re: Tesla pick-up truck plans confirmed EDIT: 'Cybertruck' unveiled! Quote:
Originally Posted by volkman10 Tesla CEO Elon Musk has confirmed the company’s intention to build an all-electric pick-up truck to compete with conventionally-powered vehicles like the Ford F-150; America’s best selling vehicle since 1981. |
This makes a lot more sense as an electric delivery van (Sprinter style) or step truck/step van (UPS/FedEx delivery truck). They typically have limited daily range, are generally operated at slow speed (so aerodynamics just don't matter as much), and are running where regenerative braking makes a huge amount of sense (heavy, regular start/stop). They're also typically driving all day, every day, so replacing their fuel consumption will be quite beneficial.
A small pickup might make sense as well (think "Ford Ranger" or the late 80s Mazda pickups), but they don't have the weight carrying capacity for a lot of battery. I suppose you can make one heavier, and it would help with winter traction, but a 5000 lb Ranger is getting really heavy for the size. Of people who own large trucks, there are really three subsets, only one of which would be well served by an electric vehicle. - Local repair companies/construction companies would likely be quite happy with one, as they're typically driven shorter ranges, and having a lot of power for on-site power is a nice feature (a number of trucks offer a generator option for site power when doing construction).
- People who are towing long and heavy. 60-100 gallon tanks, pulling 10k+ lbs (often 20k+ with newer trucks), and doing a lot of miles. Electric trucks just won't work here, even with superchargers. You'd need 4k-5k lbs of batteries, minimum, and even then, charging at 100-150kW would take a very long time. You might be able to make a case for people who tow an RV from campsite to campsite (as they often have 240v/50A shore power available), but that's not a huge market.
- People who just want a big truck, jack it up, and keep the bed scratch free or haul a local football team flag in it. Probably not likely to own an EV any time in the near future, and not worth worrying about.
All in all, I have my doubts about this, since the only category who is going to buy this truck is the 1st one. And even then, the numbers won't be as exciting as expected since the upfront cost will be higher than normal vehicles. Also, the typical Ford F-series buyer doesn't overlap very much (at all) with the typical EV buyer. So I don't think it would make a great dent in the consumer space. |