Amidst the vanishing acts of countless dubious EV startups, there remain brave souls eager to plunge into that enigmatic abyss. Allow us to introduce you to Aitekx, a fresh face that joined the likes of Toyota and Subaru with a world premiere at the LA Auto Show.
Who are they you ask? An “innovative AI e-mobility company [that] brings you to the feasible and conceivable future.” If you’re not sold yet, just wait until we tell you about their “AI clean energy vehicles and mobility robotics development and manufacturing with its AI optimized productization technology.”
With that glorious introduction out of the way, let’s delve deeper and look at the RoboTruck 1T. It’s a wedge-shaped pickup, which bears more than a passing resemblance to the Tesla Cybertruck.
More: Watch The Tesla Cybertruck Conquer An Off-Road Obstacle For The First Time
That being said, the model has sculpted bodywork, stylish lighting units, and an tiny greenhouse. We can also see massive wheels and what appears to be an Avalanche-like midgate.
The company says the mid-size pickup measures 188-198 inches (4,775-5,029 mm) long and has a 6.1 foot (1,859 mm) bed. However, the midgate will apparently enable the truck to haul items that are 9.5 feet (2,896 mm) long with the tailgate closed. The firm goes on to say with the midgate down and the tailgate open, the truck can haul items up to 11.5 feet (3,505 mm) long.
Aitekx envisions single and crew cab configurations as well as models with rear- and all-wheel drive. The latter would have a dual-motor setup and there will apparently be a performance variant.
This ‘interior’ image appears to lifted from Ford
Details are hazier than a Canadian wildfire, but the company claims the truck will be able to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.5 seconds and have a top speed of “165m/h.” Aitekx went on to claim an EPA range of up to 550 miles (885 km).
Pricing is set to start at $45,000 and climb to $99,000 for the RoboTruck 1T HyperAIX Sports Signature AWD. The firm also suggested the model will be offered with options such as “hawk wing doors,” off-road packages, a power bed cover, and a four to six seat interior. Speaking of the latter, the company’s configurator appears to display a Ford F-150 interior, and nothing quite says legit quite like that.
If that hasn’t scared you off, the company is accepting reservations for $100 and they also have plans for a 1V SUV. The latter will have a “3-raw seats option for 7-8 passengers or 2-raw seats with large cargo space.” That’s some interesting language, especially for a “US Corporation located in Silicon Valley, California.”
Despite all the skepticism, the truck is indeed ‘real.’ What we can only assume to be a prototype version is currently being displayed at the Los Angeles Auto Show. However, in the real world, it falls noticeably short of the lofty promises set by the renderings, a fact that becomes even more evident through close up photos.