Global renewable energy company SPI Energy Co. has confirmed that its first electric pickup truck – the EdisonFuture EF1 – will make its debut at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show in November.
Developed in partnership with Italian design house Icona and other “leading auto partners”, the EF1 will be presented in pickup form in LA, but will be available as both a truck (EF1-T) and a commercial van (EF1-V). Both will be built atop the same as-of-yet unidentified chassis.
The decision to launch EdisonFuture is said to be in response to pickup sales in the US. SPI cites both the 2.9 million units sold in 2020 – “representing nearly 20 per cent of the entire US auto market” – and data from Cox Automotive that states up to two in five US consumers are in the market are considering buying an electric pickup truck, as reasons behind the EF1’s launch.
“We’re excited for the opportunity to showcase our latest EV innovations at the LA Auto Show,” SPI Energy Chairman and CEO of SPI Energy explained in an official statement. “With industry influencers, car enthusiasts, and consumer buyers in attendance, the LA Auto Show provides a tremendous platform to bring awareness to the next-generation technology powering our EF1-T e-pickup truck.”
Powertrain options vary depending on the specific model. The EF1-T, for example, features a single electric motor that produces 350 kW (around 470 hp), as does the ‘Standard’ edition EF1-V van (298 kW / around 400 hp). The alternative ‘Long Range’ EF1-VL, meanwhile, utilizes dual-motors that kick out 514 kW (around 690 hp). Details are slim, but SPI is also set to introduce a ‘Super’ EF1-TS model that will run either dual or tri-electric motors that will offer an impressive 600 kW (816 hp) at full chat. All three pickups, SPI states, will be capable of upwards of 7,500 lbs of towing capacity, while the ‘Super’ will also clear 0-to-60 mph (0-to-96 km/h) in just 3.9 seconds.
Regardless of powertrain, EdisonFuture’s product lineup will also incorporate solar panels into their design. Particularly notable is the retractable ‘Armadillo Armour’ cover – a reference to its distinctive ruffled shape – that SPI states uses “uniquely designed solar mosaic technology” to recharge the vehicles batteries on the move. The retractable cover is replaced with a solar-panelled hard top canopy on the EF1-V vans.
Other notable interior design elements include door-mounted toolboxes and a sizable 17.5-inch infotainment screen mounted to the dashboard, liftgate back-up cameras and easy access side steps on the outside, plus the old concept car favourite, fender-mounted cameras in place of conventional wing mirrors. It remains to be seen whether these will survive into production.
No confirmation has been made with regards the construction or type of battery packs that will be included, while pricing and electric range capacity also remain a mystery. Fuller details are likely to be unveiled at the LA show, which is set to run from November 19-28.