Volkswagen studying full-size EV pick-up truck: report

Volkswagen is reportedly exploring the option of producing an all-new battery-electric pick-up truck that will sit above the mid-size Amarok ute and share its platform and powertrain with the incoming Scout ute and SUV being readied for the US market.

According to WardsAuto.com, the German auto giant is planning to exploit the full potential of its reborn Scout brand by creating its own VW-branded full-size pick-up with unique styling.

This would give VW a two-pronged attack against other electric dual-cab pick-ups like the Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian RT1 and the Tesla Cybertruck.

Said to be at an early stage of development, initial designs are believed to have already been proposed under the watchful eye of VW design boss Andreas Mindt.

Featuring a “bold yet functional” appearance, the zero-emissions pick-up will sport “classical VW” design elements that will help buyers differentiate it from the related Scout ute.

It’s also expected to be positioned differently, with the Scout designed to attract more lifestyle-focused buyers.

There’s still no word on what platform will underpin the Scout, but it’s thought that both the SUV and ute will be based on a newly-developed ladder-frame chassis that will provide the ruggedness demanded by traditional pick-up buyers.

Insiders suggest that the VW version will only be available with a dual-motor powertrain that drives all four wheels and be capable of advanced torque vectoring that will improve handling and even allow for tank turns.

To save costs, the electric motors, inverters, heat pump and control modules and all electronics will be sourced from current Volkswagen EVs.

It’s already been announced that the new family of Scout vehicles is being developed in partnership with Austrian engineering firm Magna Steyr, which is heavily involved in the current Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

This should ensure the Scout ute and pick-up should be among the best in their class off-road, with those capabilities passed on to the VW-branded truck.

Initial plans for the still-secret VW ute see it only sold in North America at launch, but it’s feasible it could also be produced for right-hand drive markets if there’s enough demand.

Volkswagen in North America has historically neglected the huge pick-up market but has frequently toyed with the idea of a US-focused utility, like the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak.

Adding fuel to the rumours are reports that the VW pick-up could be developed alongside a third version for Audi.

All three are set to be built at an all-new factory in South Carolina.

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