This is almost the first Apple car

Lordstown is the next venture looking to capitalize on the electric boom. The American company is on the same track as its rival Rivian and is targeting pick-ups popular in the US. Like the Rivian R1T or Tesla Cybertruck, the Endurance should cut a large piece of the full-size pickup pie in the US. Subsequent trips to Europe are not excluded, because the Endurance should represent the beginning of a whole model family.

And this beginning should not be taken lightly. Because Lordstown has a big name in the IT industry behind it: the powerful Hon Hai Technology Group – Foxconn for short. As the world’s largest electronics manufacturer, it produces devices for Microsoft, Sony, HP and Apple, especially the iPhone.

Stamina in numbers

But for once it’s a bigger mobile device. The Lordstown Endurance is a 5.84-metre long turntable powered by a four-hub motor with a maximum output of 550 hp (405 kW). In continuous operation, the drive still has 440 hp (323 kW). The battery capacity of 109 kWh should reach a range of up to 320 kilometers. With a fast charge of 150 kilowatts, the battery pack is boosted by up to 80 percent in a grueling 45 minutes. Lordstown states the top speed as 190 km/h.

Apple receiver

Visually, the Endurance could almost pass as an Apple car. With its white finish and cute front, it blends seamlessly into the typical design. In addition to a 50:50 balanced weight distribution, the Endurance spinning on 20-inch wheels offers independent front suspension and rigid rear axle. The crew cabin has space for five passengers and their luggage. Large objects can be placed in the loading area as usual. The cockpit is absolutely sober, with large screens located behind the steering wheel and in the center of the dash.

delays and money problems

Despite having a strong partner behind them, Lordstown is not in that good shape yet. Production of the nearly three-tonne endurance should have started a year ago in the fall of 2021. But the ongoing corona epidemic and the war in Ukraine affect a start-up even more than the auto industry. The Foxconn plant in Ohio is only starting production after a long delay. Initially, 500 electric pickups will be produced in a test drive. “We will continue to gradually increase production as we still have issues with parts origin and availability,” said Edward Hightower, CEO and President of Lordstown Motors Corporation. “But our homologation and certification processes are progressing as planned.”

Now that the final crash tests have been completed, sales of the Endurance will begin in the next few weeks. Delivery of the first 50 vehicles planned for this year is expected to take place in the first few weeks of the new year. Foxconn does not hide the fact that the financial situation is tense. The production of more models depends on new investors and at least how many customers jump on the electric train.

Strong best dogs

The competition couldn’t be any tougher than this. Ford introduced the world’s most successful pick-up, the F-150 Lightning, as an electric version this year. This will be followed next year by the Chevrolet Silverado EV and RAM EV, as well as larger quantities of the GMC Hummer EV. After numerous delays, Tesla wants to offer the Cybertruck to customers, and Rivian wants to continue ramping up production of the R1T.

Not an easy start time for Lordstown Endurance. Larger battery packs are also planned for greater range, as are more powerful engine variants. The price currently starts at the equivalent of around 60,000 francs.