General Motors Explores Future Compact EV Pickup

According to the trade publication Automotive News, General Motors may be considering a small EV pickup truck for the U.S. Market. The publication claims that it saw the pickup during a workshop organized by General Motors. It is all very preliminary at this point, but they describe it as being “smaller than the Ford Maverick and the Hyundai Santa Cruz” and having a bed of 4- to 4.5 feet long. By that description, it would be at least a foot shorter, 11 inches narrower, and 10 inches lower than the recently redesigned GMC Canyon. 

Futuristic, Sporty and 2-Door

The described size puts this truck in the neighborhood of the current Brazilian market Chevrolet Montana (pictured). However, since this is an EV, it is likely to be based from an entirely different platform than the conventionally-powered Montana. In addition, Automotive News described it as appearing “futuristic and sporty,” with a “low roofline.” Having just two doors, this sounds a bit like a small modern El Camino. Outside of Australia, two-door, single-seat-row pickups of all sizes have largely given way to 4-door models, so one can only speculate what GM is considering the market to be for such a vehicle. 

That said, GM insists that everything is very preliminary at this point. “We’re creating these to get a reaction and then to try to modify it or move on. What does work? What doesn’t work? What’s expected?” Michael Pevovar, director of Chevrolet affordable EV and crossover design, told reporters. “Affordability is the key portion of this, and there’s lots of different ways to approach it.”

The small pickup is just one type of vehicle GM is considering for expanding its affordable EV lineup. Pevovar goes on to say: “The input may come back that it’s just too small, and that’s OK. Maybe [it won’t be] right for what this architecture can provide, but does it have legs for different architecture where it might need to be a little bigger?”

Who Gets It is Unknown

Under whose banner the baby pickup would be sold is also unclear at this point. Since it currently markets both small EVs and a full range of pickups, Chevrolet would be the first guess. GMC currently has two EV pickup trucks to the singular Chevrolet model, so they are also a likely candidate. Perhaps both will develop a version. Recently, Buick has emerged a pioneer in the now popular sub-compact SUV category. Buick has been surprising addition to the segment for many, so the manufacturer cannot be ruled out as a possibility as well. 

Whether it comes to market having been developed by either GMC or Buick, it will arrive at Valley Buick GMC. You can count on our staff  to look for any further developments so if you have any questions, they can give you the most up-to-date information. At this stage, what is known is that nothing will market-ready for a few years to come. In the meantime, if a smaller pickup interest you, the 2023 GMC Canyon has been completely redesigned this year, so head to Valley Buick GMC to see the completely new compact pickup truck that is available today.