The future could be very bright.
It will take Honda 20 years to become a fully-electric brand. The company plans to launch two electric vehicles in the US by 2024. However, neither will be an electrified Ridgeline. However, if the company plans to electrify 40% of its lineup by 2030 (including hydrogen fuel-cell), such a model is certain to come. Rene Garcia, a concept artist, created a spectacular reimagining for the Ridgeline pickup.
Garcia has created an enormous series of unofficial renderings showing off a rugged pickup truck. While the truck looks futuristic, it retains a striking resemblance with the current truck’s design. Garcia, however, goes beyond renderings and shows off the interior of the futuristic skateboard chassis in stunning detail. Ridgeline renders showcase a truck that is more chunky and yet has a rugged, off-road-ready exterior.
It features a modern design with a straight front, a trunk in the front, and cab that can be extended into it. For easy entry and exit, the truck has suicide-style doors. It also features the latest technology, including a dash-spanning screen housing the instrument cluster, the infotainment screen, and a screen to accommodate the passenger. Surprisingly the center console has real buttons and switches. This is a feature that is becoming increasingly rare in certain makes and models.
Honda and other automakers will have a lot more freedom when designing future vehicles such as the Ridgeline with an electric powertrain. There should be several electrified pickups available by next year. However, each one will be very different. The Ford F-150 Lightning is designed to appeal to mainstream truck buyers, while the Tesla Cybertruck challenges the limits of truck design. Both the GMC Hummer EVO and Rivian T1T are in the middle. Although an electrified Honda Ridgeline is unlikely in the near future, it’s worth dreaming about the future.