General Motors (GM) is reportedly exploring the development of a compact electric pickup truck to rival current gas-powered options in the segment, such as the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz.
During a tour of GM’s affordable EV design studio in Warren, Michigan, Automotive News reported that a two-door electric pickup with a low roof and a bed measuring approximately 4-4.5 feet long was shown. The Maverick’s bed is 4.5 feet.
This design is reminiscent of former GM vehicles, such as the Chevrolet El Camino and Holden Commodore Ute, rather than a traditional pickup truck. Marketing images displayed alongside the pickup also suggested that it would be positioned as a recreational vehicle for activities like surfing.
Michael Pevovar, director of affordable EV and crossover design at Chevy, reportedly stated that the vehicle was created to gather feedback and that it is just one of the vehicle types GM is considering for a future affordable EV range.
Compact pickups are in high demand, with Ford selling close to 75,000 Mavericks in the U.S. in 2022, according to Automotive News data. They are also popular in Central and South American markets.
Buyers interested in an electric pickup from GM will have two options in the full-size category in the 2024 model year: the Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV Denali.
