Automotive

Texan startup aims to fill a small gap in electric utility truck market

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The versatile Ayro Vanish utility truck motors as a low-speed electric vehicle
AYRO
The versatile Ayro Vanish utility truck motors as a low-speed electric vehicle
AYRO
The Ayro Vanish small electric utility truck can be configured as a flatbed truck, pickup truck or as a box van
AYRO
The Ayro Vanish small electric utility truck has a top speed of 25 mph and a per-charge range of more than 50 miles
AYRO
The Ayro Vanish electric utility truck is currently undergoing homologation in the US
AYRO
The Ayro Vanish electric utility truck was introduced in February, went up for pre-order in May and is about to tour cities in Texas to given partners and dealers the opportunity to go hands on
AYRO
The cabin has seating for two, features a 7-inch display/instrument cluster, a Bluetooth sound system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a rear-view camera feed and a heater
AYRO
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While a bunch of manufacturers focus on the larger end of electric trucking, some startups are aiming to fill a void at the micro end. Last month we introduced the Telo Truck, an electric pickup about the size of a Mini Cooper SE. Now Ayro is about to take its upcoming Vanish low-speed utility truck on a promotional road trip across Texas.

The Vanish low-speed electric vehicle has been designed to slot into the market space between large electric trucks and small utility carts for numerous applications including "corporate and medical campuses, hotels and resorts, food and merchandise outlets, university campuses, golf courses, stadiums and arenas, governments and municipalities, and urban delivery."

It was initially introduced back in February via a livestreamed event. Ayro then opened the pre-order books in May ahead of the company seeking homologation in the US and the vehicle entering a Production Readiness Review process late last month.

The current specs reveal that the Vanish is 155 inches (393 cm) in length, stands about 76 in (193 cm) high and is around 60 in (162 cm) wide with the side mirrors folded in. Its axial-flux electric motor is reportedly able to get it up to a top speed of 25 mph (40 km/h), which it can maintain at gradients of up to 30% for a quarter mile. And the Li-ion battery is reckoned good for more than 50 miles (80.5 km) per charge.

The Ayro Vanish electric utility truck is currently undergoing homologation in the US
AYRO

The vehicle rolls on proprietary 15-inch wheels wearing Schlagernull all-season tires, and has a city-friendly turning radius of 12.5 ft (3.8 m). All-wheel disc brakes provide stopping power, and there's adjustable regenerative braking too. Independent shocks to the front and a solid e-axle with shocks in back help to smooth out the journey.

The small electric utility truck offers a payload capacity of 1,200 lb (544 kg) for street-legal operation, and can reportedly tow up to 1,150 lb (~520 kg). It's available with different swappable bed configurations for end-use flexibility – for example, it can be kitted out as a flat-bed truck, a pickup or a delivery van with a food box.

The cabin has seating for two, features a 7-inch display/instrument cluster, a Bluetooth sound system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a rear-view camera feed and a heater
AYRO

From August 2, the company will embark on a "roadshow" tour of cities in Texas to give partners, dealers and customers the chance to experience the vehicle in person and go hands on, starting with San Antonio and ending in Austin on August 24.

"Ayro’s design of the award-winning Vanish has been hailed for its functionality, creativity, and innovation, all without sacrificing sustainability," said company CEO, Tom Wittenschlaeger. "This roadshow is an opportunity for current and potential partners and select customers to meet our team, ask questions, and experience our cutting-edge design first-hand."

The Ayro Vanish is up for pre-order now, with a US$250 refundable deposit marking your place in the queue. The expected full price is $33,900. The brief video below has more.

Source: Ayro via Electrek

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2 comments
Karmudjun
Good write up Paul. Corporate types might spring for these if they have the choice between electric and fossil fuel systems for golf course style utility vehicles (like gators or cushmans). That isn't feasible for private use at that price point. I'd like a small truck, and wouldn't need more than an 80 mile range, but this is too little for too much. Now, are they saying capacity is Two 6 foot 4 inch males at 240 lb each? And not teenagers, but our age? Headroom is adequate? The heater - great, but are there doors to block the cold or heat? Any word on cooling the occupants in Texas heat? I'm not sure about $33K for a cushman style runabout. Better than gas powered I guess....
Jinpa
$34k for an 1,100-lb payload? No warranty duration mentioned. Someone needs to link to a list of EV/PHEV vehicles which tote that load, ranked by price. And Col. 2 would be the list of non-electrics ranked by price. 25mph won't be enough for most roads outside of municipal boundaries. Look up NEV licensing requirements.