√US start-up unveils blatant Tesla Cybertruck copy

While imitation is seen as a form of flattery, no one told this US firm that it’s best to at least make something better than your rivals.

A US electric-car start-up has been criticised online for revealing its less-than-subtle attempt at building a copy of the highly-anticipated Tesla Cybertruck – albeit to an even worse standard.

At the Los Angeles motor show, Californian start-up Aitekx unveiled the ‘Robotruck 1T’ – a combination of names unceremoniously copied from the Tesla Cybertruck and the Rivian R1T electric pick-ups.

While the firm’s digital renderings of the Robotruck at least made it look like a rival to the Cybertruck, up close Aitekx’s electric pick-up appeared to have multiple panel gaps across its mismatched body parts.

Almost every panel on the Robotruck was not correctly aligned with the one next to it, which was only made worse by what appears to be regular sheet metal extending from the back of the cab to the tailgate.

Inside, things get worse as the true identity of the Robotruck becomes clear – with its door cards, steering wheel and dash design reminiscent of an early 2000s General Motors pick-up.

The prototype vehicle’s cabin also shows how its modified exterior panels were put over the top of an existing pick-up, given the gap between the front of the real A-pillar and the exterior body.

Some online commenters have suggested the concept vehicle is little more than a dig at the Tesla Cybertruck – which has been plagued with production delays and questions surrounding its build quality – while others believe Aitekx’s Robotruck is an attempt at scamming wishful buyers.

If the Robotruck 1T does make production, Aitekx claims it will be capable of driving for up to 885km on a charge and achieve the 0-100km/h sprint in less than four seconds.

Aitekx is taking reservations for the Robotruck 1T, starting from $US100 ($AU150) – though it’s not clear whether this fee is refundable.