While the trucking industry is eagerly awaiting the launch of Tesla’s electric truck, the automotive industry is abuzz with the rumored introduction of an all-electric pick-up truck. For years, CEO Elon Musk has been dropping hints that his company is developing an electric pick-up, but was quick to answer that priorities at the moment were the launch of Tesla’s third generation vehicles, the Model 3, Model Y and the all electric “Nikola” electric truck.
Questions have been thrown into the air because earlier this year, Musk said that an unveiling of a concept electric pick-up will take place between six to nine months and a mock up will be ready by end of this year. Musk also revealed that production will commence within the next three to four years (2019-2020).
Not much is known about the vehicle at this point and we are stuck with only unofficial renderings from artists, to help us envision what a Tesla pickup truck could look like. Additionally, Musk did say that Tesla will likely build an all-electric cargo van on the chassis that it is developing for its pickup truck.
What will it look like?
We have seen how sleek Tesla cars are and we are left wondering how will it look like? Tesla has carved a name for itself by blending luxury with performance and cutting-edge technology, all things we’d expect in a truck offering, as well. Its front fascia blends a number of familiar Tesla features, and uses a similar grille design to that of the pre-facelift model S, though freshened up a bit with a livelier shape. The headlights are instantly recognizable and the hood is a macho take on the swoopier lids of the current Teslas. A rising beltline and big Turbine wheels give it a distinctively sporty look. The stamped tailgate and flared fenders give this otherwise mold-breaking truck a whiff of pickup traditionalism.
While the look of a truck is a lot less important than what it can do, there are people choosing the better looking one of the bunch. The upcoming Tesla truck would likely borrow a lot from the S and X models which means a grille-less front end, slim headlights and a really subtle, yet aggressive, front end. The truck will likely use a bed integrated into the chassis and it would actually use a dedicated chassis which will also include the battery pack for extra strength.
The 2018 Tesla Pickup Truck would have to be quite impressive in order to compete with its competitors from Ford, GM and Toyota. Judging from the looks of it, this electric pick-up just might give its competitors a serious run for their money.
Musk is coy in revealing if his pick-up will either be rear or all wheel drive. Rumored output should be north of 400 horsepower and well over 500 lb-ft of torque across the range. The battery pack is expected to be at least double that of the Model X, so more than 160 kWh. This should give it a range of around 350 to 500 miles when empty.
The key differences will be when ti will have to tow something. The truck will have to offer at least 100 miles of range when towing its maximum capacity which is actually expected to be over 10,000 pounds. This would definitely give Ford and GM a serious fight for a slice of the consumer pie and it would make Tesla interesting for the pick-up market.