Atlis XT is a new electric pickup truck that has been shown before, but never with this body. Its makers, Atlis Motor Vehicles based in Mesa, Arizona, say they wanted to mimic the capability of a three-quarter-ton diesel truck, but with a fully-electric powertrain and they are also touting the vehicle as being very customizable, with two cab options and length variants.
The XT is built on the company’s XP platform, and according to Mark Hanchett, ATLIS founder and CEO, they have
Focused on the design features our target market cares most about - maximizing functionality, storage, capability, and passenger comfort to create the best possible ownership experience.
The Atlis XT is powered by four independent permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs), one for each wheel, it has fully independent suspension on all four corners, four-wheel steering, even if you opt to have dual rear wheels.
When it comes to the battery pack, the company has yet to spill all the beans, but what it has mentioned is the maximum capacity available will be up to 250 kWh and the battery chemistry is not Lithium ion, but Nickel Magnesium Cobalt (NMC) with an energy density above 559 Wh/L. They plan to have three battery pack sizes, which will give the vehicle around 300, 400 or 500 miles (482, 643 or 804 km) of range.
Charging will be super quick, according to Atlis, using their proprietary 1.5 MW chargers, but the vehicle will also have J1772 and CCS 2.0 ports too. Power will be in excess of 600 horsepower, while torque is expected to be as high as 12,000 foot-pounds - this will be enough to sprint to sixty in 5 seconds and reach a top speed of 120 mph (193 km/h). Its targeted towing capacity will be up to 35,000 pounds if a gooseneck or fifth wheel is used.
Gallery: Atlis XT Electric Pickup Prototype
The XT will also feature air suspension, built-in step integrated into the chassis, the possibility to power tools or accessories (via four 120V outlets and one 240V outlet, as well as USB and USB-C ports), the largest frunk of any electric pickup (18.5 cubic-feet / 523 liters), cameras instead of traditional side rear-view mirrors and door handles designed with no moving mechanism that will be durable and easy to use with gloves on.
When it comes to the design of the XT, we wouldn’t say it looks like the Tesla Cybertruck, because it really doesn’t. However, it has the same retro cubist vibe as the Tesla, albeit in a different (more conventional) design interpretation. Inside, it can seat up to 6 people, it has a 12.8-inch central infotainment display and a 10.1-inch driver’s display, customizable buttons with assignable functions, heated and cooled seats and locking storage.
The vehicle you see in the gallery here is a camouflaged prototype, but its makers say they want to start making it fairly soon. Mark Hanchett is quoted in the official press release as stating
This is the fourth iteration of the XT prototype, and we plan to start production in late 2022. The team continues to refine the interior and exterior design based on extensive customer and investor feedback. We have the engineering and design expertise, flexibility and vision to create something completely different to provide customers with an entire ecosystem needed to get their jobs done.
More electric pickups
Atlis has been documenting the development process for the XT pickup on its official YouTube channel. For more information and additional context, it's worth checking out.
As an electric vehicle (EV) enthusiast with a comprehensive understanding of the industry, I can confidently provide insights into the Atlis XT, an intriguing electric pickup truck. My expertise in electric vehicle technology and market trends allows me to break down the key concepts mentioned in the article.
1. Atlis XT Overview: The Atlis XT is an electric pickup truck developed by Atlis Motor Vehicles, headquartered in Mesa, Arizona. The vehicle is designed to emulate the capabilities of a three-quarter-ton diesel truck while utilizing a fully-electric powertrain. Atlis emphasizes customization, offering two cab options and length variants to cater to diverse user preferences.
2. Platform and Design Focus: The XT is constructed on the XP platform, and according to Mark Hanchett, ATLIS founder and CEO, the design prioritizes maximizing functionality, storage, capability, and passenger comfort. This focus aims to deliver an optimal ownership experience for the target market.
3. Electric Powertrain: The XT is equipped with four independent permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs), one for each wheel, ensuring effective power distribution. The vehicle boasts fully independent suspension on all four corners, four-wheel steering, and an option for dual rear wheels.
4. Battery Technology: The battery pack details include a maximum capacity of up to 250 kWh. Notably, the battery chemistry deviates from the common lithium-ion; Atlis opts for Nickel Magnesium Cobalt (NMC) with an energy density above 559 Wh/L. Three battery pack sizes are planned, offering ranges of approximately 300, 400, or 500 miles.
5. Charging Infrastructure: Atlis claims super-quick charging using proprietary 1.5 MW chargers. Additionally, the XT supports J1772 and CCS 2.0 charging standards, providing versatility in charging options.
6. Performance: The XT's power specifications include over 600 horsepower, with torque reaching as high as 12,000 foot-pounds. These performance metrics enable the vehicle to accelerate from zero to sixty in 5 seconds and achieve a top speed of 120 mph. The targeted towing capacity is an impressive 35,000 pounds with a gooseneck or fifth wheel.
7. Innovative Features: The XT incorporates various innovative features, such as air suspension, a built-in step integrated into the chassis, multiple power outlets (four 120V, one 240V), USB and USB-C ports, and the largest frunk (front trunk) among electric pickups.
8. Design Aesthetics: While not resembling the Tesla Cybertruck, the XT shares a retro cubist vibe. The design is described as more conventional, with air suspension, cameras replacing traditional side rear-view mirrors, and door handles designed for durability and ease of use with gloves.
9. Interior Features: The interior accommodates up to six people and features a 12.8-inch central infotainment display, a 10.1-inch driver’s display, customizable buttons, heated and cooled seats, and locking storage.
10. Production Timeline: According to Mark Hanchett, the XT has undergone four prototype iterations, and production is anticipated to commence in late 2022. The team aims to refine both the interior and exterior based on customer and investor feedback.
In conclusion, the Atlis XT showcases a blend of cutting-edge technology, performance capabilities, and innovative design, contributing to the rapidly evolving landscape of electric pickup trucks. The vehicle's development process is transparently documented on Atlis's official YouTube channel, offering enthusiasts and potential buyers valuable insights into its evolution.