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.
The XT is equipped with 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 using the AAC port in less than 15 minutes. 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.
The XT is equipped with a CCS charge port as well as an AAC/1.5-megawatt charge port on along 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 V outlet and be able to ultra-fast charge using the AAC port in less than 15 minutes.ATLIS
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," explains 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.
With 18.5 cubic feet of storage, the XT boasts the largest front-trunk volume of any electric vehicle on the market, providing the space needed for endless use case scenarios.ATLIS
"So while ATLIS is debuting the XT pickup truck, it's important to note that we are a technology company ," says Hanchett. "We are ecosystem focused." This year, the company launched a new battery cell that will start shipping to customers by the end of this year. 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.
So there is the energy pillar that 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," notes Hanchett. "We do a lot of this stuff in house. This entire prototype was built in house. Almost 90% of what you see here was actually built in our Mesa facility. 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 allows frees up space and allows improved aerodynamic design. This includes a downward sloping hood that also 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. It is also equipped with two 110-volt/30-amp outlets and a 240-volt/50-amp outlet, access to compressed air and USB-C charging ports.
When the vehicle is on, the side mirrors extend out and double as a turn signal. For cold climates, heating elements inside the mirrors alleviate snow and ice and ensure proper function.ATLIS
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," notes 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.
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
"This camera system today displays an image 180-degrees out and than all the way back," notes 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 blind spot 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 with dynamic damping capabilities that adjust to the vehicle load. This helps instill driver confidence regardless of the conditions. The air suspension system also assists with loading and unloading the truck by lowering it for easy access. The suspension system is independent, both front and rear. 
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 side of the vehicle. This provides easy access to the bed. "We have a 250 kW battery in this vehicle and we built the sidestep into the frame structure," explains Hanchett. It is possible to walk 360 degrees 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. 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. The interior was purpose built. "There is nothing here to distract the driver or add complexity," says Hanchett. 
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 Continues
"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."
DRL 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
ATLIS has grown its business through equity crowdfunding. This has helped keep the company focused on product validation. "It makes our investors part of the company," notes Hanchett. There is a lot of interest in the XT pickup. "We've got over 60,000 reservations today." Of these, 13,000 are made up of investors in the company.
ATLIS also currently has a signed contract to deliver over 19,000 XT trucks to Australia through 2025.
