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Thundertruck, A Tesla Cybertruck Cool First Cousin

Thundertruck is made for outsiders, for those who choose to live and drive outside the proverbial lines, as they put it on their website. By maximizing the versatility of the EV drivetrain and combining it with the functionality of a truck, they’ve designed an innovative and versatile new multi-purpose EV that delivers superior on and off-road performance, competing directly with the Tesla Cybertruck.
Tesla Cybertruck, courtesy of Tesla Inc.

It is almost impossible to avoid comparing the Thundertruck with the Tesla Cybertruck, particularly in the rough exterior design. As they state on their website, it was basically created from the platform architecture upwards and equipped with state-of-the-art technology, adapting to any terrain or adventure. Thundertruck delivers extreme power, torque, handling and utilizes cutting edge advanced driver assistance systems for optimum safety. It is also efficient and environmentally friendly, " so you can feel good, go further and do more of what you love."

The design features are certainly amazing: its innovative design will soon give drivers and passengers an entirely new level of versatility and functionality, as they claim right from the beginning:

• HD roof rack system / roof pods provide storage for solar awnings
• Spacious cargo bed with steps for easy access
• Extendable loading ramps provide easier loading of 2 or 4 wheel bikes
• Automatic ‘drop-down’ side step operation with lighting
• Integrated camping tent expands over main tray, raised by PV trunk lid cover
• Collapsible roof-mounted Bat Wing awning with flexible solar fabric provides stationary battery re-charging and auxiliary shade
• Multi-purpose pull-out side draw storage unit with slide out kitchen or refrigerator
• Range Extender Unit - Increased range, power and performance

As they put it straightforward, " ...Bat Wing Solar Awnings are only a wild idea, until you’re out in the wild. Turns out there’s not many charging stations in the desert, but there’s plenty of sun. So we developed collapsible roof-mounted solar awnings to help recharge Thundertrucks battery while stationary." Quite an interesting feature, to say the least. The flexible solar awnings also provide auxiliary shade which comes in handy "… when you’re camping, fishing, BBQing, snoozing, whittling wood or whatever else you choose to do out there."

Their "TT Range Extender" easily converts the Thundertruck into a 6WD monster that quietly delivers unparalleled power and performance: combined driving range of approximately 560mi. (900km+), as well as additional 2WD traction; the unit utilizes self-balancing tech for an easy coupling / uncoupling process that increases payload, towing and storage capacity, and serves as a portable battery pack for all of your camping and work needs.

The base specifications are also quite amazing: 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds, 400 miles range, 180 Kwh battery capacuty, 800 HP, 6 ft Bed, 800 LB-FT Torque, 7500 LB towing capacity, dual motor drivetrain, 14.5 IN ground clearance, 48º approach angle and 82º departure angle; though they make clear that specifications and performance metrics are prospective and subject to change, that they reflect the current design, engineering and range simulation technology, and that model variants, features and options are under development.

As compared to the Cybertruck, so far three models have been announced, with EPA range estimates of 400 - 800 kilometers (250 - 500 mi) and an estimated 0 - 100 km/h (0 - 62 mph) time of 2.9 - 6.5 seconds, depending on the model. The stated goal of Tesla in developing the Cybertruck is to provide a sustainable energy substitute for the roughly 6,500 fossil-fuel-powered trucks sold per day in the United States.

But it is the exterior design (the shell and exoskeleton) what forces us to compare the Thundertruck with the Cybertruck: the Cybertruck is built with an exterior shell made for durability and passenger protection, just like the Thundertruck, as we can easily see. Cybertruck has a nearly impenetrable exoskeleton, and every component was designed by Tesla for superior strength and endurance, from Ultra-Hard 30X Cold-Rolled stainless-steel structural skin to Tesla armor glass. Tesla says about the Ultra-Hard 30X Cold-Rolled stainless-steel, “... if there was something better, we’d use it. Help eliminate dents, damage and long-term corrosion with a smooth monochrome exoskeleton that puts the shell on the outside of the car and provides you and your passengers maximum protection.”

Tesla Cybertruck, courtesy of Tesla Inc.

The Cybertruck’s solar tonneau is certainly another key feature for many reservation holders, given the fact that it would give the possibility of semi-total independence from the grid and charging stations; obviously depending on the number of miles a day driven. With 15 miles of added solar range, and with the option of adding another 25 miles (totaling 40 miles on 100% solar) by adding extra foldable solar wings, the feature is certainly attractive.

We don´t know yet how many miles would be added to the Thundertruck range (as it is not specified on their webpage) by using the "Bat Wing Solar Awnings", but have already contacted them in order to find out, and will be reporting later on. Needless to say, we hope the Thundertruck does well, as it brings fresh air in a very competitive segment of the BEV market, and also wish them the best of luck.

You can find more detailed information on Thundertruck webiste.

Images courtesy of Tesla Inc.

Nico Caballero is the VP of Finance of Cogency Power, specializing in solar energy. He also holds a Diploma in Electric Cars from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, and enjoys doing research about Tesla and EV batteries. He can be reached at @NicoTorqueNews on Twitter. Nico covers Tesla and electric vehicle latest happenings at Torque News.

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