Automotive

Unlike Tesla Cybertruck, Neuron's T/One looks like an electric pickup

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Drop on a cap and you have a "van" (more of an old-school SUV)
Neuron EV
The 1+2 configuration doesn't exactly make a practical pickup, but the whole sell behind the T/One is its modular platform, which allows for many configurations, including four- and five-seat pickups
Neuron EV
We think Neuron's done a pretty good job of making the T/One strong and rugged but also unique and stylish
Neuron EV
The "T" is for truck, and the "One" references the many configurations that the platform offers as an all-in-one multipurpose vehicle
Neuron EV
The three-seat configuration is particularly roomy
Neuron EV
Drop on a cap and you have a "van" (more of an old-school SUV)
Neuron EV
Neuron has been announcing various vehicles and plans throughout the year but this month marked the first time it actually showed physical concepts
Neuron EV
Cap or not, we'd say the rear is the least inspired part of the T/One design
Neuron EV
Who needs a navigator?
Neuron EV
The shelf-like dashboard seems underdone, but Neuron keeps things clean and simple up front
Neuron EV
It looks like each rear passenger has a dedicated entertainment/info screen
Neuron EV
Recliners in back
Neuron EV
Neuron reveals the T/One at the CIIE show in Shanghai earlier this month
Neuron EV
The T/One pickup and Torq semi debut side by side
Neuron EV
We're assuming that front swivel seat indicates autonomous driving ... and since Neuron hasn't actually announced a solid production timeframe, that autonomy might be ready on launch
Neuron EV
Neuron T/One "van"
Neuron EV
With its scalable chassis and modular design, the T/One can be everything from a six-seat SUV to a two-seat pickup
Neuron EV
It looks like the Torq is a sleeper truck
Neuron EV
Neuron T/One work truck
Neuron EV
Neuron T/One pickup from above
Neuron EV
Neuron T/One SUV
Neuron EV
Neuron Torq semi
Neuron EV
The single driver seat feels a little more natural in the Torq semi
Neuron EV
The Neuron Torq semi shares its powertrain tech with the T/One, we're just not yet sure what that tech is
Neuron EV
View gallery - 23 images

Tesla wasn't the only company to reveal an electrified pickup truck in November. California startup Neuron EV revealed its own vision of the near-future e-pickup, and it feels like a truck that'll be much more palatable to the general public than Musk's 3rd grade art project. The Neuron T/One debuts as a versatile, all-in-one "electric utility vehicle" (EUV!) designed for both personal and commercial use. It comes in a variety of configurations with modular components to increase its capability, all wearing design language that's both futuristic and practical. If this truck ever gets made, it could be the one to persuade pickup buyers to go electric.

Neuron actually debuted the T/One pickup well before Tesla stole headlines with its Cybertruck. At the time of the November 5 debut, though, it released only renderings, not enough for anyone to care given the company's recent history of big ideas with only renderings to sell them. In attempting to slide into Tesla's huge Cybertruck draft, it released a little more information and some actual debut photos late last week, a sort of "hey, we revealed an electric pickup this month, too, and it's not super weird."

Indeed, the T/One might be the best-looking electric pickup we've seen. It's most similar to Rivian's R1T, but from our vantage point better combines sleek, modern styling with classic pickup utility and toughness. Thanks to the decentralized electrified powertrain, Neuron designers are able to push the cab forward for better visibility, something that'll be particularly valuable off-road. They avoid going full-on forward-control cab by adding the swept-back windshield, short hood, strong front bumper, and distinctive facial identity with wide-sweeping lighting and low grille. It's a design that looks sleek and aerodynamic without losing the strength and purpose of a truck.

The "T" is for truck, and the "One" references the many configurations that the platform offers as an all-in-one multipurpose vehicle
Neuron EV

It appears it's too early for Neuron to be bothered with details like powertrain identification, dimensions, or any iota of hard information whatsoever. About as specific as it gets is to say that the T/One's "multi-source propulsion system draws power from an all-electric traction battery pack, replaceable reserve power, and removable solar panel truck bed cover." The "replaceable reserve power" bit makes it sound more like a hybrid-electric, but Neuron has repeatedly referred to it as "electric" and has even said the T/One has a "pure electric battery propulsion system."

Wherever its power comes from exactly, the T/One wears many hats thanks to its scalable chassis and modular component set. Configurations range from a flatbed truck, to a dump truck, to several styles of pickup, to a van/SUV. None of them look quite as cool as the little camper van Neuron showed with its Star mini-pickup, but the T/One would presumably make a more comfortable camper van/pickup camper owing to its extended size.

We think Neuron's done a pretty good job of making the T/One strong and rugged but also unique and stylish
Neuron EV

Neuron's initial concept truck has an extended cab that Neuron uses to highlight the T/One's potential comfort and luxury. The interior is laid out in a 1 + 2 configuration, seating the driver front and center inside a wraparound dashboard with digital instrument display and left and right rear-view displays. The two rear passengers enjoy individual recliners with plenty of legroom and dedicated digital displays of their own. The driver's seat also includes swivel action, presumably as a preview of Neuron's autonomous intentions but also potentially useful in creating a camper van dining area and lounge.

Copyright © 2019 Neuron EV. All rights reserved.
Neuron EV

Other possible configurations include more traditional two-, four- and five-seat pickup cabs and a six-seat SUV layout with smaller load area in place of full pickup bed.

Sadly, that's about as much as Neuron wants us to know for now. The company's latest press release is a Q&A list that appears to be written completely in-house, and Neuron still sidesteps any hint of substantive info. In response to a concise question about how fast and powerful its vehicles are, Neuron answers: "For us, vehicle performance is determined by usability. Why are vehicles engineered to go faster than the speed limit if our goal as a society is to reduce car accidents? Neuron's product quality is measured by ease of use, comfort, reliability, safety, and sustainability." Which isn't a bad statement, but it certainly isn't the speed and power numbers it specifically asked itself about. Weak.

The T/One pickup and Torq semi debut side by side
Neuron EV

Neuron is headquartered in Los Angeles, but it skipped the short drive to the LA Auto Show to hold the T/One debut at the CIIE trade expo in Shanghai. There, it also debuted the Torq semi accompanied by as little information as the T/One. Apparently, reservations are available for both trucks, and while we're sure everyone reading has reservations about those trucks (and Neuron in general), we'd say it's quite premature to make reservations for them. Neuron will show them again next week at the Hongqiao Import Commodity Exhibition and Trading Center, so if you happen to be in the neighborhood ... Otherwise, you can get a better look at the T/One and Torq in the photo gallery.

Source: Neuron EV

View gallery - 23 images
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17 comments
Spud Murphy
Got to say it, this looks like the truck Tesla should have released...
RobertMinter
Did I not read that 200,000 deposits had been placed in the first 24 hours following Musk's reveal? Seems the general public already find Musk's 'art project' more palatable.
dave be
Nah.. it looks like someone glued a pickup bed to an aerostar minivan.
Gizmowiz
Looks more like a minivan to me.
Mike Vidal
I see a big safety issue with the driver sitting in the middle. You will really need to get over to the left to see around traffic in front of you.
buzzclick
Attempts to build an all-in-one pick up truck by both Tesla and Neuron show that they believe the pick up platform with a snappy and comfortable layout is what people want these days. More than a rugged and purposeful EV truck that actually performs utilitarian duties. Neuron doesn't have the facilities to build what they show just yet, but when and if this truck ever gets built, I wanna see a pulling contest that is on equal footing, not the lame test with a RWD F-150 that Tesla used.
minivini
This IS a good looking truck. I like the Cybertruck, too. What I’d really like is a pricing projection.
Ed Brown
Competition is good. Cybertruck’s design threatens closed minds. I’ll be driving the 3rd grade art project before Neoron finds its nervous system.
RangerJones
The reason for tesla deposits being so strong are it only takes $100.00 to reserve.
Gene Preston
Its all in cost, performance, and features. Does this truck allow the bed to be inside or outside the main cabin? No Does this truck out perform a Porsche? No Does this truck have 500 miles range? Does it have a set of computer controlled fast charging stations? NO. Elon has the triangles shape to lower wind drag, lower cost, and add new features not in other trucks. I predict the opposite will happen. People will order the new Tesla in droves and largely ignore the conventional designs, instead if you want a conventional design, they will buy a gasoline or diesel engine version.