2023 Lordstown Endurance Expert Review
Reviewed by Alex Leanse
The 2023 Lordstown Endurance is a new all-electric pickup truck . It's the first product of Lordstown, an American electric vehicle startup based in Ohio. The Endurance, which was revealed in 2020, is designed to be a relatively straightforward work truck, competing against vehicles like the Ford F-150 Lightning Pro and Chevrolet Silverado EV WT . However, the Endurance's prospects aren't looking bright given Lordstown filed for bankruptcy in June 2023.
Lordstown: Bankrupt
Starting a car company isn't easy, as Lordstown has found: the company filed for bankruptcy in June of 2023. Soured relations with primary investor Foxconn and difficulties getting its Endurance truck into production were key factors. It's not clear if or when Lordstown might be able to find a way forward.
What Is Lordstown?
Lordstown is a startup electric vehicle manufacturer seeking to compete initially in the battery-powered pickup truck space. Formerly known as Workhorse, the company's first vehicle was to be called the Endurance. It's meant as a relatively low-cost, low-frills work truck; Lordstown wanted to equip the Endurance to appeal to business operators and vehicle fleets more so than individual private drivers—people who would use the truck for truck stuff, rather than personal transportation. On the electric pickup truck spectrum, the Endurance would've had more in common with the Ford F-150 Lightning Pro than the Rivian R1T.
Why Is It Called Lordstown?
The company's name has nothing to do with a deity. Rather, Lordstown refers to where the Endurance is built: in Ohio's Lordstown Assembly Plant, a 6.2 million square foot facility that was formerly owned by General Motors. In the past, GM models like the Pontiac Firebird, Chevrolet Vega, Oldsmobile Starfire rolled out of the Lordstown plant. Most recently the factory produced the Chevrolet Cruze, but GM deallocated the plant and sold it to the eponymous electric vehicle startup. However, Lordstown then had to pivot and sold the facility to Foxconn.
In-Wheel Motors: How Many? How Powerful?
One of the Endurance's key features is that it uses in-wheel motors as opposed to the inboard motors more common among EVs. Lordstown says this approach reduces complexity and moving parts, thus improving reliability and longevity. In the Endurance, each wheel gets a motor, enabling software-controlled 4WD. Combined output measures 550 hp, good for a 0-60 mph time of 6.3 seconds according to Lordstown.
Lordstown Electric Range, Charging, and Battery
Within the Endurance's skateboard chassis is a lithium-ion battery containing 109 kWh of capacity. When fully charged, it's targeted to achieve 193 miles of range and approximately 54 mpg-e. Recharging from 20 to 80 percent on a 150 kW DC fast charger is said to take less than 45 minutes. None of those figures are class-leading, but the Endurance's audience may appreciate its work-truck focus and relatively low price point.
Endurance Cab and Bed
The Endurance's bed will measure 66.8 inches long and provide 59.3 cubic feet of volume. Additionally, a front trunk with 9.6 cubic feet of capacity provides secure storage. There's a crew cab between the two areas.
Technology
Images shared by Lordstown show a tech-forward interior for the Endurance. It appears that the truck will come equipped with three digital displays, all contained within a single enclosure stretching across the dashboard. Beyond the primary gauge display, screens showing real-time vehicle details and various media functions can be seen (including Apple CarPlay). Expect to find several USB ports around the cabin, and potentially a wireless charging pad.
Lordstown Endurance Pricing and Warranty
Take it all with a grain of salt about as large as the Endurance's payload, but Lordstown is targeting a starting price of just under $53,000 for its first electric truck.
In terms of warranty coverage, Lordstown will provide 36 months or 36,000 miles of basic warranty, 96 months or 100,000 miles of battery and motor coverage, and 60 months with unlimited miles for corrosion coverage. Roadside assistance for 36 months or 36,000 miles is also included.
Towing and Payload
Maximum towing capacity for the Lordstown Endurance is said to be 8,000 pounds, and payload should top out at 1,050 pounds. As with all trucks, don't be surprised if the truck's driving range is reduced significantly when it's towing or hauling.
All-Electric Off-Road Race Truck
Automakers go racing to bring attention and legitimacy to their products, which is why Lordstown created a racing version of its Endurance electric truck. Built to compete in Baja-style off-road racing, the truck is stripped out, fully caged, and rides on significantly upgraded suspension, but still uses a quad-motor electric powertrain like the roadgoing Endurance.
