‘Cheap’ buff electric ute revealed by American start-up

You get the feeling that the electric ute segment is going to explode over the next few years, given the amount of projects that have been revealed by big players and start-ups respectively. And this week, a company firmly from the latter group showed off its creation.

The Alpha Motors Wolf is an electric pick-up that, ironically, looks a little like something from the 1990s. Its proportions could be mistaken for those of an old American-market Ford Ranger. The roof-mounted fog lights have us reminiscing about Marty McFly’s black Toyota Hilux.

There’s a bevy of neat little details that underline you’re looking at something electric, though. Like the lack of a grille and the aerodynamically efficient flush door handles.

It’s not the first time that Alpha Motors, an aspiring car-maker from America, has shown off the Wolf. It is, however, the first time it’s shown off in a real physical prototype. We dig the minimalist look, the two-door layout, and the capable BF Goodrich muddies.

A production version of the Wolf is set to debut in Q4 of 2023, although given the company’s start-up status, dates like these are worth taking with a grain of salt. Multiple electric vehicle start-ups have failed or gone to ground in the recent past.

Most notably, the much hyped Nikola Badger EV ute was axed following legal dramas behind the scenes, and Lordstown (makers of the much hyped Endurance) has hit several financial snags.

Anyway, back to the Alpha Wolf. Assuming it does actually hit the market, Alpha Motors are aiming for it to be a fairly affordable player. It expects the Wolf to be priced from US$36,000, or $51,806 in local currency. The range will top out at around US$46,000 ($66,196).

Alpha Motors is hazy on the model’s mechanical details, many of which we presume are still subject to change. It does say that the model is expected to hit 100km/h in about 6.2 seconds, with range rated at around 440km per charge.

Those wanting one of these to tow the boat probably need to temper expectations. The brand says it will be able to tow around 1360kg … a handy amount, but nowhere near the 3500kg that most typical double-cab diesel utes can lug.

The tow figure is a solid indication that the Wolf isn’t really targeted at the likes of the Ranger and the Hilux. It’s actually closer in footprint and brief to the compact-sized Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz. It’s 4828mm long, making it a touch shorter than the Maverick and much shorter than the Ranger, Hilux, Nissan Navara, and co.

As with a lot of other start-up EVs, the reveal brings about more questions than answers. Along with not confirming any of the Wolf’s powertrain details or the battery size, Alpha Motors has also yet to name where in America it will produce the Wolf. We wait with bated breath for the next update.