The Next Pickup Innovation: Solar Charging Systems for Bed Covers

Hercules Electric Mobility Inc. in Detroit, a manufacturer of an upcoming line of luxury eco-utility products, today announced it has signed a partnership deal with Toronto-based Worksport Ltd. for the TerraVis tonneau cover solar charging system.

The solar panel system consists of a foldable cover that provides extra energy for multiple pickup trucks, as well as powering portable battery packs that are stored inside. As part of the deal, the TerraVis tonneau cover solar charging system will be installed in Hercules’ future Alpha Electric Pickup.

The truck has received $27 million in early customer reservations, according to Hercules. In addition, the two companies report their agreement is expected to generate up to $70 million in future revenue for Worksport.

“The economic value of this one relationship is expected to be of profound significance for Worksport and its future growth and development,” says Steven Rossi, CEO of Worksport. “The announced $70 million in projected revenue in the first contract is just the beginning, and it is likely to expand over the longer-term.

“We’re proud to work with Hercules because of its management’s long history with developing and launching major vehicle platforms. The partnership and products are so innovative that we have no doubt that we will secure financing in the near term. Discussions with financial institutions have already begun.”

The TerraVis system, which will be exclusively configured and uniquely crafted for Hercules’ Alpha Electric Pickup at the factory, will offer multiple configurations for solar power, storage, and delivery.

In addition, the companies say they will co-develop TerraVis technology on the Hercules Alpha with deployment on future SUVs and marine applications. Hercules is developing and deploying high-technology solutions integrating clean power and mobility, to create better products in a multitude of customer-selected configurations.

Worksport says it is working toward a similar goal to reduce pickup drivers’ carbon footprint through use of its TerraVis solar tonneau cover and battery/inverter module for existing light trucks, as well as a number of useful accessories.

“We are pleased to be working with the team at Worksport to bring solar charging to our Hercules products,” says James Breyer, CEO of Hercules, who co-founded the company in 2018 after a career in the automotive industry. “It will be part of a luxury experience without plug-anxiety, due to the solar charging truck bed cover. With the Worksport solar solution, our customers can enjoy their on- and off-road activities while adding to their electric charge at the same time.”

The solar cover’s overall charging is similar power to a level 1 cord plugged into a standard 110VAC outlet.

While at the Ford Research Lab, Breyer says he was instrumental in launching fuel-cell, hybrid, and electric vehicles, including the Fuel-Cell Focus and others. He also led development of the GM Volt powertrain and global EV powertrains such as Spark EV. He is joined by co-founders Julie Tolley and Greg Weber.

Worksport’s truck bed covers are available for a number of light trucks, including the Ford F-150, Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Sierra and Silverado, GMC Canyon, and RAM. For more information, visit www.worksport.com.

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