Everyone knows about the Tesla Cybertruck, but what about the Aitekx RoboTruck 1T?
A prototype of the all-electric ute was on display at this year’s Los Angeles motor show, and was snapped looking rather different from its renderings.
The ute will reportedly go on sale by 2025, and was clearly inspired by the Cybertruck. There’s also a splash of Mahindra’s XUV.E8 concept for good measure.
Unlike the renderings, there are visible fit and finish issues with the prototype on the show floor including yawning panel gaps.
In images taken by Electrek, you can also see the interior which features what looks like a 10-year old Chevrolet Silverado steering wheel, as well as a tablet and some AliExpress lighting strips instead of a proper infotainment system and ambient lighting.
According to the manufacturer’s website, it has a claimed EPA range of 885km, which means the vehicle must boast a rather large battery pack. It has a claimed top speed of 265km/h and a 0-60mph (0-96km/h) sprint time of 3.5 seconds.
Cybertruck isn't even out yet, and it already has a knockoff: meet Robotruck https://t.co/n71MnDr7NN
— Electrek.co (@ElectrekCo) November 16, 2023
It measures between 4775 and 5029mm long and 1945mm wide. In comparison, the Tesla Cybertruck reportedly measures 5669mm long, 2029mm wide (excluding side mirrors) and is 1790mm tall. Similar to the Cybertruck however, the Aitekx prototype has a 6.1-foot (1859mm) tray.
The renders show a foldable midgate which increases load space length to 9.5-feet (2895mm) with the tailgate in place. If owners drop the tailgate this then increases to 3505mm.
There’s a choice of single-motor rear-wheel drive or dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrains, as well as single and dual-cab configurations.
RoboTruck 1T Render
Prices start from US$45,000 (A$69,700) before on-road costs for a single-cab, single-motor rear-wheel drive option and extending to US$99,000 (A$153,000) for the flagship off-roading HyperAIX all-wheel drive.
The Silicon Valley startup says its mission is to create a “user-oriented versatile AI Mobility Platform to let user to have their choices for their personalised semi-custom vehicle”.
In addition to some visible issues with the vehicle itself, there are issues in the configurator on the company’s website.
RoboTruck 1T Render
Along with various spelling errors scattered throughout the website, including “Font and Back” Hawk Wing Doors or “3-raw seats option for 7-8 passengers or 2-raw seats” for its RoboTruck 1V SUV – which has yet to make its public debut – the configurator also boasts a litany of incorrect imagery.
The interior upholstery, side view mirror and toolbox photos are screenshots of a Ford F-150; images of the front tow hooks and cargo crossbars are taken from a Rivian R1T; and the wheel size options are very grainy screenshots from a Tesla configurator – complete with Tesla logos still on them.
RoboTruck 1T Render
Another humorous option is a US$2000 (A$3100) wireless charger which shows an image of… well, we’re not sure exactly.
Owners will also be charged additional money to add seats to the front row with the driver seat starting from US$300 (A$464), and “all seats” setting you back US$1500 (A$2319).
Speccing up the single-cab, rear-wheel drive ute adds an extra US$31,569 (A$48,845) atop the base price.
Customers can reserve a RoboTruck 1T ute on the company’s website, and reservations are free. There is a PayPal link suggesting some form of online payment is required during the buying process.
