Tesla EV pickup truck!

[Frank Lee]

As a Microbus owner, I like the flat-nosed vehicles too. But unless you are operating in urban congestion- and most pickup buying commuters aren't- there isn't any point that I can see in favor of the cab-up/cab-forward.

[Fat Charlie]

My boss likes to tell a story about a previous manager here. A new kid asked what a box full of seemingly random parts was for- should he find locations for them, were they a large order or a return, what? "Those are front drive parts. That $#*+ isn't going to last so I'm just keeping them in there."

For most applications, FWD is the right move. Most of the RWD market is made up of people who think FWD isn't a "real" truck.

[Frank Lee]

When you have real weight, the drive wheels need to be under it.

[twinair]

That's probably why the Daily with a higher payload capacity than the Ducato/Promaster has RWD.
On the other hand the FWD layout has many advantages compared to RWD: Better in snow when not heavily loaded (and more predictable under- than oversteer), reduced drivetrain losses, reduced weight, increased cargo-volume capacity and reduced cargo-area height which is why it is often used as a car transporter/tow-truck in Europe:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oB4ok7ajxGo

Also, the missing center console allows 3 people sitting in the front.
(I agree that the Ducato is not a pretty car, but it's supposed to be practical and not sexy).

The only non-turbocharged diesel-powered trucks I've seen around here are these designed in 1959 and the only reason why it didn't come with a turbocharger was because the military doubted its reliability back then: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saurer_2DM

I'm not sure about the aero-drag of a Ducato, but a flatter nose has at least the potential of generating less drag compared to a long nose with a shorter back end: Audi A2 1.2 TDI technical details, history, photos on Better Parts LTD

[Fat Charlie]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

When you have real weight, the drive wheels need to be under it.

Entirely true. People tend to buy for their egos, though, and not for their actual needs.

[bikenfool]

Originally Posted by twinair

I'm not sure about the aero-drag of a Ducato, but a flatter nose has at least the potential of generating less drag compared to a long nose with a shorter back end: Audi A2 1.2 TDI technical details, history, photos on Better Parts LTD

According to this:
italiaspeed.com: FIAT DUCATO X250
The Cd is 0.315. Of course the frontal area is huge.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by bikenfool

The Cd is 0.315.

Doesn't seem so bad for a van. But then, when we consider that the cockpit can be set back and lower (in the stripped chassis versions) to be used with some specially-built body such as the ones used in cash-transit vans, it can also be improved with a more streamlined body. I still consider its frame layout suitable as a reference for the upcoming Tesla truck. Anyway, for those who still don't trust a front-wheel drive layout in a truck, it's still possible to use hub-motors in the rear axle

[bikenfool]

I thought it was a pretty good Cd for a van. Is there a good reason to fear FWD in a big van? I think it's mostly lack of experience with that design.

[Frank Lee]

That .31Cd is for the van version even though only the flatbed is pictured in the link. Do not be thinking the flat-faced flatbeds or those with pickup boxes are that slippery.

[elhigh]

Originally Posted by bikenfool

I thought it was a pretty good Cd for a van. Is there a good reason to fear FWD in a big van? I think it's mostly lack of experience with that design.

If you aren't moving heavy stuff, then FWD is a better choice all around. Lighter cargo is less likely to go in at a loading dock, so having a lower load floor is better for loading/unloading. It eliminates a lot of weight and chassis height by removing RWD components. Loading at a cargo dock isn't out of the question either; many (by no means all) docks are equipped with levelers that can take up up to 12" of truck/dock height discrepancy. Usually not that much though.

Assuming FWD is lighter duty is just silly. Yes, there are lots of moving parts. But European manufacturers have been building FWD vans for decades and I reckon they've got a pretty good handle on how to make them hold up under a load. Now if we can just adjust American prejudices, we've got it made.