Meet The Thundertruck, An All-Electric 800 Horsepower Four-Wheel-Drive Concept With 'Bat Wing' Solar Panels

With the electric revolution underway, solar power can often appear to be an afterthought in the automotive industry, relegated to quirky student-design projects. But Wolfgang LA, a Los Angeles-based creative agency, hopes to change that with a new electric, all-terrain pickup concept.

Meet the Thundertruck, a battery-powered 4x4 that looks like something out of a science fiction film—and a potential competitor to the Cybertruck. In contrast to the Tesla, this EV truck incorporates solar power directly into its design: A solar-powered "Bat Wing Awning" expands above the truck to collect sunlight and power accessories such as a built-in induction stove, fridge, and, of course, the A/C. When you're off the grid, you can also use it to keep your satellite phone charged.

In theory, the retractable solar awning would free up the EV's 180kWk battery, allowing it to power its substantial mill. That is no easy task. The Thundertruck will have a dual motor drivetrain with 800 hp and 800 ft-lbs of torque, according to the agency.
 

Despite its weight of 6,120 pounds, the setup would propel the truck from zero to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. The EV will also have a 7,500-pound towing capacity and a cargo bed with up to six feet of space. Such a payload has the potential to deplete power and range. Nonetheless, Wolfgang claims the truck will be able to travel 400 miles on a single charge, putting it among the market leaders. 

Aside from its solar prowess, the Thundertruck is a full-fledged all-terrain vehicle. The body, like the Cybertruck, is decidedly geometric, with angular lines replacing curves. The EV's exterior is sleek and black in renderings, allowing the blue light-emitting headlights to stand out. Because this vehicle is designed for off-roading, it has extendable loading ramps in the back for two- to four-wheel bikes.

Inside, the noir theme continues. The studio hasn't revealed much about the interior, but the renders show a monochrome interior with "head up" holographic instrumentation displays that project your speed, temperature, and fuel levels onto the windshield so you can keep your eyes on the road—or lack thereof. A large touchscreen to the side of the steering wheel likely controls the infotainment system.

However, the Thundertruck is still just a concept—and, notably, not one from a well-known automaker. Before launching Wolfgang LA, the agency's founders, Mike Geiger, Seema Miller, and Colin Jeffery, all worked for car companies such as BMW, Kia, and Chevrolet. Will this result in a full-scale production version of the Thundertruck?