Innovation > Innovation

THUNDERTRUCK

WOLFGANG, Manhattan Beach / THUNDERTRUCK / 2022

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Overview

Credits

Overview

Why is this work relevant for Innovation?

Trucks are the #1, #2 and #3 selling vehicle in America. But they produce on average 14x more carbon emissions than regular vehicles.

EV's on the other hand produce zero emissions. But, they also have zero appeal to the off-road community.

By maximizing the versatility of the EV drivetrain and combining it with the functionality of a truck, we've designed an EV that delivers superior on and off-road performance, a new level of efficiency and zero emissions.

Using innovative IP, Thundertruck is the first EV truck with the range, power and performance needed to convert diehard truck drivers to EV.

Background

Current EV battery technology has serious range limitations. Therefore EV trucks are simply not a real option for diehard truck drivers.

Using EV first design, photovoltaic solar fabrics and a state-of-the-art range extender we're able to make range limitation a thing of the past and add a new level of power to EV trucks. Ultimately making EV trucks a real option for off-road enthusiasts.

Describe the idea

Using EV first design, photovoltaic solar fabrics and a state-of-the-art range extender we we're able to make range limitation a thing of the past and add a new level of power to EV trucks.

Ultimately, we're able to make EV trucks a real option for off-road enthusiasts.

What were the key dates in the development process?

June - August 2020 - Assembled international team of designers, engineers, planners and marketers. Conducted initial EV category research, looking for white space. Only 8 EV trucks in various stages of design and build.

Sept - Dec 2020 - Initial sketches and basic renders from multiple designers.

Jan - April 2021 - Approve Thundertruck design direction. Detailed visualization and CAD begins.

16th June 2021 - Meeting with first international investor group. (ongoing)

2nd November 2021 - Copyrights and Patent (Effective Date of Registration)

14th Nov 2021 - Copyright Registration Decision Date

20th Dec 2021 - Thundertruck Design Launch Date (Fast Company, Hypebeast etc)

Jan - March 2022 - Ongoing design refinement. Various model builds. 40% scale model underway.

Describe the innovation / technology

Two years, two copyrights and one patent (pending) later we unveiled the Thundertruck.

By maximizing the versatility of the EV drivetrain and combining it with the functionality of a truck, we designed an EV that delivers superior on and off-road performance, a new level of efficiency and zero emissions.

Besides its unique styling, 3 key features separate Thundertruck from the pack .

The Bat Wing Solar Awning is constructed from solar fabric that utilizes photovoltaic cells to generate electricity. The awnings provide battery charge when traveling in remote areas, making range limitation a thing of the past. The solar awnings also provide auxiliary shade which comes in handy when outdoors.

The Range Extender is a portable battery unit that converts the Thundertruck into a 6x6 monster that quietly delivers unrivaled range, power and performance. It also delivers increased payload, storage, and towing capacity. The Range Extender also powers camping equipment and work tools. We used self balancing tech for easy coupling and decoupling.

Thundertruck also comes equipped with a military spec drone. The drone provides 3D data scans of forward terrain, linking real time to the vehicles LIDAR system and central electronics.

Describe the expectations / outcome

We are currently working on a detailed 40% scale "pusher" model. This is being build by SIVAX, a world leader in concepts and prototyping. The model will be displayed at tech and auto shows.

We are in ongoing discussions with production partners and investor groups in the US and Asia. We're looking at either producing the Thundertruck as a specialty, low volume vehicle. Or selling the design to an established tech or auto brand.

The Batwing Awning and the Range Extender could also be sold as stand alone IP components.

We have received $200k in initial investments, this is being used to build models and promote the Thundertruck.

To launch the Thundertruck design we promoted it on social. It was quickly picked up by the world’s most reputable automotive, design and pop culture news outlets, including Fast Company, Hypebeast, MotorTrend, Top Gear and DesignBoom, generating hundreds of millions of impressions.

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