Electric pickup trucks are definitely on their way and
EV startup Atlis
is showing its XT pickup truck in these renderings. The Atlis truck
claims some interesting specs and features, with a clear intent of
providing some real-world solutions when (or if) it hits the market
within the next few years.
The full-size XT truck, built on the Atlis XP electric
skateboard platform, features four wheel-mounted motors. The structure
allows for a large front trunk to complement the bed, which itself is
said to be available in 6.5- and 8-foot lengths. Comparable "frunks" are
usually more tub-like, but the one on the Atlis truck uniquely has both
a hood and a lowering gate, as the fascia drops down like a tailgate
does. There's load-adjusting air suspension, and both single and dual
rear-wheel body styles are being planned.
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© Atlis Motors
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As
for performance, capability and electric range, Atlis promises multiple
options. Top speed is claimed to be 120 mph, with 60 mph coming in just
5 seconds when unladen and 18 seconds with maximum GCWR. Towing
capacity is promised to be substantial, though it will depend on the
version selected, with 5,000-, 10,000-, 15,000- and 20,000-pound
versions available. The availability of a fifth-wheel hookup promises a
GCWR tow rating of as much as 35,000 pounds. That means an Atlis truck's
capability would range from something like a
Chevrolet Colorado
to a Silverado HD. In terms of off-road capability, ground clearance
will be either 12 or 15 inches depending on spec. Wading depth is said
to be 1 meter.
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© Atlis Motors
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In terms of range, there will be 300-, 400-, and 500-mile range
options, all of which apply when the truck is unladen. But the biggest
trick is a targeted 15-minute full charge, which Atlis says it has so
far tested with small-scale batteries. A 3-kWh test battery pack was
charged full in 13 minutes, but time will literally tell if that is
scalable to a full vehicle size battery. Atlis also claims it's aiming
for a 5-minute full fast charge by 2025. The full capacity of the final
battery packs remains unstated.
Some other tidbits: There will be
no rearview mirrors, just cameras, and the company also plans for
autonomous capabilities. The trucks will also offer accessory power
packs for remote work locations. As well as remote heating and cooling,
there will be electrically dimming cabin glass. Cabs will be offered in
two- and four-door configuration, and the renderings include the planned
dashboard look.
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© Atlis Motors
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The intended starting price of the XT truck is
promised to be $45,000 with a targeted on-sale date of late 2020. Other
perks include a "Zero Cost-of-Maintenance guarantee" and unlimited
charging if the customer chooses a subscription service instead of a
direct purchase. The vehicles are said to come with a 10-year
warranty. Atlis also doesn't plan on introducing any other vehicles than trucks, and it's aiming to cater only to U.S. customers.
Of
course, this is all far from a sure thing. In fact, we're a little
dubious of any start up making such grand promises. And it is indeed a
startup that is still raising funds for finishing both the prototype
truck and fast charging stations. It released some key figures on the
Startengine fundraising site.
So the Atlis XT does look and sound good, but there's a still a long
way to go before we start seeing them on American highways.
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© Atlis Motors
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Atlis XT electric truck promises 20,000-pound towing and a 15-minute charge originally appeared on
Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jan 2019 14:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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