Meet Thundertruck, the EV Pickup Concept With ‘Bat Wing’ Solar Panels – Robb Report

With the electric revolution upon us, solar power can often seem like an afterthought in the auto industry, relegated to quirky student design projects. But Wolfgang LA, a creative agency in Los Angeles, aims to change that with a new electric, all-terrain pickup concept.

Meet the Thundertruck, a battery-powered 4×4 that looks like something out of a sci-fi flick—and a would-be rival to the Cybertruck. Unlike the Tesla, though, this EV truck incorporates solar power directly into its design: Atop the roof, a solar-enabled “Bat Wing Awning” expands above the truck to capture the sun’s rays and power  accessories like a built-in induction stove, fridge and, of course, the A/C. You can also use it to keep your satellite phone charged when you’re off grid.

The retractable solar awning would, in theory, free up the EV’s 180kWk battery to power its substantial mill. That’s no small feat. According to the agency, the Thundertruck will feature a dual motor drivetrain that makes 800 hp with 800 ft-lbs of torque. The setup will propel the truck from zero to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, despite its hefty 6,120 pounds. The EV will also have a towing capacity of 7,500 pounds and a cargo bed with up to six feet of space. That kind of payload has the potential to drain power and range. Nevertheless, Wolfgang claims the truck will be able to travel 400 miles on a single charge, a figure that would immediately place it among the market leaders.

Aside from its solar super power, the Thundertruck is designed to be a full-fledged, all-terrain vehicle. Like the Cybertruck, the body is decidedly geometric, eschewing curves for angular lines. In renders, the EV is shown in a sleek shade of black which contrasts handsomely with blue light-emitting headlights. And because this vehicle is made for overlanding, it comes equipped with extendable loading ramps in the rear for two- to four-wheel bikes.

Inside, the all-black theme continues. The studio hasn’t reveal many details about the cabin, but the renders show a monochrome interior with “head up” holographic instrumentation displays that project your speed, temperature and fuel levels onto the windshield so you don’t need to look away from the road. There’s also a sizable touchscreen to the side of steering wheel, which would likely control the infotainment system.

For those who crave even more power, Wolfgang’s TT Range Extender can be added to your 4×4 model to transform it into a beastly 6×6. The larger model promises an even more robust 560 miles of range and operates on a bigger 210 kWK battery pack. As you would expect, it delivers more grunt, too—a whopping 940 hp with 1200 ft lbs of torque. The behemoth also offers an expanded 10-foot cargo bed.

Of course, the Thundertruck is only a concept at this point—and, notably, not one created by an established automaker.  Wolfgang LA founders—Mike Geiger, Seema Miller, and Colin Jeffery—point out that they have all partnered with carmakers like BMW, Kia and Chevrolet before starting the agency. Whether that experience will translate into a full production version of the Thundertruck is an open question. We, for one, hope it does.