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Rumor: Is General Motors Working With Tesla On GM’s Electric Pickup Truck?
We have known about Tesla’s plans to build an electric pickup truck for some time. However, a recent report suggests that Tesla may be partnering with General Motors to build the next electric pickup truck. According to CleanTechnica,
A source somewhat close to the heart of a big new development at GM has informed CleanTechnica that GM is indeed working on an electric pickup truck, and it is based around a Tesla powertrain. As in, the majority of the guts of the truck will be made by Tesla.
Does this sound possible?
We know electric pickups are on the way. Ford already announced their intention to build an electric pickup truck. Similarly, Tesla has made clear their plans for a pickup truck in their all-electric lineup. There are some new companies like Atlis and Rivian who are promising fully-electric pickup trucks in the next few years. Even people within GM have admitted an electric pickup is a possibility. Duncan Aldred, vice president of GMC, said about electric pickups, “Certainly, it’s something we’re considering.” On the whole, it seems reasonable that GM would be looking into an electric truck. That’s especially true if the rest of the truck world heads in that direction.
Why collaborate with Tesla?
The main reason GM would want to partner with Tesla is their proven electric powertrains (including batteries and motors). Tesla is currently one of the most prominent electric manufacturers in the US. General Motors, when building the small electric Chevy Bolt, borrowed a lot of powertrain technology from LG. GM has plenty of experience developing a chassis. But, in order to quickly get an effective electric powertrain to market for a truck, it would make a lot of sense to borrow the expertise of a proven electric vehicle manufacturer.
