Chinese Tesla Cybertruck Rival: GAC Pickup 01 Concept

China’s GAC Pickup 01: A Bold Cybertruck Rival

The electric vehicle (EV) landscape is heating up, and China’s GAC (Guangzhou Automobile Group) has stepped into the spotlight with a jaw-dropping concept: the Pickup 01. At first glance, it might remind you of Tesla’s Cybertruck—its futuristic stainless steel exterior, angular body, and bold light strips. But beneath that sharp design lies innovation that could potentially make it a serious contender, perhaps even a better-value alternative.

In this detailed breakdown, we’ll explore the GAC Pickup 01’s features, technologies, comparisons to Tesla’s Cybertruck, and its real potential as a next-generation EV pickup.

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🔧 GAC Pickup 01 vs Tesla Cybertruck: The Visual and Functional Clash

Let’s begin with the obvious comparison. Yes, GAC’s Pickup 01 borrows visual cues from Tesla’s Cybertruck, but that’s where the similarities end.

✅ Design Similarities

• Both vehicles use angular, polygonal aesthetics.

• Stainless steel body shells for durability and futuristic appeal.

• LED light bars spanning the front and rear for a clean, high-tech look.

🆚 Key Functional Differences

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🚗 Groundbreaking Features of the GAC Pickup 01

The Pickup 01 doesn’t just look cool—it’s designed to challenge everything we expect from EV trucks. Here’s what makes it special:

1. Smart Suspension System

• What it is: A sensor-based system that scans the road 1,000 times per second.

• Why it matters: It adjusts each wheel independently to maintain a level ride.

• Benefits:

  • Superior comfort over rough terrain.

  • Improved safety and handling.

  • Reduces body roll and wear on components.

2. Sliding Steering Wheel

• Innovative Design: Moves laterally from left to right.

• Global Impact:

  • The same vehicle can be sold in both left-hand and right-hand drive markets.

  • Cuts manufacturing costs significantly.

  • Future-proof for self-driving configurations.

3. Modular Cabin Interior

• Concept: Think of a “slidable cabin module.”

• Use Cases:

  • Commercial delivery setup.

  • Off-road camper interior.

  • Family or ride-share seating options.

• Revolutionary Flexibility:

  • One chassis, many purposes.

  • Reduces need for multiple vehicle designs.

4. Power & Performance

• Torque: Estimated at 12,000 Nm at the wheels.

• Off-Road Capabilities:

  • Chunky, all-terrain tires.

  • High ground clearance.

  • Designed for urban and rugged environments.

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🧠 Why GAC’s Vision Matters

This is more than just another EV concept. GAC’s Pickup 01:

• Questions the current norms of vehicle design.

• Offers cost-cutting solutions (sliding steering, modular interior).

• Shows how China is leapfrogging in EV innovation.

👁️‍🗨️ GAC’s Approach to Minimalism

Unlike Cybertruck’s tech-heavy interface, GAC is betting on:

• Minimal yet effective controls.

• Adaptable hardware.

• Simplicity in customization and cost savings.

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⏳ When Will It Hit the Roads?

📅 Expected Production: By 2027

• Currently a concept.

• No final specs or confirmed pricing.

• Hopes for a sub-$40,000 price tag.

If they achieve this, it could be a game-changer in the EV truck segment, particularly in price-sensitive markets.

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💸 Can It Really Stay Under $40,000?

Let’s break this down:

The real challenge will be supply chain efficiency, software integration, and battery costs, but GAC’s domestic production advantages may help it pull off this bold price tag.

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🌍 Global Appeal: One Truck for Every Market?

🌐 Sliding Steering = Global Strategy

• Allows same model to be adapted for UK, Australia, Japan, USA, and India.

• Cuts costs on R&D and testing.

• Regulatory flexibility could mean faster approvals.

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🔋 Battery Tech: What We Know So Far

Although GAC hasn’t disclosed specifics, we can anticipate:

• Range: Likely > 400 km

• Battery Type: LFP or newer semi-solid state (possible by 2027)

• Charging Speed: 250kW+ fast charging support

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🧪 Concept Now, Reality Later?

Yes, it’s still a concept—but a highly strategic one:

• Combines practicality with sci-fi design.

• Emphasizes cost-efficiency + innovation.

• Tailored for both East and West markets.

If GAC delivers on its promises, it could rival Tesla—not just with a futuristic truck, but with smarter business logic.

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📸 Design Aesthetics & First Impressions

• Razor-sharp edges, inspired by aerospace and defense tech.

• Futuristic LED strip lights and mirrorless side cameras.

• Cyberpunk-meets-industrial look—perfect for enthusiasts of bold EV design.

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🏁 Final Thoughts: The Cybertruck Challenger?

GAC’s Pickup 01 is not just trying to copy the Cybertruck—it’s rewriting the rules of EV truck design. With:

• Lower price,

• Smart global engineering,

• Modular customization,

• And futuristic aesthetics,

…it might just set a new direction for electric pickups—if it reaches production.

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🚀 Conclusion

GAC’s Pickup 01 concept presents a bold vision for the future of electric trucks. It challenges Tesla’s dominance not by mimicking features, but by innovating where it counts—cost, flexibility, and global usability.

If GAC can stick to its $40,000 target and deliver on performance promises, the Pickup 01 might just be the first true global EV truck to rival the Cybertruck on both design and price.