EdisonFuture Motor Inc, a subsidiary of California’s SPI Energy Co, has revealed two electric commercial vehicle concepts at the 2021 Los Angeles motor show.
The first concept is an electric pickup truck called the EF1-T, and the second is an electric commercial van built on the same platform called EF1-V.
The pickup joins the ever-growing all-electric pickup truck segment and faces rivals such as the Rivian R1T, Tesla Cybertruck, and the Ford F-150 Lightning.
The EF1-V van on the other hand is somewhat unique in its electric commerical van segment due to its high ground clearance, but rivals the Rivian Amazon and the GM BrightDrop electric vans.
Pictured: EdisonFuture EF1-V (left) and EdisonFuture EF1-T (right)
This isn’t renewable energy company SPI Groups’ first foray into the electric transportation realm as it already oversees the Zoomers electric scooter company, and the Phoenix Motor Cars all-electric medium duty commercial vehicle company.
Launch plans are to offer three different trim levels of the EF1-T, denoted as Standard, Premium and Super.
Powering the entry-level Standard model is said to be a single electric motor that produces 350kW, which EdisonFuture says is good for a 0-60mp/h sprint time of 6.5 seconds. The claimed EPA range for the Standard is up to 300 miles (482km).
Stepping up the Premium gains an extra electric motor, for a total of two, and EdisonFuture claims a 0-60mp/h time of 4.5 seconds. The power figure for this trim level isn’t listed.
The top-of-the-range Super model has a total of three electric motors and a system output of 600kW. EdisonFuture says this model can do the 0-60mp/h sprint in 3.9 seconds.
On the other hand, there are only two trim levels of the EF1-V electric van, the Standard and Long Range.
Powering the Standard model is a single-electric motor that produces 298kW and powering the Long Range is a dual-electric motor set up that produces a total system output of 514kW.
The main drawcard of the EF1-T pickup is the optional ‘Armadillo Armor’ retractable solar cover that can act as a canopy over the rear tub.
EdisonFuture doesn’t list how powerful the solar panel option is but says it’s perfect for work vehicles that live out in the sun.
As standard, the tub length of the EF1-T is 6.5 feet (1.98 metres) with the option of an 8 feet (2.44 metres) available across the range.
Towing capacity is up to 11,000 pounds (4989 kg) in the top-of-the-range Super model.
Other exterior features of notice on the EF1-T pickup are the camera side mirrors, retractable side steps, and tub tie-down points.
The EF1-V van has a similar solar roof option, although this one is fixed, that covers the entire top section of the vehicle.
The van has a cargo capacity of 7.36 to 11.33 cubic metres depending on the cargo option and has a towing capacity of up to 8000 pounds (3628kg) in the Long Range model.
Other notable exterior features on the EF1-V van are the sliding doors on both sides of the vehicle and the barn rear doors.
Both the EF1-T and EF1-V have an imposing design with large, all-terrain tyres and turbine-style rims, as well as coloured tow hooks all around the vehicle.
Inside both vehicles is a 17.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display that EdisonFuture says is used for climate, music, and diagnostic functions among others.
There are also 7-inch monitors on both A-pillars for a live camera feed of the side mirrors.
Unique to the EF1-T pickup is a removable door-mounted toolbox and interior ambient lighting throughout the cabin.
EdisonFuture says it’s taking reservations at its booth at the 2021 LA motor show, although it hasn’t publicly released pricing for any of its models yet.
It’s also uncertain when these models will begin production and deliveries will start.
Don’t expect this to come to Australia at any time soon.
