Ohio-based electric truck startup Lordstown Motors has delayed the release of its upcoming Endurance battery-powered pickup.
The company says that supply chain problems will force it to begin production of the truck in the third quarter of 2022 rather than the planned second-quarter kickoff. “Component and material shortages, along with other supply chain challenges, remain an issue,” CEO Dan Ninivaggi told reporters during a conference call.
An Electric Pickup with One Motor Per Wheel
The Endurance is a full-size pickup with a separate electric motor in the hub of each wheel rather than a motor on each axle. The design should allow for excellent off-road performance, with the vehicle able to vary the speed of each wheel independently to get over tough obstacles.
But launching a new automaker is one of the most extreme challenges in the business world. Securing a factory, building a distribution network, and paying for materials and employees long before selling a single vehicle is a challenge that sinks many automotive startups.
Lordstown has found creative solutions to some of these problems — like a plan to service trucks through Camping World stores.
Lots of Competition Coming
Endurance will face a lot of competition. Many electric pickups will enter the market in the next few years. All three of America’s best-selling vehicles are full-size trucks. Studies have shown that some truck owners are skeptical that electric trucks can fill all the roles gasoline-powered trucks perform. But automakers are betting that emissions-free trucks can win them over.
The first electric truck to reach buyers rolled out factory doors in September. The Rivian R1T, also a startup product, uses a similar one-motor-per-wheel approach for near-silent off-roading and offers innovative storage solutions.
It will be joined early in 2022 by the Ford F-150 Lightning. The Lightning is a battery-powered version of America’s best-selling vehicle, the Ford F-150. It boasts a starting price a breath under $40,000 and a driving range up to 300 miles.
General Motors will counter with several electric trucks. The GMC Hummer EV pickup is an off-road-oriented enthusiast’s vehicle with a six-figure price tag at launch (though less-expensive versions will come later). Meanwhile, an electric Chevy Silverado will debut in January, followed by a similar electric GMC Sierra.
Ram plans an all-electric version of its Ram 1500 by 2024.
Tesla has taken more than 1 million reservations for its stunningly original Cybertruck. But it has been delayed into 2022 at the earliest.
Future Electric Trucks: What’s Coming in 2022 and Beyond
