before our annual meeting of stockholders or from making nominations for directors at our annual meeting of stockholders.

Authorized but Unissued Shares

Our authorized but unissued common stock and preferred stock are available for future issuances without stockholder approval and could be utilized for a variety of corporate purposes, including future offerings to raise additional capital, acquisitions and employee benefit plans. The existence of authorized but unissued and unreserved common stock and preferred stock could render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of us by means of a proxy contest, tender offer, merger or otherwise.

Exclusive Forum Selection

Our Certificate of Incorporation requires, to the fullest extent permitted by law, that derivative actions brought in our name, actions against directors, officers and employees for breach of fiduciary duty and other similar actions be brought in the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware or, if that court lacks subject matter jurisdiction, another federal or state court situated in the State of Delaware. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of our capital stock shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the forum provisions in our Certificate of Incorporation. Our Certificate of Incorporation also requires the federal district courts of the United States shall be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, and the stockholder bringing the suit will be deemed to have to service of process on such stockholder’s counsel. Although we believe these provisions benefit us by providing increased consistency in the application of Delaware law in the types of lawsuits to which it applies, a court may determine that these provisions are unenforceable, and to the extent they are enforceable, the provisions may have the effect of discouraging lawsuits against our directors and officers, although our stockholders will not be deemed to have waived our compliance with federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.

Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law

We are subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, or the DGCL, regulating corporate takeovers. In general, Section 203 prohibits a publicly-held Delaware corporation from engaging, under certain circumstances, in a business combination with an interested stockholder for a period of three years following the date that such stockholder became an interested stockholder unless:

• prior to the date of the transaction, the board of directors of the corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder;

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• upon completion of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the voting stock outstanding, but not the outstanding voting stock owned by the interested stockholder, (1) shares owned by persons who are directors and also officers and (2) shares owned by employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or

• at or subsequent to the date of the transaction, the business combination is approved by the board of directors of the corporation and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock which is not owned by the interested stockholder.

Generally, Section 203 defines a “business combination” to include a merger, asset or stock sale, or other transaction resulting in a financial benefit to the “interested stockholder,” and an “interested stockholder” as a person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns or, within three years prior to the determination of interested stockholder status, did own 15% or more of a corporation’s outstanding voting stock. We expect the existence of this provision to have an anti-takeover effect with respect to transactions our board of directors does not approve in advance. We also anticipate that Section 203 may discourage business combinations or other attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for the shares of common stock held by our stockholders. A Delaware corporation may opt out of these provisions either with an express provision in its original certificate of incorporation or in an amendment to its certificate of incorporation or bylaws approved by its stockholders. However, we have not opted out, and do not currently intend to opt out of, these provisions.

Certain of the provisions of the DGCL, our Certificate of Incorporation and our Bylaws could have the effect of discouraging others from attempting hostile takeovers and, as a consequence, they may also inhibit temporary fluctuations in the market price of our common stock that often result from actual or rumored hostile takeover attempts. These provisions may also have the effect of preventing changes in our management. It is possible that these provisions could make it more difficult to accomplish transactions that stockholders may otherwise deem to be in their best interests.

Limitation on Liability and Indemnification of Directors and Officers

Our Certificate of Incorporation limits our directors’ liability to the fullest extent permitted under the DGCL. The DGCL provides that directors of a corporation will not be personally liable for monetary damages for breach of their fiduciary duties as directors, except for liability:

• for any transaction from which the director derives an improper personal benefit;

• for any act or omission not in good faith or that involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;

• for any unlawful payment of dividends or redemption of shares; or

• for any breach of a director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders.

Delaware law and our Certificate of Incorporation provide that we will, in certain situations, indemnify our directors and officers and may indemnify other employees and other agents, to the fullest extent permitted by law. Any indemnified person is also entitled, subject to certain limitations, to advancement, direct payment, or reimbursement of reasonable expenses (including attorneys’ fees and disbursements) in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding.

In addition, we have entered into indemnification agreements with our directors and officers. These agreements, among other things, require us to indemnify our directors and officers for certain expenses, including

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attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, and settlement amounts incurred by a director or officer in any action or proceeding arising out of their services as one of our directors or officers or any other company or enterprise to which the person provides services at our request.

We maintain a directors’ and officers’ insurance policy pursuant to which our directors and officers are insured against liability for actions taken in their capacities as directors and officers. We believe these provisions in our Certificate of Incorporation and our Bylaws and these indemnification agreements are necessary to attract and retain qualified persons as directors and officers.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers, or control persons, in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

Listing

Our common stock is traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC under the symbol “NKLA.”

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company.

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DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES

The following description of the depositary shares does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by the relevant deposit agreement and the depositary receipts with respect to the depositary shares relating to any particular series of preferred stock. You should read these documents as they, and not this description, will define your rights as a holder of depositary shares. Forms of these documents will be filed with the SEC in connection with the offering of depositary shares.

General

If we elect to offer fractional interests in shares of preferred stock, we will provide for the issuance by a depositary to the public of receipts for depositary shares. Each depositary share will represent fractional interests of preferred stock. We will deposit the shares of preferred stock underlying the depositary shares under a deposit agreement between us and a bank or trust company selected by us. The bank or trust company must have its principal office in the United States and a combined capital and surplus of at least $50 million. The depositary receipts will evidence the depositary shares issued under the deposit agreement.

The deposit agreement will contain terms applicable to the holders of depositary shares in addition to the terms stated in the depositary receipts. Each owner of depositary shares will be entitled to all the rights and preferences of the preferred stock underlying the depositary shares in proportion to the applicable fractional interest in the underlying shares of preferred stock. The depositary will issue the depositary receipts to individuals purchasing the fractional interests in shares of the related preferred stock according to the terms of the offering described in a prospectus supplement.

Dividends and Other Distributions

The depositary will distribute all cash dividends or other cash distributions received for the preferred stock to the entitled record holders of depositary shares in proportion to the number of depositary shares that the holder owns on the relevant record date. The depositary will distribute only an amount that can be distributed without attributing to any holder of depositary shares a fraction of one cent. The depositary will add the undistributed balance to and treat it as part of the next sum received by the depositary for distribution to holders of depositary shares.

If there is a non-cash distribution, the depositary will distribute property received by it to the entitled record holders of depositary shares, in proportion, insofar as possible, to the number of depositary shares owned by the holders, unless the depositary determines, after consultation with us, that it is not feasible to make such distribution. If this occurs, the depositary may, with our approval, sell such property and distribute the net proceeds from the sale to the holders. The deposit agreement also will contain provisions relating to how any subscription or similar rights that we may offer to holders of the preferred stock will be available to the holders of the depositary shares.

Conversion, Exchange, Redemption and Liquidation

If any series of preferred stock underlying the depositary shares may be converted or exchanged, each record holder of depositary receipts will have the right or obligation to convert or exchange the depositary shares represented by the depositary receipts.

The terms on which the depositary shares relating to the preferred stock of any series may be redeemed, and any amounts distributable upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, will be described in the relevant prospectus supplement.

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Voting

When the depositary receives notice of a meeting at which the holders of the preferred stock are entitled to vote, the depositary will mail the particulars of the meeting to the record holders of the depositary shares. Each record holder of depositary shares on the record date may instruct the depositary on how to vote the shares of preferred stock underlying the holder’s depositary shares. The depositary will try, if practical, to vote the number of shares of preferred stock underlying the depositary shares according to the instructions. We will agree to take all reasonable action requested by the depositary to enable it to vote as instructed.

Amendments

We and the depositary may agree to amend the deposit agreement and the depositary receipt evidencing the depositary shares. Any amendment that (a) imposes or increases certain fees, taxes or other charges payable by the holders of the depositary shares as described in the deposit agreement or that (b) otherwise prejudices any substantial existing right of holders of depositary shares, will not take effect until 30 days after the depositary has mailed notice of the amendment to the record holders of depositary shares. Any holder of depositary shares that continues to hold its shares at the end of the 30-day period will be deemed to have agreed to the amendment.

Termination

We may direct the depositary to terminate the deposit agreement by mailing a notice of termination to holders of depositary shares at least 30 days prior to termination. In addition, a deposit agreement will automatically terminate if:

• the depositary has redeemed all related outstanding depositary shares, or

• we have liquidated, terminated or wound up our business and the depositary has distributed the preferred stock of the relevant series to the holders of the related depositary shares.

Payment of Fees and Expenses

We will pay all fees, charges and expenses of the depositary, including the initial deposit of the preferred stock and any redemption of the preferred stock. Holders of depositary shares will pay transfer and other taxes and governmental charges and any other charges as are stated in the deposit agreement for their accounts.

Resignation and Removal of Depositary

At any time, the depositary may resign by delivering notice to us, and we may remove the depositary. Resignations or removals will take effect upon the appointment of a successor depositary and its acceptance of the appointment. The successor depositary must be appointed within 60 days after delivery of the notice of resignation or removal and must be a bank or trust company having its principal office in the United States and having a combined capital and surplus of at least $50 million.

Reports

The depositary will forward to the holders of depositary shares all reports and communications from us that are delivered to the depositary and that we are required by law, the rules of an applicable securities exchange or our Certificate of Incorporation to furnish to the holders of the preferred stock. Neither we nor the depositary will be liable if the depositary is prevented or delayed by law or any circumstances beyond its control in performing its obligations under the deposit agreement. The deposit agreement limits our obligations and the depositary’s obligations to performance in good faith of the duties stated in the deposit agreement. Neither we nor the depositary will be obligated to prosecute or defend any legal proceeding connected with any depositary shares or preferred stock unless the holders of depositary shares requesting us to do so furnish us with satisfactory indemnity. In performing our obligations, we and the depositary may rely upon the written advice of our counsel or accountants, on any information that competent people provide to us and on documents that we believe are genuine.

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DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

Outstanding Private Warrants

As of December 31, 2021, there were 760,915 private warrants to purchase common stock outstanding held by 12 holders of record. Each warrant entitles the registered holder to purchase one share of common stock at a price of $11.50 per share, subject to adjustment as discussed below, at any time commencing on July 3, 2020. The warrants will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on June 3, 2025, except that any private warrants issued to Cowen Investments II, LLC will expire on May 15, 2023.

The registration statement registering the issuance of the shares of common stock underlying the private warrants, the resale of the private warrants, and the shares common stock that may be issued upon exercise of the private warrants was declared effective by the SEC on July 17, 2020.

The warrants contain customary anti-dilution provisions adjusting the number of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants and the exercise price of the warrants in the event of stock splits, stock dividends, stock combinations and reclassifications, certain dividends and distributions on our common stock, and certain reorganizations, mergers and consolidations involving us.

The private warrants are issued under and subject to the terms of the Warrant Agreement between Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as warrant agent, and us.

Warrants Issuable

The following is a summary of the general terms of the warrants we may offer and sell under this prospectus.

We may issue additional warrants for the purchase of debt securities, preferred stock, common stock, depositary shares, or any combination thereof. We may issue warrants independently or together with any other securities offered by any prospectus supplement and may be attached to or separate from the other offered securities. Each series of warrants may be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into by us with a warrant agent. The applicable warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders or beneficial owners of warrants. Further terms of the warrants and the applicable warrant agreements will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

The applicable prospectus supplement relating to any particular issue of warrants will describe the terms of the warrants, including, as applicable, the following:

• the title of the warrants;

• the aggregate number of the warrants;

• the price or prices at which the warrants will be issued;

• the designation, terms and number of shares of debt securities, preferred stock or common stock purchasable upon exercise of the warrants;

• the designation and terms of the offered securities, if any, with which the warrants are issued and the number of the warrants issued with each offered security;

• the date, if any, on and after which the warrants and the related debt securities, preferred stock or common stock will be separately transferable;

• the price at which each share of debt securities, preferred stock or common stock purchasable upon exercise of the warrants may be purchased;

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• the date on which the right to exercise the warrants shall commence and the date on which that right shall expire;

• the minimum or maximum amount of the warrants which may be exercised at any one time;

• information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any;

• a discussion of certain federal income tax considerations; and

• any other terms of the warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of the warrants.

We and the applicable warrant agent may amend or supplement the warrant agreement for a series of warrants without the consent of the holders of the warrants issued thereunder to effect changes that are not inconsistent with the provisions of the warrants and that do not materially and adversely affect the interests of the holders of the warrants.

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DESCRIPTION OF RIGHTS

We may issue rights to purchase common stock or preferred stock. This prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement will contain the material terms and conditions for each right. The accompanying prospectus supplement may add, update or change the terms and conditions of the rights as described in this prospectus.

We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement the terms and conditions of the issue of rights being offered, the rights agreement relating to the rights and the rights certificates representing the rights, including, as applicable:

• the title of the rights;

• the date of determining the stockholders entitled to the rights distribution;

• the title, aggregate number of shares of common stock or preferred stock purchasable upon exercise of the rights;

• the exercise price;

• the aggregate number of rights issued;

• the date, if any, on and after which the rights will be separately transferable;

• the date on which the right to exercise the rights will commence and the date on which the right will expire; and

• any other terms of the rights, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the distribution, exchange and exercise of the rights.

Each right will entitle the holder of rights to purchase for cash the specific number of shares of common stock or preferred stock at the exercise price provided in the applicable prospectus supplement. Rights may be exercised at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date for the rights provided in the applicable prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, all unexercised rights will be void.

Holders may exercise rights as described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Upon receipt of payment and the rights certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the rights agent or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement, we will, as soon as practicable, forward the shares of common stock or preferred stock purchasable upon exercise of the rights. If less than all of the rights issued in any rights offering are exercised, we may offer any unsubscribed securities directly to persons other than stockholders, to or through agents, underwriters or dealers or through a combination of such methods, including pursuant to standby underwriting arrangements, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

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FORMS OF SECURITIES

Each debt security, depositary share, warrant and right will be represented either by a certificate issued in definitive form to a particular investor or by one or more global securities representing the entire issuance of securities. Unless the applicable prospectus supplement provides otherwise, certificated securities will be issued in definitive form and global securities will be issued in registered form. Definitive securities name you or your nominee as the owner of the security, and in order to transfer or exchange these securities or to receive payments other than interest or other interim payments, you or your nominee must physically deliver the securities to the trustee, registrar, paying agent or other agent, as applicable. Global securities name a depositary or its nominee as the owner of the debt securities, depositary shares, warrants or rights represented by these global securities. The depositary maintains a computerized system that will reflect each investor’s beneficial ownership of the securities through an account maintained by the investor with its broker/dealer, bank, trust company or other representative, as we explain more fully below.

Registered Global Securities

We may issue the registered debt securities, depositary shares, warrants and rights in the form of one or more fully registered global securities that will be deposited with a depositary or its nominee identified in the applicable prospectus supplement and registered in the name of that depositary or nominee. In those cases, one or more registered global securities will be issued in a denomination or aggregate denominations equal to the portion of the aggregate principal or face amount of the securities to be represented by registered global securities. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole for securities in definitive registered form, a registered global security may not be transferred except as a whole by and among the depositary for the registered global security, the nominees of the depositary or any successors of the depositary or those nominees.

If not described below, any specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to any securities to be represented by a registered global security will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to those securities. We anticipate that the following provisions will apply to all depositary arrangements.

Ownership of beneficial interests in a registered global security will be limited to persons, called participants, that have accounts with the depositary or persons that may hold interests through participants. Upon the issuance of a registered global security, the depositary will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the participants’ accounts with the respective principal or face amounts of the securities beneficially owned by the participants. Any underwriters, dealers or agents participating in the distribution of the securities will designate the accounts to be credited. Ownership of beneficial interests in a registered global security will be shown on, and the transfer of ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by the depositary, with respect to interests of participants, and on the records of participants, with respect to interests of persons holding through participants. The laws of some states may require that some purchasers of securities take physical delivery of these securities in definitive form. These laws may impair your ability to own, transfer or pledge beneficial interests in registered global securities.

So long as the depositary, or its nominee, is the registered owner of a registered global security, that depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the securities represented by the registered global security for all purposes under the applicable indenture, deposit agreement, warrant agreement or rights agreement. Except as described below, owners of beneficial interests in a registered global security:

• will not be entitled to have the securities represented by the registered global security registered in their names;

• will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of the securities in definitive form; and

• will not be considered the owners or holders of the securities under the applicable indenture, deposit agreement, warrant agreement or rights agreement.

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Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in a registered global security must rely on the procedures of the depositary for that registered global security and, if that person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant through which the person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder under the applicable indenture, deposit agreement, warrant agreement or rights agreement.

We understand that under existing industry practices, if we request any action of holders or if an owner of a beneficial interest in a registered global security desires to give or take any action that a holder is entitled to give or take under the applicable indenture, deposit agreement, warrant agreement or rights agreement, the depositary for the registered global security would authorize the participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to give or take that action, and the participants would authorize beneficial owners owning through them to give or take that action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners holding through them.

We will make payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on debt securities, and any payments to holders with respect to depositary shares, warrants or rights, represented by a registered global security registered in the name of a depositary or its nominee to the depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner of the registered global security. None of us, the trustees, the depositaries for depositary shares, the warrant agents, the rights agents or any other agent of ours, agent of the trustees, agent of such depositaries, agent of the warrant agents or agent of the rights agents will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to, or payments made on account of, beneficial ownership interests in the registered global security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to those beneficial ownership interests.

We expect that the depositary for any of the securities represented by a registered global security, upon receipt of any payment of principal, premium, interest or other distribution of underlying securities or other property to holders on that registered global security, will immediately credit participants’ accounts in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in that registered global security as shown on the records of the depositary. We also expect that standing customer instructions and customary practices will govern payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in a registered global security held through the participants, as is now the case with the securities held for the accounts of customers registered in “street name.” We also expect that any of these payments will be the responsibility of those participants.

If the depositary for any of the securities represented by a registered global security is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as depositary or ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or Exchange Act, and a successor depositary registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange Act is not appointed by us within 90 days, we will issue securities in definitive form in exchange for the registered global security that had been held by the depositary. Any securities issued in definitive form in exchange for a registered global security will be registered in the name or names that the depositary gives to the relevant trustee, warrant agent, unit agent or other relevant agent of ours or theirs. It is expected that the depositary’s instructions will be based upon directions received by the depositary from participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in the registered global security that had been held by the depositary.

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We may sell the securities offered by this prospectus to one or more underwriters or dealers for public offering and sale by them or to investors directly or through agents, including in underwritten public offerings, at-the-market offerings, negotiated transactions, block trades or a combination of these methods. The accompanying prospectus supplement will set forth the terms of the offering and the method of distribution and will identify any firms acting as underwriters, dealers or agents in connection with the offering, including:

• the name or names of any underwriters, dealers or agents, if any;

• the purchase price of the securities and the proceeds to us from the sale;

• any underwriting discounts and other items constituting compensation to underwriters, dealers or agents;

• any public offering price;

• any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers; and

• any securities exchange or market on which the securities offered in the prospectus supplement may be listed.

Only those underwriters identified in such prospectus supplement are deemed to be underwriters in connection with the securities offered in the prospectus supplement.

The distribution of the securities may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, or at prices determined as the applicable prospectus supplement specifies, including at prevailing market prices, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. The securities may be sold through an at the market offering, a rights offering, forward contracts or similar arrangements. In addition, we may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable prospectus supplement so indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third party may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of stock, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of stock. The third party in such sale transactions will be an underwriter and, if not identified in this prospectus, will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement (or a post-effective amendment). In addition, we may otherwise loan or pledge securities to a financial institution or other third party that in turn may sell the securities short using this prospectus and an applicable prospectus supplement. Such financial institution or other third party may transfer its economic short position to investors in our securities or in connection with a concurrent offering of other securities.

In connection with the sale of the securities, underwriters, dealers or agents may be deemed to have received compensation from us in the form of underwriting discounts or commissions and also may receive commissions from securities purchasers for whom they may act as agent. Underwriters may sell the securities to or through dealers, and the dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters or commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as agent.

We will provide in the applicable prospectus supplement information regarding any underwriting discounts or other compensation that we pay to underwriters or agents in connection with the securities offering, and any discounts, concessions or commissions that underwriters allow to dealers. Underwriters, dealers and agents participating in the securities distribution may be deemed to be underwriters, and any discounts, commissions or concessions they receive and any profit they realize on the resale of the securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act of 1933. Underwriters and their controlling persons, dealers and agents may be entitled, under agreements entered into with us, to indemnification against

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and contribution toward specific civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Some of the underwriters, dealers or agents who participate in the securities distribution may engage in other transactions with, and perform other services for, us or our subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business.

Our common stock is currently listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, but any other securities may or may not be listed on a national securities exchange. To facilitate the offering of securities, certain persons participating in the offering may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the securities. This may include over-allotments or short sales of the securities, which involve the sale by persons participating in the offering of more securities than were sold to them. In these circumstances, these persons would cover such over-allotments or short positions by making purchases in the open market or by exercising their over-allotment option, if any. In addition, these persons may stabilize or maintain the price of the securities by bidding for or purchasing securities in the open market or by imposing penalty bids, whereby selling concessions allowed to dealers participating in the offering may be reclaimed if securities sold by them are repurchased in connection with stabilization transactions. The effect of these transactions may be to stabilize or maintain the market price of the securities at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market. These transactions may be discontinued at any time.

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LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of any securities offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of Nikola Corporation incorporated by reference in Nikola Corporation’s Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2021, and the effectiveness of Nikola Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their reports thereon included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements are, and audited financial statements to be included in subsequently filed documents will be, incorporated herein in reliance upon the reports of Ernst & Young LLP pertaining to such financial statements and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of the respective dates (to the extent covered by consents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission) given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

CHANGE IN AUDITOR

On June 3, 2020, our board of directors approved the engagement of Ernst & Young LLP, or EY, as our independent registered public accounting firm to audit the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2020. EY served as the independent registered public accounting firm of Legacy Nikola prior to the Business Combination. Accordingly, RSM US LLP, or RSM, our independent registered public accounting firm prior to the Business Combination, was informed that it would be replaced by EY as our independent registered public accounting firm following completion of the company’s audit for the year ended December 31, 2019, which consists only of the accounts of the pre-business combination special purpose acquisition company.

RSM’s report on the company’s balance sheets as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2019 and for the period from January 23, 2018 (inception) to December 31, 2018, and the related notes to the financial statements, or collectively, the financial statements, did not contain any adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor were they qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.

During the period from January 23, 2018 (inception) to December 31, 2019 and the subsequent period through March 31, 2020, there were no: (i) disagreements with RSM on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosures or audited scope or procedures, which disagreements if not resolved to RSM’s satisfaction would have caused RSM to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreement in connection with its report or (ii) reportable events as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.

During the period from January 23, 2018 (inception) to December 31, 2018 and the interim period through March 31, 2020, we did not consult EY with respect to either (i) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed; or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered our financial statements, and no written report or oral advice was provided to us by EY that EY concluded was an important factor considered by us in reaching a decision as to the accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue; or (ii) any matter that was either the subject of a disagreement, as that term is described in

Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act and the related instructions to Item 304 of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act, or a reportable event, as that term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act.

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We have provided RSM with a copy of the disclosures made by us in response to Item 304(a) of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act, and have requested that RSM furnish us with a letter addressed to the SEC stating whether it agrees with the statements made by the registrant in response to this Item 304(a) of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act and, if not, stating the respects in which it does not agree. A letter from RSM is filed as Exhibit 16.1 to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We have filed a registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933. This prospectus is part of the registration statement but the registration statement includes and incorporates by reference additional information and exhibits. We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding companies, such as ours, that file documents electronically with the SEC. The address of that website is http://www.sec.gov. Except as specifically incorporated by reference into this prospectus, the information on the SEC’s website is not part of this prospectus, and any references to this website or any other website are inactive textual references only.

Our website address is www.nikolamotor.com. Through our website, we make available, free of charge, the following documents as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC, including our Annual Reports on Form 10-K; our proxy statements for our annual and special stockholder meetings; our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q; our Current Reports on Form 8-K; Forms 3, 4, and 5 and Schedules 13D with respect to our securities filed on behalf of our directors and our executive officers; and amendments to those documents. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, our website is not a part of, and is not incorporated into, this prospectus.

The SEC permits us to “incorporate by reference” the information contained in documents we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents rather than by including them in this prospectus. Information that is incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus and you should read it with the same care that you read this prospectus. Later information that we file with the SEC will automatically update and supersede the information that is either contained, or incorporated by reference, in this prospectus, and will be considered to be a part of this prospectus from the date those documents are filed. We have filed with the SEC, and incorporate by reference in this prospectus:

• our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December  31, 2021, as amended by Amendment No.1 to Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 11, 2022;

• our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 24, 2022 (to the extent filed under Item 5.02); and

• the description of our common stock set forth in Exhibit 4.8 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, together with any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description.

We also incorporate by reference all additional documents that we file with the SEC under the terms of Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are made after the initial filing date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part and the effectiveness of the registration statement, as well as between the date of this prospectus and the termination of any offering of securities offered by this prospectus. We are not, however, incorporating, in each case, any documents or information that we are deemed to furnish and not file in accordance with SEC rules.

You may request a copy of any or all of the documents incorporated by reference but not delivered with this prospectus, at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at the following address and number: Nikola Corporation, 4141 E Broadway Road, Phoenix, AZ 85040, telephone (480) 666-1038. We will not, however, send exhibits to those documents, unless the exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference in those documents.

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$100,000,000

NIKOLA CORPORATION

Shares of Common Stock

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

BTIG

Baird

Bryan, Garnier & Co.

Wolfe | Nomura Alliance

                    , 2023