Why the Tesla Pickup Truck will be good for short term leases in the UK
Elon Musk has recently hinted more news and features of the teased Tesla Truck on Ride the Lighting podcast. With such a bold move and with the recent conversion of a Model 3 into Truckla, there is real interest in a fully electric pickup, even more so in the UK.
Pickup trucks in the UK were and are really popular, back when commercial company car tax was low, executives and management, would opt for highly specified Nissan Navara’s, Mitsubishi L200’s and later the VW Amarok’s.
Not only did they look good, have lots of toys but they were also cheap as a company vehicle, 100% reclaimable on VAT for the business and had other perks also.
The UK government soon realised what was going off, so they changed the goal posts, but its still doesn’t stop the pickup truck being the ideal work horse in the week and family wagon at the weekend.
On Short Term Car Leasing, pickup trucks are still as popular, but with the looming Brexit and uncertainty in the UK, many companies are wanting more fuel efficient versions. We’ve got the Ford Ranger on fleet, but with its 3.2 litre engine, many are put off by the low fuel economy.
Elon (within the podcast) suggested that if the pickup truck is released by Tesla, that the price point should be sub-$50k. This is the UK, would probably translate to approx £45,000, whilst sounding initially expensive compared with other trucks, the fuel benefits should outweigh this cost, along with the usual toys that Tesla provide.
Elon has also suggested a range of 400–500 miles, although like the current Model S, 3 and X, they maybe sold in different derivates such as Standard Range, Long Range, etc.
Suggestions regarding an all wheel drive powertrain, dynamic suspension and 300,000lbs of towing capacity have also been hinted at, thats some pulling power. Elon also doesn’t want it to look like the usual pickup, and has suggested its going to look pretty sci-fi!
“It’s got to have incredible functionally from a load carrying standpoint, look amazing — but it won’t look like a normal truck. It’s going to look pretty sci-fi. That means that it’s not going to be for everyone- like if somebody just wants to have a truck that looks like trucks have looked like for the last 20 to 40 years, it’s probably isn’t for them.”
Why the Tesla Pickup would work on Short Term Lease?
With many of our pickup customers, efficiency really is the key. But so is load and comfort. Many of our customers do approx. 75 miles per day, so the range is ample for their daily uses.
Mix this with the ever growing Tesla Supercharge network and referral codes and the cost of the motoring could come in at between 5p-10p per miles.
Short Term Car and Van Leases offer the flexibility for the customer, offering 6 and 12 month contracts. For short term projects that are within the Tesla Pickup range, a 6 or 12 month contact would be ideal for most businesses.
My thoughts on the Tesla Pickup
I’m a massive fan of the Tesla range, having ordered a cheap Tesla Model 3. I really do think that with Tesla expanding their range, they could really change the market, especially in the commercial vehicle sector.
The Tesla Semi is already proving to be successful, yet not officially released. With the addition of something like a solar topped trailer, this Tesla Semi would really prove unstoppable.
It would also be beneficial to launch some panel vans, whilst we do have the likes of the Renault Kangoo Z.E. and the Nissan NV200 Electric, the range isn’t yet suitable for daily uses.
On a side note, Truckla modified by Simone Giertz and the Tesla Model S Sportswagon converted by Qwest in Norfolk, can help show Tesla what customer really want from a range of vehicles.
What are your thoughts on the Tesla Pickup?
What do you think to what Elon Musk has said about the Tesla Pickup concept, would it be something you would opt for? Would the Tesla Pickup work within your business or would you buy/lease one just due to its looks? I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments below.
Tesla Referral Code (UK)
As a Tesla Model 3, soon to be owner, I do have a Tesla Referral Code that will give both parties 1,000 miles of supercharging. It can be used on Model S, X and 3’s.
Click the link for more details: https://ts.la/rhys58317