ATLIS Fast-charging Electric XT to Surpass 3/4-ton Pickup Capability

ATLIS Motor Vehicle revealed a functional prototype XT electric pickup designed for a 500-mile range and capable of being recharged in less than 15 minutes. This truck is a purpose-designed work truck that will meet the specific needs of fleet owners, small businesses and tradespeople, allowing them to bring everything needed to the field.

ATLIS has concentrated on interoperability with existing charging networks while also focusing on its own proprietary system that's designed to deliver 1.5 megawatts of power that will charge the truck in 15 minutes. "When we think about charging a 250kW-hour battery pack, we need about 1.5 megawatts of power to accomplish that," says Mark Hanchett, ATLIS founder and CEO.  Extra-large door handles are integrated into the door panels with no moving mechanism to ensure durability and ease of use while wearing work gloves.ATLIS

The XT incorporates a CCS charge port as well as an AAC/1.5-megawatt charge port on the front left side of the vehicle. This enables the vehicle to utilize the existing charging infrastructure and leverage the J1172 port to recharge on a standard 120- or 240-volt outlet and be able to ultra-fast charge the vehicle using the AAC port.

It was interesting to note that during the time of the scheduled introduction, the power was out in ATLIS headquarters in Mesa, AZ. The introduction went on as planned, with the prototype XT providing all of the power necessary. 

"We are out to change the work truck market," says Hanchett. "We've focused on the design features our target market cares most about - maximizing functionality, storage, capability and passenger comfort to create the best possible ownership experience. The goal is to create an electric pickup with the performance characteristics of a 3/4-ton diesel that can be quickly recharged."

The projected capabilities are impressive. "The XP platform is actually capable of handling 10,000 lbs. per axle," says Hanchett. "That means we have a 20,000-lb. gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)."

A Mobility Company Emerges

The first question that comes to mind is who is ATLIS?

"Traditionally, we are though of as an electric vehicle company but ATLIS is a mobility technology company comprised of three separate pillars," says Hanchett. "When we started this company back in 2016, while our focus was on building an electric truck that was dedicated to the work truck market, we realized in order for us to reach that goal, make that big leap forward, we had to take a look at the battery technology and create a solution to some of those big challenges.

"So while ATLIS is debuting the XT pickup truck, it's important to note that we are a technology company," he adds. "We are ecosystem focused."

This year, the company launched a new battery cell that will start shipping to customers by the end of 2021. Next year, ATLIS is focused on the $300 million the company has in signed agreements for this battery technology. The batteries will be built in the Mesa, AZ facility. 

The energy pillar encompasses all of the battery and charging technology. "The target is profitability next year and those profits will go into expansion of the business, continued operations and development as we look to launch the XT pickup truck," explains Hanchett. 

Lack of Conventional Restraints Leads to Innovation

Conventional internal combustion truck design imposes a lot of limitations. When designing an electric pickup from the ground up, ATLIS was not limited by existing design and has proposed several innovative technologies in terms of lighting, cameras, accessibility and storage. The truck is built on a skateboard platform that allows flexibility. 

"We're big on vertical integration. This entire prototype was built in-house. Almost 90% of what you see here was actually built in our Mesa facility," Hanchett points out. "It is important to note that while this is a prototype, it contains all of the different technologies and approaches that ATLIS will be taking into the final product."

The lack of an internal combustion engine up front frees up space and allows an improved aerodynamic design. This includes a downward sloping hood that improves visibility. There is also additional storage/work space in the form a front truck, or frunk. It features a spray-in bed line and 18.5 cu. ft. of space, and is equipped with two 110-volt/30-amp outlets and a 240-volt/50-amp outlet, access to compressed air and USB-C charging ports.

The lighting and mirrors take a unique approach. The XT includes an active headlight management system to improve safety and visibility. Each headlight is comprised of four DRLs, which double as a turn signal and can flash in a variety of colors for different applications. A projector bulb provides more illumination depending upon the work case.

The taillights are also adjustable depending upon the case. The lighting can be programmed for red and amber for typical taillights and turn signals or flash colors in emergency situations. The same projector bulbs used in the front are also in the rear, providing additional light when working or connecting a trailer in the dark.

Another innovation is the integration of light bars on the top of the front and rear windshields. These light bars have individually addressable LED light bulbs. Functionality includes color changes and the ability to create text and patterns for enhanced safety on the front and rear windshields.

The XT is equipped with a digital mirror system that utilizes cameras that act as retractable mirrors. "When the vehicle is off, they actually go flush with the vehicle to prevent them from impacting or connecting with someone," says Hanchett. One camera is mounted to each side of the vehicle and there are two screens on the dashboard to provide enhanced visibility. The retractable mirror cameras also serve as turn signals and can be fully extended an additional 6 in. in tow mode. A heating element is included in the mirror system to ensure proper function in snowy and icy conditions.

"This camera system today displays an image 180° out and than all the way back," says Hanchett. "Future software for this system will be able to detect a vehicle approaching at a high rate of speed so you don't move over and cut someone off. It will be able to detect a vehicle or an object in your blindspot on the side of the vehicle and it will give you a notification that you can or cannot move over."

The XT features a unique air suspension system that is independent, both front and ear, with dynamic damping capabilities that adjust to the vehicle load. This helps instill driver confidence regardless of the conditions. The system also assists with loading and unloading the truck by lowering it for easy access.The XT has a unique air sprung suspension design with dynamic damping capabilities that adjust to the vehicle load, delivering a consistent and comfortable experience every time. The air suspension system assists with loading and unloading by lowering for easy access.ATLIS

To provide maximum accessibility, a step has been integrated in the structure of the platform that extends the length of both sides of the vehicle. This not provides easy access to the bed, it is possible to walk 360° around the truck using the built-in steps.

The XT offers bed lengths of 6.5 and 8 ft. with a standard spray-in bed liner. There are four 120-volt/30-amp outlets in the bed, two USB A ports, two USB C ports and a 240-volt/50-amp hookup to power tools that require a higher voltage. A pneumatic hookup will power air tools. The front frunk and rear box electrical circuits are each dedicated circuits that can be utilized independent of each other, so you could utilize a welder on the front and another welder on the rear circuit.

Large door handles are integrated into the door panels with no moving mechanism to ensure durability and ease of use while wearing gloves. 

Interior Optimizes User Interface

ATLIS is taking a different approach to the digital cockpit. "There is nothing here to distract the driver or add complexity," says Hanchett. 

Side mirrors are replaced by displays placed around the steering wheel, and an instrument cluster display is attached to the steering column for better viewing angles. The 12.8-in. center touch console places all vehicle controls for the driver and passenger within reach. The interface will have customizable soft keys in the center display and on the steering wheel. The center touch display is based on a three-touch principle, enabling the customer to get to any function within three touches.ATLIS

The dash display is mounted to and moves with the steering wheel. This ensures that each driver, no matter their size, has the same view of the controls.

The XT is available in a three- or six-passenger configuration. The front and rear seats are identical for passenger comfort. This also enables ATLIS to leverage one component multiple times to drive economies of scale and reduce cost.

As this truck is intended for work, the interior was designed to be easily cleaned and all materials are stain, scratch and rip resistant.

Progress ContinuesDRL headlight design with added projectors for lighting up a field or construction site for workers. The XT includes an active headlight management system to improve safety and visibility.ATLIS

"This is the fourth iteration of the XT prototype, and we plan to start production in late 2022," says Hanchett. "The team continues to refine the interior and exterior design based on extensive customer and investor feedback. We have the engineering and design expertise, flexibility and vision to create something completely different to provide customers with an entire ecosystem needed to get their jobs done."

ATLIS has gown its business through equity crowdfunding. This has helped keep the company focused on product validation. "It makes our investors part of the company," says Hanchett.

There is a lot of interest in the XT pickup. "We have over 60,000 reservations today," Hanchett notes. Of these, 13,000  are made up of the company's investors. ATLIS also has a signed contract to deliver over 19,000 XT trucks to Austrialia through 2025.