Have you heard of the EdisonFuture EF1-T before?
It isn’t just big players at this year’s LA Auto Show — there are a fair share of little-known vehicles and manufacturers as well. Take Bremach, whose purpose is to adapt and import the Russian UAZ Patriot 4×4 for U.S. consumption. How about ElectraMechanicca and their three-wheeler? Add to that the “EdisonFuture EF1-T“, and there were quite a few interesting vehicles outside what we already expected from the large manufacturers.
Andre and Roman had the opportunity to take a closer look at this all-electric pickup truck. And you know what? It packs some pretty sweet features that even the Tesla Cybertruck or GMC Hummer EV don’t have (mind you, they each pack their own unique touches in kind). Created under the Chinese company SPI Energy, the renewable energy firm just revealed its efforts toward a vehicle in the EdisonFuture EF1-T a few weeks ago. SPI is also incorporated in California, with its U.S. division moving toward launching the truck here. It’s actually one of two vehicles in the works, with SPI also working on an “EF1-V” delivery van. Basically, it’s more or less the same as the truck, just with a roof over the back and sliding doors.
What are the features and specs?
One of the more unique pieces to the EdisonFuture EF1-T is its solar panel roof arrangement. It’s not the first electric vehicle to sport solar panels by any means, but the optional retractable cover is a nice touch. “Charge when you are driving or parking the daytime!”, the firm exclaims of one of its signature features. A 17.5-inch infotainment screen, additional 7-inch displays in the pillars replacing traditional side mirrors and another solar mosaic panel inside the truck to recharge the battery are some of the other tech items in this yet-to-be-launched truck.
According to EdisonFuture’s release (and take this with a huge grain of salt — more on that in a moment), the EF1-T Standard packs a single electric motor putting out 470 horsepower. The ‘Premium’ trim runs in a dual-motor configuration, while the ‘Super’ brings in a third motor, upping the power to 816 horsepower. 0-60, they claim, is achievable in 3.9 seconds. Towing capacity ranges anywhere between 7,500 and 11,000 pounds depending on which configuration you want, with the Standard ending up on the lower end of that range.
At this point, though, the company said nothing about battery pack size or charging capability — only that the truck will get 300 miles of range, according to an “EPA Estimate” figure. Customers should be able to buy the truck with either a 6.5-foot bed or an optional 8-foot bed.
Addressing the elephant in the room
As cool as some of the stuff on the EdisonFuture EF1-T looks at the LA Auto Show — I’ll bring in the compulsory words of caution. As you can likely tell from some of the images above, the truck’s design largely hinges around renderings, with final features obviously subject to change. Most likely on the chopping block due to regulations, if nothing else, are the side-mirror replacement cameras and possibly the headlight design, among other things.
Say you head to the website, as well, where you’re first greeted with the words “Solar Pickup Truck” — which you could strongly argue is a botched translation at best, and a total misnomer at worst. The EdisonFuture EF1-T does appear to have a charging port integrated with the illuminated badge up front, though they’ve obviously said nothing of the charging standard (hopefully CCS) or whether its DC fast-charging capable (you’d certainly hope so, especially considering an energy company’s behind this truck).
Nevertheless, we’ll have to see how the situation evolves over the coming months when (or if?) this truck makes it to serial production. EdisonFuture, for its part, will display the truck at the LA Auto Show from November 19 – November 28. Word has it the company is also supposed to open reservations this month, though their website currently has no page to actually do that.
See more of the EdisonFuture EF1-T on the show floor below:
