Pickup trucks are one of the biggest and heaviest cars owned, plus have more than sufficient torque to make minced meat of most terrain. Something unexpected is coming soon and it will be a gamechanger. Selling electric pickup trucks are in the works for startups like Rivian. Even the GM Hummer will be reborn and rebadged as a full-electric vehicle. Companies like Ford that offer SUV lineups are starting to retrofit their models with hybrid engines. Not to be left behind are companies from China and Japan selling hybrid SUVs and crossovers.
Startups like Rivian have displayed their wares in showrooms recently. Not to allow Rivian to monopolize the upcoming electric pickup category is Tesla developing its own e-Pickup. It seems that successive disruptive trends are driving the pickup to be electrified sooner than expected.
1. Electrified skateboard over the cab on body chassis.
The cab on body chassis has proven to be very durable than a unibody chassis. The electrified skateboard chassis has a simpler suspension layout and with electric motors connected to the wheels. An electric car chassis will have the most weight in the battery compartment. Its chassis will be constructed of durable material that may not be as hardened as a cab on body chassis. Keeping weight down might be crucial for an EV truck.
2. Radical changes in the passenger cabin and truck design.
One of the major changes in the overall cabin and truck design will be the lack of a drive train hump. Its body may incorporate both the cab and truck bed as one unibody. Truck cabs will be roomier and more comfortable than ever. A trunk with space for more cargo. Functionally this design offers more than current pickups. How it will affect off-road performance is another.
3. Naturally occurring All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) is different from Four-Wheel-Drive (4WD) can be an issue.
Most pickup trucks come with either 2WD or All-Wheel Drive and Four-Wheel Drive, however, either part-time or all-time 4WD offers the better off-road kicks. Placement of the electric motors offers the best traction for any terrain. Computerized control of the sensor inputs will distribute the force transferred to the wheels. Essentially the same function but some minor differences to note.
4. Lighter body construction as opposed to the ICE pickup.
Typical ICE pickups have a heavy chassis and with the most durable construction for safety. Electric trucks have a lighter chassis and a heavier battery that gives it more weight. Using lighter, alternative materials will have an effect on the handling that will be somewhat else.
5. Electric powered pickup versus an ICE pickup or SUV.
An electric pickup is yet to be fully tested in most conditions. Though the Porsche Taycan has proven electric cars can off-set the power of combustion engines. Electric vehicles accelerate faster as well, compared to ICE-powered vehicles.
There's no doubt the disruptive trend of electric pickups that are coming soon. Will the Rivian and Tesla e-Pickup be a big it and sell better to make them a commercial success. An e-Pickup might yet put the SUV to bed finally.
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