Here Are the Latest Updates on the Battery-Powered Pickup Segment

author: Manish Kharinta   

Full-size SUVs, crossovers and pickup trucks are three of the hottest body types on the market right now. As the electric vehicle space continues to grow at an exponential rate, electric vehicle makers are trying to capitalize on the popularity of the segment with the help of their utilitarian and electrified offerings. 

Here are the latest updates on the battery-powered pickup truck segment.

Tesla Confirms New Alloy Shell for Cybertruck & Details About the Austin Factory Emerge 

Tesla has become the most valuable automaker in the world over the past two months and therefore it is understandable that customers around the world are anxiously awaiting the arrival of futuristic Tesla Cybertruck. 

The Chief Executive of the electric car giant Elon Musk recently divulged some details about the upcoming electric truck.

During the controversial Cybertruck debut, Musk announced that the battery-powered offering will be built using a strong exoskeleton, which will be made out of the same alloy as the SpaceX interplanetary spaceship.

Earlier this week however, Musk confirmed via Twitter that SpaceX has decided to change the alloy it initially intended on using for the spacecraft, but the same new alloy will also be used for the Cybertruck exoskeleton.

Reports of a 2,000 acre site in Austin, Texas rumored to be Tesla's Cybertruck Gigafactory site also emerged online. Details about the location are still scarce however. It's being reported that heavy construction machinery has already been transported to the location.

The Cybertruck Gigafactory in Austin, Texas will be the first Tesla manufacturing facility that will be open to the general public. The factory is being developed as an ecological reserve. 

The production of Tesla Cybertruck is expected to start sometime late next year.

The Tesla Cybertruck

Here's What We Know About Nikola Badger Truck So Far

The 600 horsepower Nikola badger electric pickup truck will be sold with dual-powertrain options. Customers can choose between a battery-electric powertrain or a hydrogen fuel cell model (FCEV). 

The battery-only electric Badger will go on sale sometime in 2022, while the fuel cell variant is expected to go on sale in 2023.

Initially, the FCEV version of the Nikola Badger will only be sold in locations where the company intends on setting up hydrogen fuel stations. 

This means that locations adjoining the routes of the Anheuser-Busch distribution network will probably be the first to get the FCEV Badger, as the beverage company placed an order for 800 of the larger Nikola Motor fuel cell semi-trucks back in 2018. 

The network of hydrogen filling stations is being developed to support Nikola's fleet of semi-trucks. California will probably be the first location to receive a Nikola hydrogen filling station. 

The company expects to have around 700 stations up and running in the U.S. by 2028.

The Nikola Badger will come with a hydrogen-powered fuel cell option.

The FCEV variant of Nikola Badger will offer 600 miles driving range, according to Nikola Motor. The onboard battery alone will offer a range of 300 miles, while the hydrogen fuel cell will extend that range by another 300+ miles with its independent 100 kWh battery pack.

Electric Utility Vehicle Manufacturer Rivian Gets Sued by Tesla

Elon Musk is not one to shy away from filing lawsuits against new competitors. The mercurial Chief Executive is now locking on to a new target, Rivian. The electric vehicle startup backed by Amazon and Ford Motor Co finds itself in legal trouble with Tesla.

Tesla is accusing Rivian of displaying an alarming pattern of talent poaching. Tesla claims that Rivian is intentionally scouting and recruiting Tesla employees to try and steal trade secrets and IP.

Tesla says that at least four of its former employees migrated to Rivian and divulged proprietary information to its competitor. Tesla also claims that at least two other former employees have engaged in similar misconduct and have shared sensitive information about Tesla.  

The lawsuit was filed in San Jose, California on July 23.

The Rivian R1T electric pickup

Ford recently announced that its luxury subsidiary Lincoln has suspended an all-electric SUV project which was going to be based on Rivan's skateboard EV platform due to the global pandemic.

Manish Kharinta

Manish Kharinta is a automotive writer based in the Los Angeles area. He has worked for automotive industry websites TheSmokingClutch.com, CarDekho.com and CarBikeindia.com. His experience ranges from covering auto shows, to car reviews and breaking automotive news. Manish aims to bring forth his unique perspective on automotive design and technological innovations in the automotive industry.