So far, Tesla’s efforts to disrupt the auto industry have caused more trouble in the luxury-sedan hub of Germany than in Detroit. But that is starting to change.

Elon Musk has promised to unveil an all-electric pickup truck later this year. With his characteristic flair for product hype, the entrepreneur has already let drop a few details, including a surprisingly low starting price below $50,000, a range of at least 400-500 miles for some—presumably more expensive—options, and plugs for power tools so that users don’t need...