Volkswagen hints at electric pick-up for the US
An off-the-cuff comment by the global boss of Volkswagen – during an ‘ask-me-anything’ session on Reddit – has sparked speculation the German auto giant is considering an electric pick-up to rival the Ford F-150 Lightning and Tesla Cybertruck.
The global boss of Volkswagen has ignited speculation the German auto giant is considering an electric Volkswagen pick-up for the US.
During a live question-and-answer session online on Reddit, Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess was asked if the company is considering a rival to the electric Ford F-150 Lightning.
Reddit user miracle_technology asked: “Hello Herbert, we like the VW designs a lot. My question is, will there be an electric pick-up truck like the Ford F-150 Lightning for the USA?”
Mr Diess responded: “Good idea!”
Although this is hardly confirmation, at the very least it fuelled speculation that Volkswagen has not ruled out such a vehicle.
However, it could be some time before it becomes a reality.
Volkswagen has previously teased a V6 petrol-powered version of Atlas pick-up – based on the Atlas SUV made in the USA.
However, that vehicle is yet to become a showroom reality.
The Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak pick-up concept made its debut at the 2018 New York International Auto Show.
It was named after a species of tree that is native to the Pacific Coast in the US and grows up to 40 metres high.
At the time, Volkswagen said: “Although there are currently no production plans for the Atlas Tanoak, Volkswagen is keen to gauge the reactions of buyers and media, since pick-up trucks are one of the biggest volume segments in the US.”
Drive understands when Volkswagen initially adopts electric power in its commercial vehicle fleet, an electric Kombi van – or Microbus – will be first cab off the rank.
If Volkswagen does develop an electric-only full-size pick-up for the US – with similar proportions to the Atlas Tanoak concept (pictured) – it would likely be for the North American market.
In Australia, the next-generation Volkswagen Amarok ute is a twin under the skin to the new Ford Ranger.
If the next Ford Ranger gains plug-in hybrid power – as has been widely speculated – there is a fair chance the same tech will eventually also be offered on the Volkswagen Amarok.
While the new Ford Ranger is due in local showrooms mid-2022 and the new Volkswagen Amarok is due in early 2023, plug-in hybrid versions are not due to follow for at least another 12 months.
It remains to be seen whether Ford will develop a fully-electric version of the Ford Ranger / Volkswagen Amarok twins.
Given compact utes are primarily intended for developing countries, pure electric power may initially be reserved for full-size pick-ups – until the technology gains broader acceptance and becomes cheaper to manufacture.
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