GM is reportedly investigating a compact electric pickup truck

General Motors may be exploring a compact electric pickup truck to challenge current gas-powered options in this segment like the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz.

During a Wednesday tour of GM’s affordable EV design studio in Warren, Michigan, Automotive News (subscription required) claims it was shown a two-door electric pickup truck with a low roof and a cargo bed about 4 to 4.5 feet long . The Maverick’s bed is 4.5 feet.

The description indicates something of a modern take on ex-GM vehicles like the Chevrolet El Camino and Holden Commodore Ute, as opposed to a traditional pickup truck.

Marketing images shown alongside the pickup also suggest it’s positioned as a recreational vehicle for activities like surfing, Automotive News reported.

Michael Pevovar, Chevy’s director of affordable EV and crossover design, reportedly said at the tour that the vehicle was designed to collect feedback and that it’s just one type of vehicle that GM is considering for a future affordable EV lineup considering.

There is certainly a demand for compact pickups. Although Ford also offers the Ranger and the hugely successful F-Series, the automaker managed to sell nearly 75,000 Mavericks in the US in 2022, according to Automotive News. Smaller pickups tend to be popular in Central and South American markets as well.

Buyers looking for an electric pickup from GM have two options starting in the 2024 model year, albeit in the full-size class. New for 2024 are a Chevrolet Silverado EV and a GMC Sierra EV Denali.