Workhorse, an electric vehicle startup, has just announced the development of its first range-extended electric bakkie.
The company says the model is set to become the first plug-in electric bakkie on the market when it arrives in 2018 (However, another electric bakkie concept has just been revealed in Morocco – so let the race begin). The Workhorse bakkie is currently being built in the U.S. by an existing OEM.
Panasonic battery cells fitted in the floor of the bakkie provide 130km of electric range. This range is extended to 500km when combined with the petrol-powered range extender set to come standard on all these bakkies.
The Workhorse pickup will have two electric motors, one at the front and one at the rear, offering excellent traction and versatility (as with range-topping Tesla models).
Workhorse says the bakkie will feature lightweight composite body panels and be underpinned by a high-strength stainless steel frame. In addition to the large bakkie bed, the model will include a small boot compartment fitted with high and low voltage power outlets.
The company hasn’t said when it expects to begin testing the bakkie or when it will be revealed in full.