Tesla Pickup Truck

[AnOutsider]

I could have sworn we had a topic on this, but I can't seem to find it (will try a Google search of the site later, might be buried in another discussion). Anywho, in the following article, Franz all but confirms there will be a Tesla Pickup:

Tesla’s electric 3-series rival ‘on sale in 2015’ | Autocar (http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/tesla%E2%80%99s-electric-3-series-rival-%E2%80%98-sale-2015%E2%80%99)


“There are lots of ways in which we can exploit the platform,” said Von Holzhausen. “There will be a time and place for us to develop something around a pick-up. That’s a market for which the torque of an electric motor would be ideally suited.”

[doug]

Mentioned in a couple of threads I guess, including this one: If Tesla Motors created a sub-brand, what would it be named? (http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/6816-If-Tesla-Motors-created-a-sub-brand-what-would-it-be-named)

[Doug_G]

A pickup truck would have huge potential. Fleets spend a fortune on gasoline and maintenance, and most competent operators understand the concept of "total cost of ownership". I'm sure Tesla sees that as a big opportunity, but they've got a lot on their plate...

[brianman]

Fleets...
I ran across this earlier today. Forgot how I got there...
Fleet Services | Tesla Motors (http://www.teslamotors.com/en_EU/fleet)


FLEET SERVICES
BUILD A FLEET FOR THE 21ST CENTURY
Your drivers want exhilarating, stylish, practical vehicles. You’re looking for innovative ways to reduce costs and the environmental impact of the fleet you manage. Model S is the fleet vehicle you’ve been searching for.

[vfx]

How many "I told ya so's" do I get? :wink::smile:

[brianman]

How many "I told ya so's" do I get? :wink::smile:
Seven.

[AnOutsider]

Don't feed the Eric.

[doug]

I ran across this earlier today. Forgot how I got there...
Fleet Services | Tesla Motors (http://www.teslamotors.com/en_EU/fleet)
The URL specifies EU, so maybe they're only trying to promote it there.

[jordanthompson]

Yeee Hah!!! Saddle up partner...

Tesla pickup truck could be a sweet ride for electric cowboys (http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/16/tesla-pickup-truck-could-be-a-sweet-ride-for-electric-cowboys/)

[Yggdrasill]

I hope they wait with making a pickup until after they've made a smaller sedan, the crossover, the next roadster and a van.

Pickups do not sell over here. The segment is probably less than 1% of the total market. If they do decide to make one in the near future, I hope the market for pickups is significantly better in the US.

[jordanthompson]

Pickups do not sell over here.
WHAT?!? Ya'll hain't got no redneck cowboys over there in Norway?? :scared:

[Jkam]

I would be all over a pick up if they offered one.

[YoungStranger]

When I think of pickups, I think of farm vehicles such as Land Rovers. They need good torque but relatively low highway speed and acceleration and all wheel drive - and two electric motors would be a simpler system than current transmissions

However they are a winner mostly because they are short range - used to nip across fields and perhaps to the local town and would require smaller battery packs and therefore would be economic to produce- and most farms have 3 phase charging points. Mind you I think I would prefer a diesel vehicle if I was in the outback or the serengheti!

I could see Tesla licencing packs to a third party or having a sub brand - although Honda has a strong rep in most markets with a single brand

[vfx]

When I think of pickups, I think of farm....

Lot's of land for wind turbines and roofs for solar too.

[Citizen-T]

Also, those that operate fleets of pickups are much more likely to look at the total cost of ownership and not have the "sticker shock" problem that your average consumer has with EVs.

[YoungStranger]

Bob Lutz and his Volt-like truck visit Jay Lenos Garage (http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/16/bob-lutz-and-his-volt-like-truck-visit-jay-lenos-garage/#continued)

I was thinking from a UK perspective - the link above would be a similar idea and direct competitor in the US to a Tesla pickup.

UK (and German) farmers also have great solar subsidies which help!

[smoothoperator]

This electric truck would have to be one of those SUT's and not a real bashing in the boonies, hauling/towing truck. I cannot imagine an electric truck going some of the place I have went with my Cummins Ram (through rivers, muddy swamps etc). There are some great applications for EV powertrains a real truck is not one of them.

[smoothoperator]

Bob Lutz and his Volt-like truck visit Jay Lenos Garage (http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/16/bob-lutz-and-his-volt-like-truck-visit-jay-lenos-garage/#continued)

I was thinking from a UK perspective - the link above would be a similar idea and direct competitor in the US to a Tesla pickup.

UK (and German) farmers also have great solar subsidies which help!

Tesla should replace their duramax ranger vans with these!

[jordanthompson]

This electric truck would have to be one of those SUT's and not a real bashing in the boonies, hauling/towing truck. I cannot imagine an electric truck going some of the place I have went with my Cummins Ram (through rivers, muddy swamps etc). There are some great applications for EV powertrains a real truck is not one of them.
If they can protect an ICE from water intrusion, hitting rocks, etc, there is no reason you can't protect an electric motor. I just saw a Toyota Celica that had been modified so that the air scoop was towards the bottom of the engine (dumb idea). It went into a puddle, the motor sucked up some water and they had to replace a piston, crank, rods, etc.

[YoungStranger]

I agree. would a electric pickup short out if you forded a river? You would have to engineer in watertightness

[jordanthompson]

I agree. would a electric pickup short out if you forded a river? You would have to engineer in watertightness

Are you saying that they don't engineer "watertightness" into ICE vehicles exposed to inundating water? Of course they do. There are all kinds of electrical connections that may be exposed to submersion. Of course if you take an off-the-shelf electric motor and assume it will run under water, it won't. The same techniques used to waterproof an ICE would need to be applied to a motor used in similar conditions. Submarines use motors to drive them.

[YoungStranger]

Are you saying that they don't engineer "watertightness" into ICE vehicles exposed to inundating water? Of course they do. There are all kinds of electrical connections that may be exposed to submersion. Of course if you take an off-the-shelf electric motor and assume it will run under water, it won't. The same techniques used to waterproof an ICE would need to be applied to a motor used in similar conditions. Submarines use motors to drive them.

YUP.I am positive that they would design in watertightness- but it would have to be specific to that vehicle. I suppose it all depends how deep you want to go!
7895

[vfx]

Tesla should replace their duramax ranger vans with these!

Except the very purpose of them is to drive long distances...

[smoothoperator]

Except the very purpose of them is to drive long distances...

There will still be a gas savings, since the ICE is used solely as a generator so the RPM fluctuations will be minimal. The only wildcard is the towing capacity with this powertrain. With all the new service centers coming online, I do not think there is a place in America that is more than 400 miles away from a service center.

[ItsNotAboutTheMoney]

Except the very purpose of them is to drive long distances...

Ah, so that's why they want the supercharger network. ;)

[SCW-Greg]

Hmm. And then this came out today, from an interview with FVH...

Tesla entry-level all-electric car and truck could be in the works | Digital Trends (http://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/tesla-entry-level-all-electric-car-and-truck-in-the-works/)

[AnOutsider]

Hmm. And then this came out today, from an interview with FVH...

Tesla entry-level all-electric car and truck could be in the works | Digital Trends (http://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/tesla-entry-level-all-electric-car-and-truck-in-the-works/)

Looks like the article is based on the article in this thread. No real new info.

[SCW-Greg]

Looks like the article is based on the article in this thread. No real new info.

Oops, my bad. You're right. Scanned over the original article too fast.

[SCW-Greg]

I'd buy one or two of them if they had enough torque to pull a full 20' cattle trailer or something like a 32' offshore fishing boat. 4x4-type capability would also be nice. I wouldn't be interested if it were just a street-type "city" pickup. It would need to be powerful enough for a work truck with a decent amount of range while pulling heavy loads.

Knowing that the performance version of the Model S delivers 416HP and 442 ft-lbs of instant torque to the real wheels. The Standard model delivers well over 300hp. Then the model X takes that and adds 4x4 capability.

I'm thinking they can make a 4x4 truck with some mind-blowing power and speed. However, engineering will need to be factored in for real world wheel travel, and road clearance too.

[domenick]

...
Pickups do not sell over here. The segment is probably less than 1% of the total market. If they do decide to make one in the near future, I hope the market for pickups is significantly better in the US.

In June, 924,129 pickup trucks were sold in the U.S. (http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2012/07/june-2012-top-15-pickup-truck-sales.html)

Tesla would need a very small percentage of that to be wildly successful.

It would be quite a challenge, I believe, to produce a sufficiently streamline design that also retains the "masculine" aspect that draws American buyers. I don't think they could just chop an X. (Though that is how I illustrated the post I wrote (http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/16/tesla-pickup-truck-could-be-a-sweet-ride-for-electric-cowboys/) about it.)

8065

[Yggdrasill]

In June, 924,129 pickup trucks were sold in the U.S. (http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2012/07/june-2012-top-15-pickup-truck-sales.html)

Tesla would need a very small percentage of that to be wildly successful.

It would be quite a challenge, I believe, to produce a sufficiently streamline design that also retains the "masculine" aspect that draws American buyers. I don't think they could just chop an X. (Though that is how I illustrated the post I wrote (http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/16/tesla-pickup-truck-could-be-a-sweet-ride-for-electric-cowboys/) about it.)

8065According to the site you linked about 163k pickups were sold in the US in June. 924k is the year to date figure.

But that makes for about 2 million pickups per year. If Tesla were wildly successful with a pickup they might sell 20,000 per year, so they could be wildly successful if they took 1% of the US market.

That's quite plausible, actually.

[domenick]

According to the site you linked about 163k pickups were sold in the US in June. 924k is the year to date figure.

But that makes for about 2 million pickups per year. If Tesla were wildly successful with a pickup they might sell 20,000 per year, so they could be wildly successful if they took 1% of the US market.

That's quite plausible, actually.

Holy crap, you're right. Number should have been 162,527.

[dsm363]

Like many large cars, some people don't really need them but want them for the occasional trip to Home Depot or to the garden shop. For those people, something like this would be perfect. They'd still get to drive their pickup as the daily driver but not have to waste so much energy (gas).

[hj-45]

I would rather see an El-Camino type vehicle on the drawing boards. Pontiac was going to give it a try again by importing a Holden ute before they were axed by the recession. If only people used a truck for what you NEED a truck to do in the US.

[ElSupreme]

If only people used a truck for what you NEED a truck to do in the US.

Drive your two kids to school, then drive yourself to work in an office building? That is what we use trucks for in Marietta/Atlanta.

[dsm363]

Drive your two kids to school, then drive yourself to work in an office building? That is what we use trucks for in Marietta/Atlanta.

Same in Texas and probably everywhere in the US. People like their pickups so I think a good number would jump at the chance to have a pickup and not had a 14 mpg vehicle at the same time.

[hj-45]

Funny we are talking about trucks. My co-worker in the next cube just asked the Ford dealer if they finance service repairs. His Ford F-350 diesel needs new head gaskets and was quoted $2700. Makes me smirk covertly. Although he does have the truck to tow a 5th wheel camper, he still wastefully uses it as transportation to work.

[jerry33]

Although he does have the truck to tow a 5th wheel camper, he still wastefully uses it as transportation to work.

That's pretty common because it's cheaper to pay for gas then purchase a second car (and the associated maintenance).

[ETM]

how about ground clearance? if this is going to be used on construction sites or even off road, the battery could be severely damaged if pounded against rocks and rubble. correct? the battery is very sensitive i imagine.

[dsm363]

how about ground clearance? if this is going to be used on construction sites or even off road, the battery could be severely damaged if pounded against rocks and rubble. correct? the battery is very sensitive i imagine.

I would imagine Tesla would go after the more light-duty/daily driver pickup than the heavy-duty haul tons of stuff construction pickup. Many people seem to like having a pickup even though they probably don't really need one. They like the utility of being able to go to Home Depot once a month in their truck but it gets used as a daily driver the rest of the time. There is nothing wrong with this of course it's just that they've selected a rather inefficient vehicle as their daily driver. A Tesla pickup could be the best of both.

[gjunky]

Tesla won't be the only one thinking about a truck. Bob Lutz seems to be paying attention as well:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5STy6HRZEQ&feature=player_embedded
Jay Leno Garage driving an extended range Chevy Pickup

[vfx]

Funny. Every time I think about the pickup truck I think it's going to be on the smaller Genlll platform.

More Transit Connect, Ford Ranger size.

[dsm363]

Funny. Every time I think about the pickup truck I think it's going to be on the smaller Genlll platform.

More Transit Connect, Ford Ranger size.

Could be. I could see Model S platform with dual motors like the X though too. More of a F150 style fighter.

[WhiteKnight]

how about ground clearance? if this is going to be used on construction sites or even off road, the battery could be severely damaged if pounded against rocks and rubble. correct? the battery is very sensitive i imagine.


My guess would be the bed of the truck becomes the battery pack.

[Uncle Ron]

EDIT,,

[jcstp]

Is an Electric Pickup in Our Future? - PickupTrucks.com News (http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2012/11/is-there-an-electric-pickup-in-our-future.html?shout_id=20720:490556)

nice drawings of tesla-pickup's

[smorgasbord]

nice drawings of tesla-pickup's

Many of the comments there are depressingly funny.

[Grendal]

Many of the comments there are depressingly funny.

A few months back I made this comment:

One of the interesting things which could potentially hurt Tesla is that the shape of a truck is defined by its gas engine. They usually have a big flat front to allow lots of air into the engine bay to cool its hard working, very hot engine. If Tesla makes a truck that won't be necessary and so they can make a rounded curvy front end like the Model X. If Tesla changes the boxy shape of a truck a lot of truck owners won't buy one, I think, due to their preconceived notions of what a truck looks like. It's part of the reason Tesla made the black circle in the front of the S and X that mimics a grill. This makes the S and X still look like a car that people expect from the looks of a car. My hope, when Tesla does eventually make a truck, is that they somehow make it look like a truck.

I think the comments to that article reflect exactly what I was saying in this comment.

[vfx]

I liked this comment:



"Yea, and what happens when your electric is out for two weeks after a storm. Your screwed thats what."
Immediately after the storm, not everyone lost power, but almost no-one could get gas. A few days later many people got power restored, but gas was almost impossible to find. 2 weeks after the storm almost everyone has power, but everyone is on gas rationing with odd/even days, etc. Easier to charge at home overnight than to wait on a gas line for hours every other day.

[Kevin Harney]

Reminded me of a Subaru Brat. Not a bad thing.

[smorgasbord]

My hope, when Tesla does eventually make a truck, is that they somehow make it look like a truck.

Without an engine, they can make the truck bed longer. Imagine a full size pickup bed with a full size rear bench seat. Way more important.

Biggest obstacle is having enough power on board to run errands under heavy loads all day. I haven't done the math, but if 85kWh under a half ton load or towing only goes 70 miles, that's not gonna work for many contractors.

[Kevin Harney]

So stack 2 85kWh batteries in the bed. with 8" of ground clearance there is plenty of room for two.

[jcstp]

i guess it's comming

An Interview with Elon Musk - Motor Trend
(http://www.motortrend.com/features/consumer/1211_elon_musk_interview/?ti=v3)


We have this idea for an electric truck that could really be a big improvement in truck technology

[Vexar]

First, kudos to the artist Mark Stehrenberger for his rapid development of Tesla pickup truck drawings. They look lovely and fun, but they also look like (1) a Subaru Baja, (2) a Holden Ute or updated El Camino, or (3) a Chevrolet Avalanche, which suggests to me that Mr. Stehrenberger took some of his older designs over the years and re-did them, especially since only the 2nd drawing has a low-profile camera instead of large paddle mirrors. I expect some insane innovations if Tesla heads in this direction, like a sturdy yet retractable or dynamic roof rack (cuts down on wind resistance) and a weight balance that takes advantage of the whole vehicle, not simply the rear axle. I also expect the vehicle to be highly modular, as a service vehicle.

Elon said "electric truck that could be a real improvement on truck technology." What he did not say was "pickup truck." I think a pickup truck would be great, but I think a heavy freight truck would be epic. I also think that a freight truck would fit better with his comments about transport independence.

Given the time-line Tesla has, this makes more sense to me than a new consumer vehicle. If Tesla is even 3 years out on a pickup truck, Nissan is only 2 years out, and will likely build on their existing truck platform. If Nissan switches to a different battery design, which I expect will happen, then as a pickup truck, Tesla Motors will have difficulty competing. Additionally, pickup trucks receive significant wear and tear, and might be hard to manage in a service contract like what is offered for the Model S.

[Krugerrand]

@Vexar - So basically Tesla would have to do something 'impossible'. :wink:

[jordanthompson]

Ya know, IMO, I don't think Musk really cares WHO comes up with it. I think his goal is to change the world (and he is well on his way!) so if Nissan comes up with it first, that'd be OK with him - he'll just move on to electric jets or something.

[Zextraterrestrial]

@Vexar - So basically Tesla would have to do something 'impossible'. :wink:

but with a truck?

Nissan doesn't stand a chance If they don't have one already. Based on existing truck platform would be Stoopid at best.

[Vexar]

but with a truck?

Nissan doesn't stand a chance If they don't have one already. Based on existing truck platform would be Stoopid at best.

Whoa. The average consumer won't think about that, Z-man. Isn't the Nissan Leaf little more than a Nissan Versa with a little "junk in the trunk?" Reference (http://www.onelectriccars.com/how-the-nissan-leaf-is-made/796/). No, I fully expect Nissan will build on its light truck platform. To Nissan, making the Leaf was "look, we made an electric car, and people are buying it!" I've seen the hood popped on a Leaf. It is basically hollow except for the top 10" where they have, of all things, a standard car battery, and some other components. They didn't even bother to put a tray beneath all those electrical components. It isn't Stoopid, it is cost-savings. It also isn't innovative. Nissan will not innovate to 20% of what Tesla Motors will, in a single car. Nissan did put a solar panel in the Leaf's spoiler, to keep the lead-acid car battery charged. They also put the charging port under a lid in the front. They added a "beep-beep-beep" system for when the vehicle is in reverse. Beyond sticking an air-cooled Lithium battery and a motor in the car, that's all Nissan did to build a car that has seen production numbers over 40,000 in two years. Well, they did stick some charging stations all over the map where their dealerships are.
I have an acquaintance who is a 'truck guy." He's had massive diesel trucks, light duty, you name it. He would be thrilled to have an electric truck, for all that low-speed torque and regenerative braking. If my acquaintance is representative of a pickup truck buyer, he will be after "the most truck for his dollar." That means towing capacity, load support, horsepower, and very little else. If the thought of not having to buy gasoline enters any truck buyer's mind, and they still get all the truck they need, yeah, gasoline trucks are gone.

[smorgasbord]

Tesla needs to figure out how to make this:

11766

look good. Having the cab up-front let's them have a full-size bed even if the cab has 2 rows of seats - which is the pickup equivalent of tastes great and less filling.

[AnOutsider]

Good... AND safe. Not sure how I feel being in the crumple zone.

[vfx]

And the aerodynamics of a brick.

[doug]

Good... AND safe. Not sure how I feel being in the crumple zone.
Obviously, you just jump out the front window.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqDrnR2bWk4

[AnOutsider]

Obviously, you just jump out the front window.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqDrnR2bWk4

haha, the exact vid that came to mind, but I was too lazy to google for :)

[inkynote]

Having secure storage in the frunk would be very useful to most contractors ( for smaller tools, materials and foul weather gear) and probably everyone else! I hope the basic pick-up they offer has a standard size bed (relative to the size of the truck...) so a bucket loader can dump into it, etc. I DON'T want a tiny, vestigial truck bed and seating for 5 or 6 (as suggested by the third party renderings referred to earlier in the thread). A bench seat for 3 would be great! And practical, given no transmission hump in the middle. Keeping the truck lower to the ground, as with most mid or small pick-ups, makes it much easier to use the truck bed: easier to reach into, lift things up into and step into.

We're getting a Model S soon (!!!) and eagerly await the pick-up truck. My husband is a contractor, currently driving a 1967 Toyota Stout (converted to propane, which we'd only give up for a great EV truck), and logs many more miles working than we do in our sedan. 70 miles of range would take care of all but the very rare material fetching way out of town. 30 miles would usually be more than enough, even with all the running around he has to do some days. That said, more range would be better!

[brianman]

Sorry! I don't know how editing existing posts!
"Edit Post" button in the bottom right of your post.

[ItsNotAboutTheMoney]

And the aerodynamics of a brick.

I bet almost all bricks would have a lower CdA.

[Norbert]

"Edit Post" button in the bottom right of your post.

I think you need to have a certain post count before you get the "Edit" button.

[brianman]

I think you need to have a certain post count before you get the "Edit" button.
I'm mildly curious if merged posts count as 1 or N.

[inkynote]

I think you need to have a certain post count before you get the "Edit" button.

Ooo! Now I have an edit post button. Pretty sure that was not available before. Thanks for your help. I'm going to see what else I can now do that wasn't available to me before.

[K5ING]

Tesla T? This could be it....

1773917740

[jcstp]

think these photos belong here

Tesla T - Page 8 (http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/8043-Tesla-T/page8?p=289990&viewfull=1#post289990)

[Al Sherman]

I'll reserve it the day it becomes available.

[Doug_G]

Posts about Tesla pickup truck moved to Tesla Pickup Truck (http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/9281-Tesla-Pickup-Truck)

[Doug_G]

think these photos belong here

Tesla T - Page 8 (http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/8043-Tesla-T/page8?p=289990&viewfull=1#post289990)

They're in the process of moved.

[K5ING]

Sorry about that. I put the pictures in the other thread because the topic was speculation of what "Tesla T" might stand for.

[jcstp]

Sorry about that. I put the pictures in the other thread because the topic was speculation of what "Tesla T" might stand for.

no wories!
awesome pics anyhow!

[montgom626]

If it has a gun rack, I will buy it! ;-)

[Al Sherman]

If it has a gun rack, I will buy it! ;-)

I'll take it with, or without anytime. I really believe that if Elon is talking about a pickup,(which is debatable yes) Tesla could sell a ton of them. If it has AWD, or 4WD, can pull, and carry, AND can stand up to Farm use. A lot of ifs yes but we're talking about the guy that just gets stuff done that the experts say he can't. The number 1 and 2 selling vehicles in the US last year were pickups. The Ford F series has been number 1 for 31 years. Pickup drivers are brand loyal, and hard to sway but I'm seeing a lot more Toyota and Nissan trucks in the heartland. When gas approaches 5 bucks a gallon (diesel is there already in some parts) these folks are gonna find an EV pickup that is as good, or better than there gas guzzlers hard to ignore. I know I'm in!

[K5ING]

I still prefer the wagon (http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/11109-Model-S-Wagon?p=213094&viewfull=1#post213094) over the pickup, but Tesla could sell a bunch of both.

[montgom626]

If it has AWD, or 4WD, can pull, and carry, AND can stand up to Farm use. A lot of ifs yes but we're talking about the guy that just gets stuff done that the experts say he can't. hard to ignore. I know I'm in!

Model X, AWD, with a box on the back.

[Al Sherman]

Model X, AWD, with a box on the back.

That would do it for me, but for the diehard truck people it would have to be more imo.

[Lloyd]

Tescamino

[WhiteKnight]

"I have this idea for a really advanced electric truck that has the performance of a sports car but actually more towing power and more carrying capacity than a gasoline or diesel truck of comparable size," Musk said. "That could be really cool, and I think that would probably make sense to do that at a new plant."
Musk said he has a design in mind for the truck, but it probably wouldn't come to market for another four or five years.
Front Page -- Automotive News (http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130410/RETAIL07/130419986/musk-tesla-could-build-second-plant-in-texas#axzz2QAX527DZ)
http://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/elon-musk-baits-texans-with-tesla-truck-plan-and-a-factory-to-produce-it/

[djplong]

I have this vision of a Tesla pick-up truck with a small, portable generator in the back (acting like a range-extender or recharger)...

[K5ING]

I have this vision of a Tesla pick-up truck with a small, portable generator in the back (acting like a range-extender or recharger)...

I think Elon has already stated that no Tesla car (or truck?) would ever be powered by a gas engine.

[djplong]

Oh I know - I was thinking of someone doing an aftermarket-type of thing since portable generators CAN be small and, well, there'd be a lot of room in the back of a pickup. If you were working on a construction site it might be a help.

[constraint]

The more i think about it, the more a gen set makes sense in a pickup. The biggest problem with pickups is they would require very large packs to have any sort of usable range, and even more so when under towing load. To compensate you need either more batteries or super high power charging stations all over which costs a lot of money.

I think having say a 60kwh pack with a 2.5 L diesel gen set that charges somewhere around 40 kw would be sufficient without costing an arm and a leg. 60kwh should be able to get you 120 miles of range empty (f150 size pickup), and while draining the pack you can use that time with the genset to maintain the charge (if you think you need it). If you fall behind on your charge, pull over take a bathroom break and let the genny catch up a bit as by the time its even an issue you have traveled at least 300 miles empty (200 miles with a large load).
Will this be a great cross country rig? No, but should be able to do regional jobs without too much fuss, save money on gas, make most of your driving emissions free and not cost a 2nd child.

[blakegallagher]

I would love to buy a pickup for my business but we travel too far pulling a load for it to be feasible without something onboard to charge the battery. If they did that they could capture a huge percentage of one of the most profitable segments there is. And a Texas factory would be a great idea! No one has mentioned the cheap labor you get here! Cost of living is much lower than Freemont plant.


edit: That being said ... battery tech may be at a place where I wont need a generator in the truck. I would love to have a all electric truck with a 600 mile range :)

[VolkerP]

40kW is not a human portable gen set. Here is a picture of a 50kVA Diesel gen set to give you an idea.
http://images.autoline.de/s/Baumaschinen-Stromaggregat-KAWAKENKI-KK-50-Generator-Aggregat-50KVA-KAWAKENKI---1_big--12041216024101632200.jpg
-- no that's not a Roadster on the truck, but... :tongue: --

But 40kW might be over sized. The BMW i3 Rex is based on a compact 2cyl motor cycle engine with 25kW
Check here BMW i - Page 24 (http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/5130-BMW-i?p=295222&viewfull=1#post295222)

[constraint]

Pretty sure an automotive grade genset could be shrunk significantly. Take via motors for instance, they are using a 3.6l?? v6 as a series hybrid. Essentially what I am envisioning is something like that with a bigger battery and smaller genset (also not a fan that the rig is 80k or that it is made from a company that could go under the second Chevy decides to go in the market). The only real concern i have is heating when stopped. 40kw genset pulled off at a truck stop to catch up on charge wouldn't have enough air going through an automotive radiator to dissipate that much heat.

The reason for the 40KW size is I am envisioning energy for towing (and pickups are bricks flying through the air at 75mph in MN towing 9000 lbs campers). The I3 doesnt have that requirement and only has to worry about hauling itself and a few passengers. 40KW is not enough to sustain for larger loads at freeway speeds but should do the job with only minimal issues if you are traveling longer distances. If your empty or towing a 2,000 lbs utility/boat trailer you will probably maintain at that level.

[aronth5]

Interesting to see Elon's recent tweet.
https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/331796308631367681
"Tesla priority is electrification of cars, so priority is Model S, Model X, then mass market third gen vehicle & truck"

[vfx]

Interesting to see Elon's recent tweet.
https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/331796308631367681
"Tesla priority is electrification of cars, so priority is Model S, Model X, then mass market third gen vehicle & truck"

Which kinda implys that the Gen lll and the truck will come out at the same time.

[Sublime]

Which kinda implys that the Gen lll and the truck will come out at the same time.

The Model L... for "L" Camino :)

[AnOutsider]

Which kinda implys that the Gen lll and the truck will come out at the same time.

Or probably just the same platform. I can't see Tesla being ready for a simultaneous release of 2 vehicles on a brand new platform.

[ElSupreme]

Or probably just the same platform. I can't see Tesla being ready for a simultaneous release of 2 vehicles on a brand new platform.

I would think Tesla would continue to leverage the S skateboard for a truck (~2-3 years after Model X), before moving to version updates on a 1-2 year basis cycling through 3 different vehicles on the same platform, that would just be in sync with a new Gen III platform vehicle. I really like compact pickups, but I think the full size jobs are the thing that everyone wants.

[dsm363]

The flatbed is the perfect place to hide the battery pack too. A 250+ mile pickup truck with massive amounts of torque would be a compelling product. A lot of people just use a pick up truck to drive to work and back anyway so would fit that need and the occasional run to Home Depot.

[constraint]

Putting the entire weight of the pack under the truck bed is just asking for severe under steer issues and would be nice if the pack was further up front (60 40 ration) to allow for better payload in the rear bed area. But ultimately the market in the USA for a small/midsize pickup is not that great as shown when GM, Ford AND Dodge got rid of their midsize pickups (which i think was a mistake and their own doing for not refreshing the ranger for 15 years).

I would assume that if Telsa wants to sell more then 30-50k pickups a year they need to size themselves competitively with the 150/1500 half ton class. Half of these 150's on the road are 40k luxury trucks where people tow their crappy 1,000 lbs trailer (with a 10k tow rating) 5 miles down the road to the yard waste site so their beds dont get dirty. Telsa needs to target these vehicles as the battery needs to be greater then 100-150 kwh's to come up with tow-able range that the general market will accept. The cost differential to do this with the ranger/colorado class midsize trucks will be too great to be accepted by the general public (who wants to spend more money for less capabilities?).

My only worry with using the Model S skateboard is the fact the entire chassis is aluminium and not designed for the requirements of a pickup. Much larger payloads and towing capacity puts a lot of strain on the chassis that i believe was never intentioned for the S platform. Maybe this can be reinforced in a few places but ultimately will probably need its own skateboard to get to an F150 level of truck.

[ElSupreme]

My only worry with using the Model S skateboard is the fact the entire chassis is aluminium and not designed for the requirements of a pickup. Much larger payloads and towing capacity puts a lot of strain on the chassis that i believe was never intentioned for the S platform. Maybe this can be reinforced in a few places but ultimately will probably need its own skateboard to get to an F150 level of truck.

Yeah I was thinking Honda Ridgeline but without the funky styling, not full blown pickup. Like you said half the F150s are luxo-trucks that only tow a small trailer to the dump, or the boat to the lake 15 miles away. A unibody, even an aluminum one, could handle that duty easily. Make it look like a real truck and you might have yourself a winner.

[constraint]

Make it look like a real truck and you might have yourself a winner.
Would agree with that statement as long as you keep the illusion of capability (I.E. high torque, higher payload to offset lower towing rating). Pickup buyers make their decisions on either worst case scenario or what they think might be their needs in the future. Why else would F150's be rated for over 12k lbs towing when almost everyone that buy's these luxo trucks will never ever tow over 4k. A lot of the buying public will not even consider a unibody pickup because they are considered less capable. To change that behavior you have to find a way to counter the billion + a year marketing that the big 3 have been sending to customers for so long.

[AudubonB]

My Model S is, I admit, a "fun" vehicle here in MiddleOfNowhere, Alaska. That's all it is meant to be - albeit an awfully fun way to get to town, if I can get it charged somewhere between here and there (200 miles to Fairbanks; 300 miles to Anchorage).

BUT - a real pickup that is EV? That would make life here truly sweet. For the past two decades, my primary wheels have been either 1-ton or 3/4-ton trucks: F-250s and F-350s. It's not about hauling the garbage bags to the recycle center. It's about bringing across the Alaska Range 8,000 lbs of supplies for the next three months, or taking the 14,000-lb skidsteer to Fairbanks for an undercarriage replacement....

So....need a beta-tester, Mr. Musk?:cool:

[Soflason]

Inside EVs did a piece on this yesterday:
Elon Musk Re-Confirms Electric Truck is in Teslas Future (http://insideevs.com/elon-musk-re-confirms-electric-truck-is-in-teslas-future/)

[constraint]

“Tesla priority is electrification of cars, so priority is Model S, Model X, then mass market third gen vehicle & truck.”
I am happy with Elon's ordering of priority, but something tells me the people expecting a next gen roadster are not going to be too happy. Also thought it made more sense to get the truck out first before a 2nd small niche roadster. Truck's are america's backbone and if Elon's company really wants to make a difference first, getting this truck out is more important then another toy for a few.

That and I am really sick of getting 12.5 MPG in my f150.

[Al Sherman]

A 250+ mile pickup truck with massive amounts of torque would be a compelling product.


Without a doubt. Out here in flyover country trucks are everywhere. They are "family cars." It's not "do you have a truck?" But rather "what kind of truck do you have?" Drive by any church out here on a Sunday morning and 80% of the vehicles are trucks.

I'm more excited about the truck than I was about the Model S. We have tons of contractors and tradesmen out here that never drive their trucks outside of the range of the Model S. They are constantly complaining about the price of fuel. Elon has hinted that the Tesla truck will crush any half ton currently on the market. I believe him and can't wait. I will reserve one the first day it's possible. Seriously.

If the big three are worried about Tesla at any level; they should be terrified of the Tesla pickup.

[Vexar]

Without a doubt. Out here in flyover country trucks are everywhere. They are "family cars." It's not "do you have a truck?" But rather "what kind of truck do you have?"
...
If the big three are worried about Tesla at any level; they should be terrified of the Tesla pickup.

I think they already are. A fellow headed from Canada through North Dakota hit heavy resistance from a Nissan dealer when he asked if he could charge his Model S there. Grand Forks, ND. That's truck country for sure.

[FreeOfPge]

Elon has hinted that the Tesla truck will crush any half ton currently on the market. I believe him and can't wait. I will reserve one the first day it's possible. Seriously.

If the big three are worried about Tesla at any level; they should be terrified of the Tesla pickup.

Electric Bigfoot, this was posted on tmc somewhere a few months back, seems like it is worth posting again for those who may have missed it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U41fJ-pd2vE

[mattjn]

Claiming that a Tesla truck will crush all other half tons is a big task. With a properly configured F150, you can tow up to 11,000 lbs and have a payload capacity of 2000 lbs, and still have a range over 400 miles in one fill up. I just don't see any way for an electric truck to do that. For those who only use a truck as a daily driver and don't use it like a truck, then sure it might be great. That's not crushing all other trucks, though.

[FreeOfPge]

Claiming that a Tesla truck will crush all other half tons is a big task. With a properly configured F150, you can tow up to 11,000 lbs and have a payload capacity of 2000 lbs, and still have a range over 400 miles in one fill up. I just don't see any way for an electric truck to do that. For those who only use a truck as a daily driver and don't use it like a truck, then sure it might be great. That's not crushing all other trucks, though.
I don't know man, they may be able to pull it off. Tesla already has experience with weight and suspension issues, I would think that has to be a problem with trucks. I know my f-150 sure fishtails when unloaded and it seems to me that tesla has a pretty good system for controlling a heavy vehicle and adjusting for weight distribution. They may be able to overcome the fishtail problems of trucks with battery weight placement. I think the big problem would be braking, I would not want a pickup towing a loaded trailer down a hill to hit a bump and lose regen..also, a side note, I want one!!!!

[mattjn]

I'm just wondering how big the battery would have to be and how much the truck would weigh. Model S is over 4000 pounds with an 85kw battery, they'd need something a lot bigger than that to tow and have any kind of range. Maybe some of those battery improvements will help.

[Lloyd]

Elon said some time ago that it was possible to power Semi tractors electrically. I'm sure that a pickup with a moderate towing ability is doable.

[Kevin Harney]

Don't trains use electric motors with the power supplied by a diesel engine generator ? Seems to me that they are surely capable of producing enough power issue seems to be the storage of it.

[FreeOfPge]

Don't trains use electric motors with the power supplied by a diesel engine generator ?

Yes they do exactly that. I have a friend who is a conductor, he said they have been using them for years and years, I was floored. Then, thinking deeper I realized something, electric forklifts have also been around forever and cable cars too. Oh and by the way, if ever there was a vehicle where guys can fool their girls into letting them buy, it is a pick up. I know guys that have convinced their girl that they need a truck to tow tiny 500 lb trailer to the dump once a year, a trailer so small a yugo could pull it fully loaded with concrete and bricks.

edit: yugo pulling trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_Xygo2054Q

[Raffy.Roma]

I just came back home from the gym and while I was driving in Rome I met a truck in front of me. The street was narrow and I couldn't overtake the truck. So I was forced to follow the truck and breathe the vapours coming from the pipe of the truck. I tried to switch off the air coming inside my car but I always smelled the vapours coming from the truck. It was really bad.

So I thought that the world needs as soon as possible electric trucks.

[jeff_adams]

I tried to switch off the air coming inside my car but I always smelled the vapours coming from the truck. It was really bad.

So I thought that the world needs as soon as possible electric trucks.

Electric school buses would be very nice. Those things are nasty to be stuck behind

[Al Sherman]

Claiming that a Tesla truck will crush all other half tons is a big task. With a properly configured F150, you can tow up to 11,000 lbs and have a payload capacity of 2000 lbs, and still have a range over 400 miles in one fill up. I just don't see any way for an electric truck to do that. For those who only use a truck as a daily driver and don't use it like a truck, then sure it might be great. That's not crushing all other trucks, though.

As Billy Graham used to say: "Some day we're all gonna know one way or the other."

[constraint]

Don't trains use electric motors with the power supplied by a diesel engine generator ? Seems to me that they are surely capable of producing enough power issue seems to be the storage of it.
Yes trains use a series hybrid design, but there is no battery or power storage. Their version of regen breaking is all the energy produced goes to a big resistor at the top of the train (instead of back into a battery bank). The series hybrid approach is very compelling for pickup trucks due to the cost of the 150 kwh+ battery bank required to make a compelling truck which was discussed at length earlier in this discussion.

[brianman]

“Tesla priority is electrification of cars, so priority is Model S, Model X, then mass market third gen vehicle & truck.”
I am happy with Elon's ordering of priority, but something tells me the people expecting a next gen roadster are not going to be too happy. Also thought it made more sense to get the truck out first before a 2nd small niche roadster.
There's an opportunity for Tesla to quietly delight everyone. Now that the S is well underway, the design focus presumably pivots to Model X. When the same can be said for X being underway, the design team pivots to Gen III. Once they are into the 3rd round of production (I'm not counting original roadster) with Gen III, split the design team -- or at least have some of them split their time -- between truck and roadster development. Here's the delight part - MUZZLE MUSK about the Roadster. No hints. No wry smile. NOTHING. No prototype. The first public discussion of the Roadster should be a beta reveal.

If you want to delight everyone (except some persistent shorts) and watch the stock explode upwards, you do stuff like this.

"But but...I just bought a Tesla ___ and I would have waited if I knew...." Trade-in, just like with the S loaners.

[neroden]

Yes trains use a series hybrid design, but there is no battery or power storage. Their version of regen breaking is all the energy produced goes to a big resistor at the top of the train (instead of back into a battery bank).
For electric trains under wire, of course, the energy goes back into the wire.

Some diesel locomotives are starting to be built with batteries in a "car-style" series hybrid approach, but so far I think it's only been done with switchers (which start and stop a lot), not with road locomotives.

[mhpr262]

I would like a truck with the 85kwh battery and a 20 or 30kw Capstone microturbine for a range extender. I wonder if Elon includes these when he states that no Tesla will ever be powered by a gas engine? It is no "engine" in the traditional sense and it would only be a range extender ...

[dm33]

Yes trains use a series hybrid design, but there is no battery or power storage. Their version of regen breaking is all the energy produced goes to a big resistor at the top of the train (instead of back into a battery bank). The series hybrid approach is very compelling for pickup trucks due to the cost of the 150 kwh+ battery bank required to make a compelling truck which was discussed at length earlier in this discussion.
It has been argued that a series hybrid is the worst approach. Maximizes cost having large battery, powerful motor and powerful engine with all its dependent parts. Maximum weight. The Volt is usually a series hybrid and it is very expensive for what you get and has not been well received in the market. The Model S is outselling it despite being twice the price. The Volt doesn't do anything particularly well, but it doesn't have range anxiety.

Most other hybrids are parallel hybrids where the engine can drive the wheels. The Volt can be either series or parallel.

[TonyWilliams]

I'm just wondering how big the battery would have to be and how much the truck would weigh. Model S is over 4000 pounds with an 85kw battery, they'd need something a lot bigger than that to tow and have any kind of range. Maybe some of those battery improvements will help.

I'm pretty sure that my GMC diesel pickup 4x4 weighed 6600 pounds.

[FreeOfPge]

The Volt doesn't do anything particularly well, but it doesn't have range anxiety.
It does one thing very well, it educates people about electric vehicles, I know the argument is that it's a hybrid but the public views it as electric when they find out it plugs in. I get the range question all the time and my response, "nope it has an onboard generator". That gets a conversation going every time. Next thing you know we are talking about how I charge with solar and have no fuel bill whatsoever, and how much more smooth the electric drivetrain is, etc., it gets me talking about Tesla too! That said, I would buy an electric truck, but probably be less likely to buy a truck with a volt like set up but probably in the minority on that. Anyway, FWIW, when gen 3 comes out, the volt gets replaced unless we can pick up a used ms for a decent price prior to that. The focus nor the leaf can not get me from Roseville ca. to Tahoe or the coast.

[ElSupreme]

I would like a truck with the 85kwh battery and a 20 or 30kw Capstone microturbine for a range extender. I wonder if Elon includes these when he states that no Tesla will ever be powered by a gas engine? It is no "engine" in the traditional sense and it would only be a range extender ...

But how often would do you really drive a pickup truck over 100 miles?

I really think Tesla could leverage 2 60kWh packs, or a single 120kWh pack and make a killer pickup. Torque, and towing would be easy for an electric motor. Putting the right frame together would be the only problem.

I just don't see where people are going to pay ~$80k for a pickup. I know a LOT of people that pay $40-60k for a pickup. And with fuel savings an $80-90k pickup wouldn't be much different in total cost over 5-6 years. But I would think convincing people to pony up for an $80k pickup will be much harder than for say a luxury sedan.

I think the real entry point for Tesla would be fleet sales to power companies. I am sure if they could find something cost competitive with their gas/diesel fleet that is electric they would switch in a heartbeat.

[FreeOfPge]

I just don't see where people are going to pay ~$80k for a pickup. I know a LOT of people that pay $40-60k for a pickup. And with fuel savings an $80-90k pickup wouldn't be much different in total cost over 5-6 years. But I would think convincing people to pony up for an $80k pickup will be much harder than for say a luxury sedan.

I think the real entry point for Tesla would be fleet sales to power companies. I am sure if they could find something cost competitive with their gas/diesel fleet that is electric they would switch in a heartbeat.

+1.

[constraint]

But how often would do you really drive a pickup truck over 100 miles?

Believe it or not... fairly often, but that isn't the biggest concern. 100 miles empty range is 50-60 miles of range with a boat/snowmobile. Depending on the weight and the aerodynamics of the load you can have a significantly more energy usage.

Now while the adage for "most people only drive xx number of miles per day", that phrase makes sense for most commuters, but I didn't buy my pickup to be a commuter (even though 90 percent of the miles are going to and from work). On those trips where i am not going to work, I am getting out of the city to go fishing, camping, snowmobiling and all those destinations can be very far (100 to 400 miles typically). Just 2 months ago i drove to Baudette MN to go ice fishing (yes that place from the Acura commercials) and that was a 5 hour drive (we may or may not have hit 95 mph on the way back). I may personally use my truck more than most city folks, but trucks do get used and around MN they get used for outdoor activities a lot.

[Lloyd]

But how often would do you really drive a pickup truck over 100 miles?

.

1. Annual trips towing boat to Lake powell, AZ
2. Hunting in Montana at least annual
3. Hauling stuff to kids in San Diego and Oregon
4. Annual fising trip out of San Diego

Thats about 4 x per year that I use my truck more than 100 miles with a load.

[FreeOfPge]

I think ELSupreme's idea of targeting the power companies is probably the best idea yet. Not a huge mini truck fan, but here this may make sense at least as a starter truck. Along with the power companies there are a ton of large construction companies that also provide mini trucks to their supervisors. Many county building inspectors drive them also, city and county utilities workers too. This seems like a large pool of eager buyers to me. The other advantage to this, perhaps it could be built on the gen III platform?

[bollar]

I think the real entry point for Tesla would be fleet sales to power companies. I am sure if they could find something cost competitive with their gas/diesel fleet that is electric they would switch in a heartbeat.

Some states (even Texas) give incentives to or require fleet owners to have part of their fleet powered by an alternative fuel source. We have lots of natural gas fleets here, but it could be EV.

Frankly, I think an EV on a Sprinter-like platform would be a killer application and would get attention from delivery companies.

[AudubonB]

Although I think that, just as 2/3s or 5/8s of squidge-all SUVs never, ever see conditions necessary to shift into 4WD, many of these posters are correct in writing that, for the most part, larger-sized pickup trucks do far more massaging of testosterone than they do heavy- and long distance-hauling,
nevertheless it remains true that especially in the Big Country states, like Texas and Montana and here in Alaska, most pickups much of the time are doing plenty of both. As I've written before, it is the exciting exception for me that I can turn the keys for my current alternative vehicle - a close-to 50mpg TDI Golf - just because I don't need the Heavy Hauler to get to/from town (400 or 600 mile r/t). Without at least an F-250, I'm sunk. And this is also absolutely true for many, many tradespeople who absolutely have to be able to carry large volumes and large weights, often in reasonable or terribly difficult driving conditions, day after day.

So, while total ownership numbers of BigTruckWannabees, as well as those who, as above, need that grunt only a handful of times each year always will far outweigh the rest of us, we still remain a sizable (and more price-inelastic, too.........) community.

Bollar - I also agree that the Sprinter-style platform is absolutely worth strong consideration.

[dsm363]

I think the Tesla truck would be for the majority of pickup truck drivers that want to drive a pickup truck but rarely if every use it to its full capabilities. It is just a 'car' for them to drive around and go to work like a lot of people.

For those that need a serious truck for work, if Tesla could prove it performs well and is 4 times more fuel efficient, they could easily make a business argument to buy the truck on fuel savings alone. Range would probably not be an issue assuming it is over 250 miles. This is all a guess on my part of course. The market would decide.

The third group is people who hate anything that smacks 'green' and need the diesel V10. Tesla would never sell to that group unless gas hits $8 a gallon then finances trump ideology.

[mattjn]

Yes, but like was said earlier, 250 mile range while empty is going to be significantly reduced if loaded or towing. If they get a 250 mile range while fully loaded and towing a mid sized trailer, I'll eat my arm.

[dsm363]

Good point. Couldn't they install high power chargers at work sites? That way during idle time at construction or job sites people could grab extra range. I don't think the Tesla pickup truck would be positioned to replace a Ram 3500 hailing multiple tons for 300 miles but more of a light duty/commuter truck or job site work.

[ElSupreme]

Yes, but like was said earlier, 250 mile range while empty is going to be significantly reduced if loaded or towing. If they get a 250 mile range while fully loaded and towing a mid sized trailer, I'll eat my arm.

I would think a 120kWh battery pack would be needed. You could get ~350 miles unladen. And about 150 towing a trailer. Probably between 200 and 250 with a full bed. I deal with contractors a lot, and they regularly drive their trucks ~100miles in a day, but rarely drive much above that. I think a vehicle that could get you ~40kWh Model S range, while towing a medium/light load would be a sweet spot. Towing something like a 5th wheel I don't think will work for a long time with an EV.

Obviously an electric truck isn't going to get you to your vacation house out in the boonies, much better than an electric car would without a trailer.

But even the lakes, around Atlanta at least, aren't much more than 150 miles away from the further suburbs.

And Georgia Power has hundreds of pickups. They would probably love to have 80% of them be electric, if not more.

[vfx]

By the time the truck comes out the Supercharger network should be pretty built out.

Delivery actually make more sense than building cars for the public in a lot of ways. Sell hundreds or thousands at a time to businesses that have delivery vehicles in the morning leave a facility, drive a precisely predetermined route and return at night. It's what EVs are best at and there are Post Offices, UPS, FedEX and a million small businesses that would love to put solar up on the roof and reduce their drive-every-day-all-day fuel bills to nothing.

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSPBNiKyFo6aJT8has_hxsrtJaRoaMUY_73aHLN5ut0n3W604n8

[AWDtsla]

Selling a Tesla pickup truck in America is almost unbelievable. You know the mentality of the people that never actually use the "truck" part of their truck. Good luck with that.

Service trucks like UPS/Fedex however, and more than reasonable. I would seem almost trivial for Elon to negotiate this. UPS trucks drive only specific hours, basically you could size a battery to last only a specific number of miles, getting guaranteed charge/discharge cycles that are computer ahead of time by a master algorithm. The cost savings would be _dramatic_ for a company like UPS. You could even build one without resizing the existing Model S parts.

[stopcrazypp]

There was already FedEX/UPS style walk in vans using Tesla batteries 3 years ago:
http://www.greencarcongress.com/2010/03/freightliner-custom-chassis-corporations-allelectric-walkin-van-chassis-debuts-at-ntea-work-truck-sh.html

[Al Sherman]

Selling a Tesla pickup truck in America is almost unbelievable. You know the mentality of the people that never actually use the "truck" part of their truck. Good luck with that.


Guess I'm not following? I would think acceptance might be a little slow but eventually these are the exact people that would jump all over a Tesla pickup? What am I missing?

[constraint]

Guess I'm not following? I would think acceptance might be a little slow but eventually these are the exact people that would jump all over a Tesla pickup? What am I missing?
There is a huge gap between perception and reality in most owners. In Europe for instance, it is typical to tow large RV's on very small vehicles. Europe is able to this very successfully due to higher regulations and lower speed. In America the marketing has been centered that you need a very big vehicle to tow relatively small items. Most cars in the US don't have even have tow ratings anymore.

This behavior is enforced when every time there is a big 3 pickup article written, they do 0-60 testing with 10,000 lbs trailers up 15% grades. Only after passing these incredible and unfeasible worst case test does the magazine then say this is the best pickup truck around. At that point selecting your truck is a bragging right so people can feel good about their purchase, when in actuality a Subaru Outback could have probably towed their boat just as safely.

Now saying that I think with time perception can be changed if you hit the right triggers. For instance a pickup that can do 0-60 mph in 5 seconds with high torque could be a very good selling point provided the other numbers don't suffer too terribly (mostly range with acceptable fast DC charging in remote area's). If gas prices rise, the TCO factor can seep into the truck buying public very quickly, especially if days continue to be like yesterday when it took $100 to fill my f150 for 3 days of driving.

[Kevin Harney]

There is a huge gap between perception and reality in most owners. In Europe for instance, it is typical to tow large RV's on very small vehicles. Europe is able to this very successfully due to higher regulations and lower speed. In America the marketing has been centered that you need a very big vehicle to tow relatively small items. Most cars in the US don't have even have tow ratings anymore.

This behavior is enforced when every time there is a big 3 pickup article written, they do 0-60 testing with 10,000 lbs trailers up 15% grades. Only after passing these incredible and unfeasible worst case test does the magazine then say this is the best pickup truck around. At that point selecting your truck is a bragging right so people can feel good about their purchase, when in actuality a Subaru Outback could have probably towed their boat just as safely.

Now saying that I think with time perception can be changed if you hit the right triggers. For instance a pickup that can do 0-60 mph in 5 seconds with high torque could be a very good selling point provided the other numbers don't suffer too terribly (mostly range with acceptable fast DC charging in remote area's). If gas prices rise, the TCO factor can seep into the truck buying public very quickly, especially if days continue to be like yesterday when it took $100 to fill my f150 for 3 days of driving.

I don't think anyone can do 3 DAYS worth of driving in anything for $100. I can do 8 hours of driving for that price and I do not have a gas guzzler but I do use premium gas.