Photo: Workhorse
The world’s first electric pickup truck will get a working concept next year, and it will be exhibited in Long Beach (California) in May 2017.
It is called the Workhorse W-15, and it is a light duty pickup truck that can provide a range of 80 miles (128 km) on electric power. We must note that this is model comes with a gasoline generator on board, which is used to provide an additional range to prevent stranding. In other it's kind of like the Chevrolet Volt or the BMw i3 REX.
According to its makers, the W-15 will come with a lower total cost of ownership when compared to a conventional model, mainly because users will save on fuel costs and maintenance.
As we previously reported, this model has a cargo capacity of 2.200 lbs (997 kg), and it will offer seating for five people thanks to its crew cab configuration. The gross vehicle weight will be about 7.200 pounds (3.265 kg). The specifications announce a hybrid range of 310 miles (498 km), which is achieved using the onboard gasoline generator.
Unlike other pickup trucks, the W-15 will come with lane-centering technology, along with an auto-braking feature to prevent frontal collisions. Due to its powertrain configuration, the first electric pickup truck will have a low center of gravity, which should provide improved handling when compared to a regular model in this class.
Moreover, safety is a critical feature of this model, which is claimed to become the safest pickup truck ever built. Because the engine is much smaller than on a conventional vehicle, a large crumple zone was integrated into the front, and it also comes with a high-strength stainless steel frame for extra durability. Its body panels are made of lightweight composite materials.
The Lithium-Ion battery cells come from Panasonic, and its charging system supports both low (consumer-grade) and high voltage outlets. Two electric motors, one for each axle, help provide all-wheel-drive, along with a generous towing capability.
Regenerative braking is also integrated as standard equipment, and the production version is expected to be launched in 2018 if no snags appear in the development process.
According to its makers, the W-15 will come with a lower total cost of ownership when compared to a conventional model, mainly because users will save on fuel costs and maintenance.
As we previously reported, this model has a cargo capacity of 2.200 lbs (997 kg), and it will offer seating for five people thanks to its crew cab configuration. The gross vehicle weight will be about 7.200 pounds (3.265 kg). The specifications announce a hybrid range of 310 miles (498 km), which is achieved using the onboard gasoline generator.
Unlike other pickup trucks, the W-15 will come with lane-centering technology, along with an auto-braking feature to prevent frontal collisions. Due to its powertrain configuration, the first electric pickup truck will have a low center of gravity, which should provide improved handling when compared to a regular model in this class.
Moreover, safety is a critical feature of this model, which is claimed to become the safest pickup truck ever built. Because the engine is much smaller than on a conventional vehicle, a large crumple zone was integrated into the front, and it also comes with a high-strength stainless steel frame for extra durability. Its body panels are made of lightweight composite materials.
The Lithium-Ion battery cells come from Panasonic, and its charging system supports both low (consumer-grade) and high voltage outlets. Two electric motors, one for each axle, help provide all-wheel-drive, along with a generous towing capability.
Regenerative braking is also integrated as standard equipment, and the production version is expected to be launched in 2018 if no snags appear in the development process.
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