Tesla pickup ii
John Mahoney20 Nov 2017
NEWS

Tesla shows off pure-electric pickup

US electric car-maker shrinks its new prime mover

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has teased a single picture of futuristic pickup which will be spun off its pure-electric Semi truck.

The image of Tesla's first ute was shown during last week's launch of both the Semi truck and the 400km/h Roadster; it's anticipated the pickup will be based on the same platform as the truck and share its powerful pure-electric powertrain.

Describing his latest pure-electric vehicle as a "pickup that can carry a pickup truck", Musk did not reveal when Tesla plans to introduce the latest large commercial, but it's thought to be linked with the Semi – which is due in 2019.

According to Musk, when the pickup arrives -- despite its size and expected considerable weight -- it will not be classed as truck and drivers will require only a conventional licence.

Tesla pickup i

"You'll actually be able to legally drive it with a driver's licence. It's kind of wrong, but I like it."

The new Tesla pickup could redefine the pickup segment for not only size but performance, especially if it comes equipped with the Semi's powerful electric motors which can launch it from standstill to 60mph (97km/h) in just five seconds.

If fitted with the same huge battery pack, the Tesla pickup could offer a range between battery recharges of up to 800km.

Musk reconfirmed the existence of a pickup back on September 15 in a Twitter exchange with one of his followers.

Share this article
Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalistsMeet the team
Stay up to dateBecome a carsales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.
Download the carsales app
    AppStoreDownloadGooglePlayDownload
    App Store and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.
    © CAR Group Ltd 1999-2024
    In the spirit of reconciliation we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.