Rendered: Tesla Pickup Truck

TopSpeed Tesla Pickup Rendering (Credit: TopSpeed)

North Americans love pickup trucks. Europeans and others might be perplexed at this, but automakers who sell successful pickups in this market make quite a bit off them. Since Tesla is based in the US, it’s only logical it creates and sells a pickup, sooner or later.

Elon Musk has repeatedly made references to such a project, but hasn’t provided any specifics. TopSpeed decided to give a crack at rendering one, and the result is something that definitely would make people stop and take notice.

The overall shape of the Tesla Pickup is fairly similar to the new second-gen Honda Ridgeline. It’s not too blocky, meaty, muscular, going instead for a more crossover-like presence. One of the most striking details is the complete lack of a grille. Considering that Tesla’s no longer even into the faux grilles on the Model S, that will likely be part of the finalized design.

Thankfully, this pickup truck doesn’t have falcon wing doors or any such nonsense. I wouldn’t be surprised if Tesla doesn’t focus on creating some innovative features for the payload and tailgate, maybe taking some of Honda’s ideas and expanding on them?

One of the biggest challenges this project will face is the ability to tow and haul a lot. The Model X is designed for some towing, but a Tesla pickup will really be put to the test. It will need to still have good range, even when really loaded down.