Here's Everything we Know About the Tesla Pickup Truck

In 2017, Tesla confirmed that it will build an all-electric semi truck and began taking preorders for the hauler. But the EV firm also teased a pickup truck and announced that it could go into production in a few years. Now, Elon Musk unveiled the first details about the vehicles in a Twitter discussion in which he asked his followers what would they like to see in such a vehicle.

Musk received numerous replies, and his answers include details and important hints as to what the first Tesla pickup truck will bring to the table. And we compiled everything the California-based firm has revealed so far. Find out more about it below.

Keep reading for the full story.

TheFfirst Electric Pickup Truck from a Major Automaker

Granted, the electric pickup truck is not a new idea. There are a few companies that can fit all-electric drivetrains in conventional trucks, while Workhorse has already unveiled a functioning prototype at the Consumer Electronics Show. However, Tesla's truck will be the first electric pickup from a major automaker. Chevrolet has already announced plans to build an electric version of the Silverado, but Elon Musk's company might roll it out sooner.

Production Could Start in 2019

Tesla wants production of its electric truck to begin in 2019. That's only a year a from now, and it remains to be seen if it can be done. Designing and developing a vehicle from scratch takes a few years and given that Tesla has yet to unveil a prototype, it's safe to say that the California-based firm is still working on the drawing board. What's more, Tesla is already notorious for having serious production issues that cause delays, so this new truck might arrive later than planned. I'd say that production will probably begin in 2020, but Tesla has enough time to get things straight and meet its future goals on time.

Bigger Battery, 400+ Mile Range

The electric will have a longer range than the Model S and Model X. While the sedan and the SUV are limited to a 100-kWh battery as of 2018, which might not change very soon due to the limited amount of space available under the skin, the truck platform could accommodate a bigger battery pack. A bigger battery will also enable the truck to run for more miles on a single charge, so expect the hauler to surpass the Model S' maximum range, which is capped at 335 miles. Tesla estimates that the truck will return at least 400 miles per charge, but a big enough battery could push the benchmark beyond the 500-mile mark. A 400-mile range would be a record for a production electric car.

It will Be a Six-Seater

Arguably one of the most interesting features is that the truck will provide seating for six people. This would be a first for a modern pickup truck, but it won't be a completely surprising move given that the Model S can also be had with extended seating for up to seven people. However, we still don't know how Tesla will configure the seats. A three-row layout isn't very likely, while a three-seat front row might not be feasible given that Musk promised a driver's seat big enough "to fit Andre the giant." Hopefully, Tesla has an interesting trick up its sleeve.

Dual-Motor AWD

Just like the range-topping Model S and Model X, the pickup truck will have a dual-motor layout, which also means that it will be all-wheel driven. This isn't exactly news when it comes to pickup trucks, but Tesla's hauler will get AWD as standard. It will also have an active suspension system that dynamically adjusts for the load as standard. As of this writing, Ram is the only company to offer such a system, but only as an option. Ford also offers something similar for off-road conditions in the Raptor truck. All told, Tesla will set a new market benchmark with standard AWD and adjustable suspension.

It Will Look Like a Truck

Although the company's upcoming semi truck looks a bit unconventional, the pickup truck will have a more familiar design. Don't expect advanced aerodynamics and an organic design; this truck will be just as boxy as the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado. It's all about giving truckers what they want.

Insane Towing Capacity

Elon Musk said in a tweet that the truck will be able to tow up to 300,000 pounds. Nope, that's not an extra zero to a still impressive 30,000-pound capability. Musk did say 300,000 pounds! Yes, it's one of those "I want whatever he's smoking" moments, but it's totally doable. While 300,000 pounds is a massive improvement compared to the Ford F-150, which can tow up to 13,200 pounds, or the Ford Super Duty, rated at up to 34,000, Tesla might be able to pull it off with a midsize truck. To find out how, we have to look at the Model X.

The SUV has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, which is nowhere near Musk's promise for the pickup truck. However, the Model X has proved that it can pull loads far beyond its rated capabilities. Back in February, the SUV pulled a semi truck that tipped the scales at 95,000 pounds on an icy road. In March, Tesla used the same SUV to pull 250,000 pounds of muck rail cars out of a tunnel at The Boring Company. The Model X also managed to pull a Boeing 787-9 airplane, which weighs close to 300,000 pounds when empty. With a bigger battery and more powerful motors, the pickup truck should be able to do better. Granted, it won't pull 300,000 pounds at high speeds, but it's definitely doable.

Loads of Tech

Much like the other Tesla vehicles, the pickup truck will be loaded with state-of-the-art tech. Musk already confirmed that it will be able to parallel park itself using 360-degree cameras and sonar and said that it could have a 240-volt outlet for heavy-duty tools. It's safe to assume that it will have a version of the company's Autopilot feature as well.