Firm behind factory-backed Chevrolet Silverado and RAM 1500 is ‘absolutely capable’ of local EV conversions
Walkinshaw Automotive, the company behind Australian factory-backed right-hand drive conversions of the Chevrolet Silverado and RAM 1500, has made it clear that it’s capable of producing the new breed of battery-electric pick-up trucks emerging overseas.
In an interview with carsales, Walkinshaw Automotive’s chief engineer, Trevor Barallon, was asked whether the company, which is also working on a program with the Toyota Tundra, was preparing for the inevitable transition from combustion engines to battery-electric powertrains – as seen with the Chevrolet Silverado EV and the RAM 1500 REV.
“Are we capable of converting EVs from left-hand drive to right-hand drive? The answer to that question is absolutely,” said Barallon.
“As far as I’m concerned, it’s part of moving forward and a natural progression for us.”
As carsales has reported, General Motors Specialty Vehicles (GMSV) and its overseers at GM International (GMI) are considering the case for remanufacturing the Chevrolet Silverado EV via Walkinshaw in Australia, but are keeping their powder dry for the time being.
“We have some exciting things that will be coming this year but whether that’s going to be a Silverado EV or not we can’t say at this point,” GMI communications director, Lauren Indiveri, told us in March.
“But we are exploring opportunities for our market.”
What’s more, the RAM 1500 REV has already been earmarked as a definite starter for Australia, as recently confirmed to carsales by the head of RAM globally, Mike Koval, although an allocation for our market is not yet locked in ahead of production starting late next year.
“Ultimately, yes [RAM will sell the 1500 REV in Australia],” Koval said.
“We appreciate everything that the team in Australia and New Zealand [has done] – they’ve been fantastic partners for us. And you see the numbers – we’re growing leaps and bounds year after year.”
Amid a huge amount of interest in Australia for other all-electric pick-ups including the Tesla Cybertruck and Rivian R1T, Ford Australia is also studying the case for the electric Ford F-150 Lightning as part of its new local conversion program with RMA Automotive.
Potential Aussie fleet buyers are also gearing up for the prospect of the F-150 Lightning becoming available Down Under.
Walkinshaw’s close ties with GM could see the company involved in right-hook conversions of a broad range of EVs, including passenger cars and SUVs.
Other battery-electric models understood to be on the radar for GMSV’s Aussie dealerships include the GMC Hummer and the Cadillac Lyriq.
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Keyword: American EV pick-up trucks ‘a natural progression’ for Australia