Compact trucks have always been a favorite for many off-road enthusiasts and campers alike. Think of the Toyota Pickup Truck, a precursor to the T100 and first-generation Tacoma. Remember the Jeep Comanche: a compact truck of similar guise, with the unibody cab and bed on frame build; solid axles; and what became the legendary Wrangler drivetrain. Though over time trucks have progressively gone from longer beds and single cabs, to longer cabs and shorter beds, there still remains a market for more of a compact truck. Think of the extended cab first generation Ford Raptor, compact relative to the popular Supercrew cab configuration.
Also, we have the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado (and cousin GMC Canyon), just to name a few modern mid-size models. All these have higher trim options built to suit the needs of the "off the beaten path" members of society. Currently, the newest compact trucks in the ICE segment that have found success are the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz. Speaking of the Maverick, it can be had in Hybrid form. So, that brings us to the next evolution of the compact truck, perhaps one that not many have seen coming over the horizon. Although just as all manufacturers are moving from ICE drivetrains to electric powertrains, make no mistake, the next hunter is closing in. Brace yourself, the Alpha Wolf is within striking distance!
The Alpha Wolf: An Entirely New Breed
Alpha Motor Inc., is a startup EV maker, founded by two Seattle baristas. If you haven't heard of them yet, that's definitely understandable. A few years ago, it revealed interesting models, but all that was received were concept renderings. Now, all that has changed. The company has partnered with UHI Group, which has been around since 1979. UHI specializes in manufacturing, engineering, and testing for automotive and aerospace industries. In fact, they have produced prototypes for another EV startup called Canoo. Knowing UHI's background and production, this bodes well for Alpha Motors. The latter had announced that a running prototype of the "Wolf" pickup truck was under construction in December of last year, and that the goal was to finish testing later this year.
Additionally, the Wolf pickup line will be a priority for the company over other models. All this makes the progression of the project into full production sound like an inevitability. Further evidence of this, is that the "2023 EV Manufacturer of the Year for California," has also partnered with a company called Mountain Top to develop a specific vehicle accessory in a bed cargo slide. Also, the KC Lights brand was excited to partner with the company and be displayed on the Alpha Wolf Truck. Lastly, this vehicle can even be reserved on Alpha Motors' website!
The Variance Of The Wolf Pack
Once the project moves into production, there will be three different "Wolves" to choose from: the standard WOLF, the WOLF+, and the SUPERWOLF. Starting with the standard version, one would be getting a retro-looking two-door truck with a single cab. This vehicle is estimated to have a 250-275-mile range, with a single motor RWD and dual motor AWD. It'll have a 6.2 second 0-60mph acceleration, and a 3,000-pound towing capacity. The price range is $36,000 to $46,000. Moving on to the WOLF+, it'll have a 5.9 second 0-60 time, just a dual motor AWD, and a 6,724-pound towing capacity. All these extra capabilities result in a $10,000 increase in relative price range, from $46,000 to $56,000.
The vehicle will also have an extended cab. Stepping up to the SUPERWOLF nets a four-door stretched cab, with up to a 25-mile range increase for a max range of 300 miles. It'll retain the same dual motor and towing capacity of the WOLF+, but will also receive the 10,000 price range increase, for a cost of $56,000 to $66,000. This version will be the slowest of the three, but not by much, clocking in at a 6.5 second 0-60 mph time. Again, all of these specifications are estimates for the three trucks.
Attributes Of An Alpha
Seeing an entirely new vehicle come into the market is certainly exciting; double that excitement when talking about a new manufacturer source using the latest technology and forward-thinking, such as what Alpha Motors is doing with its WOLF series pickup trucks. This is validated by the companies that we've seen already partner with the maker. Alpha is taking new EV tech to make a smart compact pickup, but then doing it right by giving it retro styling. Companies that have been around, such as UHI, Mountain Top, and KC Lights, see that and have jumped aboard.
Following suit, this is a vehicle we can all get out of bed for. If one is a fan of the old compact legends mentioned earlier, this styling is on point. A modern compact truck with retro looks cannot be underestimated. The fresh approach is also appreciated among enthusiasts who see the market dominated by bigger full-size trucks and SUVs. The smaller design is coveted by both the off-road community and campers. It can fit in more places, tow enough for what you need, and not break the bank relative to current new vehicle prices. It's also a lighter vehicle compared to full-size trucks and SUVs, thus using less electric energy. Still, it would be big enough and of ideal size for an overland build. Specifically, with the WOLF truck, it's already being designed with the aftermarket in mind, with the accessory partnerships of Mountain Top and KC Lights. Another accessory is the "Wolf X Dmos Compact Delta Shovels." Others include a roof rack and bed attachments to hold those outdoor tools that help on the trail or campsite, as seen on the manufacturer's website. Clearly, the maker knows its target audience.
The Wolf Works To Win
We know the push for electrification is coming. All the major manufacturers such as GM and Ford have produced fully electric vehicles. Before that originators like Tesla pioneered the front. New makers have emerged such as Rivian and Canoo. So then naturally a new animal has emerged and evolved with the times such as the Alpha Wolf truck, an all-in-one rig, suitable as a daily driver, camper, and off-road vehicle. There aren't enough compact truck EV examples right now to confidently say they're the best EVs in general. However, an example like the Alpha Wolf coupled with its retro styling and new technology makes for the perfect blend in a new compact truck EV. Add to that the manufacturer developed accessories with its partners, and one would get the complete package in terms of what the targeted audience seeks. The audience being those of us that seek the outdoors. If one is the old traveler looking for a refreshing new partner to explore with, then when the Alpha Wolf comes knocking at the door, simply answer the call.