It didn’t seem like it was all that long ago when the idea of an electric pickup was patently ridiculous. Now, they’re emerging from the woodwork like an incestuous family of rats. Workhorse first unveiled the W-15 in 2017, Rivian followed with the R1T less than a year later, and Tesla aims to reveal its own all-electric pickup sometime before 2020. In the interim, Atlis Motor Vehicles is putting the finishing touches on its own electric truck — the all-new XT.
Unlike some of its would-be competition, the XT is banking on ability rather than accessibility. Atlis wants to offer a proper full-sized pickup that doesn’t sacrifice anything just because it’s electric. The company promises payloads of up to 5,000 pounds and a dually version capable of towing 35,000 pounds up a 6-percent grade at 65 mph. It also suggests a ludicrous maximum range, meaningful suspension options, plenty of new automotive tech, and advanced driving aids that will (of course) someday evolve into fully autonomous transportation.
With specs like these, we’re feeling a little cautious. A range of 500 miles would represent a massive achievement in present-day battery technology. While Rivian promises range in excess of 400 miles with a 180-kWh pack, Atlis seems to think it can do better. However, it should be noted that the firm was careful to say “up to” 500 miles, which saves it from having to deliver the whole hog come production time — assuming production time eventually comes.
The XT’s towing capabilities are equally impressive. Depending on configuration, the Atlis has a conventional towing ability between 5,000 and 20,000 pounds, a 5th-wheel trailering capacity of up to 35,000 pounds, and payload capacities ranging from 1,000 and 5,000 pounds. Gear can be plopped into either a 6.5 or 8-foot bed, depending on whether you want to use the extra cargo space for a crew cab that raises total occupancy to six.
Power comes via a quartet of independent electric motors, making this an all-wheel drive vehicle. Atlis hasn’t issued any output figures, but claims 0 to 60 in around 5 seconds. All trucks come standard with independent air suspension and 12 inches of ground clearance. However, the hopeful automaker said there will also be a special off-road variant with longer suspension travel and 15 inches of clearance.
Additional standard equipment includes a spray-in bed liner, advanced regenerative braking with dynamic load control, and a huge storage compartment in the front of the vehicle.
Based on the startup’s claims, the least-capable XT will still haul 1,000 pounds of scrap, or drag a 5,000-pound trailer, while boasting an unladen range of around 300 miles. But fully equipped models sound like they’ll be a force to be reckoned with. Still, it’s all theoretical right now. Funding is yet to be secured, though Atlis says it wants to launch the XT sometime in 2020 if everything goes swimmingly.
We’re hoping it does, even if it’s just to see what the production model looks like. As it stands, the concept is gorgeous, inoffensively futuristic, and slightly menacing. It’s not quite as refined as the smaller Rivian, but it smacks of attitude thanks to the “aftermarket madness” look Atlis went with. Hopefully we get to see more of it in the coming months.
[Images: Atlis Motor Vehicles]
Up to 500* miles range.
*The opposite route your grandfather took to school: Downhill both ways, on ice, with a tailwind.
Model S with a 100 kWh battery starts at $85k. This truck probably has a 200 kWh battery.
Sorry, “Thistle” (millennial kid name). College is gonna have to be on you.
It’s fake …. ck their web site
Loved this from the FAQ section:
No, fortunately, we are not in any way affiliated with Elio Motors. We differ in almost every respect.
“5th-wheel trailering capacity of up to 35,000 pounds”
More hogs at the charging post.
Grandma and Grandpa can catch a nice long nap in the trailer while the juice is flowing.
WHY? Who is even asking for this?
Per the website it’s a “crowd-funded” project.
So some budding entrepreneurs are looking for somebody to pay their salary.
Look how many years Elio has milked his 3-wheeler deal….
Gawd, and I thought the Silverado HD had an ugly mug.
Well, it’s slightly less ugly than the Rivio.
Noise.
Vapor ware.
PR BS.
“Now, they’re emerging from the woodwork like an incestuous family of rats.”
More like a family of unicorns.
Cool. As. Hell!
The front bed (fred?) could be for tools, chargers, drop lights and such that you’d like to keep clean and easily accessed.
But alas, ’tis mere fantasy.
I think that looks awesome. The only parts-bin component I can identify is a Volkswagen steering wheel.
Wow!!! Are they taking deposits yet? It also looks like the perfect place to park all my retirement savings.
They are currently taking reservations but not deposits. However, if you want to get the ball rolling and happen to be extremely wealthy, you could always become an investor and see how things shake out in a few years….
At 29 cents a share, even Joe Sixpack can get taken for a ride by these folks. But as you say, I’m really surprised they aren’t using the Tesla model and looking for 4 figure deposit money.
As far as I’m concerned, these trucks are all vaporware until I see a plant tooled up, and pilot vehicles coming down a line. Can you say “Elizabeth Carmichael”? Sure, I knew you could.
LOL…love the Elizabeth Carmichael reference.
The atlis truck might have a very high towing capacity of more than 20 000 pounds. The BIG QUESTION is what is the range. For how long will the truck tow the load and through what distance?
This electric technology is still in its infancy and needs a lot of time to become standard. If you are confused, simply go for a FORD or RAM truck. This is what I tell my followers.
Seems like it is easier to stick an EV powertrain into a pickup than designing an EV car.
What exactly are you expecting? With every ICE pickup in existence, you can easily cut its range in half or worse, depending. I’m not sure that’s even possible with EVs.
“The atlis truck might have a very high towing capacity of more than 20 000 pounds. The BIG QUESTION is what is the range.”
Well, if it tows a trailer with 20,000 pounds of batteries in it (and a jumper cable) …
How far can you go hauling 20,000# of batteries behind you?
I’m lost with this.
Are those photos just very good renders or do facilities exist that do full-scale stamping, fabricating, interior fitments, painting etc. for every new concept vehicle whose promoters can pay them?
It should come with an escalator to take you up to get into the thing.
It looks a lot like an old school Ranger, but bigger.
“an incestuous family of rats”
Daily simile quota exceeded.