Electric pickup trucks merging battery-powered drivetrains with the utility and capability expected from full-size workhorses promise to be one of the hottest vehicle segments over the next 5 years. Whether you‘re an early adopter itching to go electric or just casually considering an EV to handle your next trailer, truck or fleet purchase, educated choices today can position you to reap maximum benefits from this rapidly evolving category.
This comprehensive EV truck buyer‘s guide examines the current and near-future landscape for those curious if the time is right to go electric with their next pickup. We‘ll survey what all-electric models are already on the market, preview future offerings on the horizon, dive into pricing and acquisition considerations, and detail what it‘s actually like to live with one of these high-tech but pricy purchases. Let‘s get started!
State of Play: What All-Electric Trucks Are Available Right Now?
Consumer interest and reservations for electric pickups now number over a million units even with only a handful of models actually on the road in customers‘ hands today. Rivian, GMC, Ford and Tesla have led the push establishing the reality of mainstream EV trucks, but supply chain issues and production bottlenecks for these pioneering companies mean long wait lists are common. Shopping today is as much a battle of who can actually deliver as it is weighing your perfect balance of features, pricing and capability.
Rivian R1T
The first EV pickup available to general consumers initiated deliveries in late 2021 after initially unveying the forward-thinking electric truck concept back in 2018.
| Spec | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base Price | $67,500 | Large pack model starts at $85k |
| Max Range | 314 miles | 270 miles with Standard pack |
| Horsepower / Torque | 835 hp / 908 lb-ft | Powered by quad motor AWD drivetrain |
| Towing / Payload | 11,000 lbs / 1,760 lbs | Bests gas F-150 rating |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.0 seconds | |
| Charge Time (10-80%) | 42 minutes | 120 kW max charging rate |
Bridging electric mobility with rugged utility and performance, the R1T brings up to 835 horsepower packaged in an adventure-ready frame riding on all-terrain tires with generous clearance. Acceleration and tech aplenty impress reviewers, though Rivian‘s production ramp struggles have delayed many preorder holder‘s trucks nearly a year already.
"Rivian R1T combines electric efficiency with go-anywhere attitude plus loads of power when you need it. Just expect to wait if you‘re not locked in already." – Car & Driver
Ideal for those who: Need to tow substantial weight regularly; Have home charging access
GMC Hummer Edition 1
General Motors chose to revive gas-guzzling Hummer nameplate from the dead as a 1,000 horsepower "supertruck" running solely on battery power. Promising otherworldly performance with three electric motors, Crab Mode diagonal driving, and removable roof panels, over 70,000 customers signed up quickly even with Edition 1 models starting around $110,000.
| Spec | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base Price | $108,700 | Edition 1 Launch model |
| Max Range | 329 miles | GM estimates |
| Horsepower / Torque | 1,009 hp / 1,200 lb-ft | Powered by triple motor AWD |
| Towing / Payload | 7,500 lbs / 1,300 lbs | Less than gas counterparts |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.0 seconds | GM confirmed |
| Charge Time (100 miles) | 10 minutes | 350 kW max charging rate |
Its outlandish looks and performance clearly aren‘t for everyone. Sky-high pricing and thirsty battery consumption further limit mass appeal to hardcore fans initially. But GM‘s focus in delivering on headline promises of acceleration, off-road talent and fast charging should make the Hummer EV Pickup one of the most capable in its niche.
"The six-figure 2022 GMC Hummer EV Pickup is an all-electric supertruck loaded with flashy tech and promised off-road talent." – Edmunds
Ideal for those who: Demand ultimate performance; Crave attention; Home/public charging readily available
Ford F-150 Lightning
Attempting to electrify America‘s best-selling pickup for decades, Ford took hundreds of thousands of reservations for its F-150 Lightning in the first year following unveiling. Promising the Blue Oval truck experience fully battery-powered, over 200,000 customers queued up within 12 months of its debut.
| Spec | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base Price | $41,769 | Extended Range XLT model |
| Max Range | 320 miles | 300 miles w/ standard battery |
| Horsepower / Torque | 563 hp / 775 lb-ft | 426 hp w/ standard battery |
| Towing / Payload | 10,000 lbs / 2,235 lbs | Pro grade tow package required |
| 0-60 MPH | Mid 4 seconds | Ford estimates |
| Charge Time (54 miles) | 10 minutes | 150 kW max charging rate |
Leveraging the familiar, fan-favorite styling of Ford‘s F-Series with ample capability in towing and payload ratings, the Lightning targets shoppers reluctant to sacrifice utility or comfort migrating to battery power. Smart touches easing transition to EV life (frunk storage, onboard power generation) only widen its appeal at more palatable prices.
"The F-150 Lightning EV adds clever features and ample capability to the nation’s best-selling pickup." – Car & Driver
Ideal for those who: Need trusted daily transportation + weekend toy hauler
Tesla Cybertruck
No electric pickup glimpse into the future would be complete without discussing Tesla‘s Cybertruck. After the sharp-edged, origami-angled concept debuted to widespread ridicule in 2019, over 1.2 million pre-orders flooded Tesla‘s site for the production version on looks alone. Though specs remain preliminary with production still some years out.
| Spec | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base Price | $39,900 | Single motor RWD model |
| Max Range | 500+ miles | Claimed by Tesla w/ tri-motor |
| Horsepower / Torque | TBA | Targeting 800+ hp tri-motor model |
| Towing / Payload | 7,500+ lbs / 3,500 lbs | Tesla stated goals |
| 0-60 MPH | 6.5 sec (Single); 3.5 sec (Tri) | Tesla targets |
| Charge Time | TBA | 250 kW max charging planned |
Tesla fans clearly don‘t need specifics to sign up in droves. While final Cybertruck performance and pricing details remain in flux in Elon Musk fashion, the wedge-on-wheels draws eyes like few vehicles ever while aiming to match traditional pickup capabilities once production ships in late 2023 at the earliest.
"The Cybertruck will have better utility than an F-150 and more performance than a Porsche 911" – Elon Musk
Ideal for those who: Believe in Tesla magic; Crave the spotlight; Eagerly preordered
Compare EV Truck Specs
| Rivian R1T | Ford F-150 | GMC Hummer | Tesla CT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Range (mi) | 314 | 320 | 329 | 500 |
| 0-60 (s) | 3.0 | 4.4 | 3.0 | 3.5 |
| HP | 835 | 563 | 1,009 | 800 |
| Tow (lbs) | 11,000 | 10,000 | 7,500 | 7,500 |
| Cost | $85k | $52k | $110k | $70k |
Weighing Purchase: EV Truck Considerations
EV trucks still demand significant compromises or premium payments compared gas/diesel rivals. Evaluating your specific transportation needs and use cases determines whether the tradeoffs merit your investment despite steep MSRPs today.
Home Charging – For regular daily use as primary vehicles, easy home charging access makes or breaks ownership experiences. While public DC fast charging can work in a pinch, installing Wallbox or other Level 2 charger likely cuts costs over time. Charging infrastructure strongly favors Rivian given current state.
Public Charging – Vast majority of existing US charging stations designed around smaller passenger EVs. New pickups‘ large footprints and beefy charging appetites strain existing networks. Select urban/suburban areas easier than widespread travel.
Range & Payload Impacts – Trucks‘ battery capacities optimized for mainstream use currently, but frequent towing and extremely heavy payloads sap range drastically. 100-150 mile dips common for maxed out trailering jobs. Carefully consider extremes.
Price Premiums – No getting around the reality that EV trucks demand hefty price premiums over gas counterparts today – often $10,000+. Tax incentives help ease the bite, but overall ownership costs don‘t start balancing out for several years in most use cases.
While Rivian R1T and Ford F-150 Lightning deliver compelling, livable EV truck experiences today for many buyers, others will still need to wait for options better aligning to specialized needs or lower price targets in coming years. Understanding realistic pros/cons prevents disappointment.
Future Electric Pickups Worth Anticipating
If nothing currently capturing your fancy or pocketbook, rest assured a tidal wave of alternatives races towards market over the next 24 months. Nearly the entire auto industry now acknowledges full-size pickups must electrify to survive, targeting options spanning price points and capability needs more broadly.
Here are 5 intriguing EV trucks on the near horizon that could shake up the playing field upon arrival:
Chevy Silverado EV – Promising 400+ mile range, 664 hp and 10,000+ pound towing matching its namesake, Chevy‘s Silverado EV pickup aims squarely at Ford and Tesla when it launches commercially in Fall 2023. Signaling GM‘s biggest effort yet electrifying its money-maker.
Ram 1500 BEV – Stellantis confirmed the third piece completing Detroit‘s Big 3 EV puzzle drops in 2024 boasting 500+ miles range on a single charge. An 800-volt architecture borrowed from Porsche enables ultra-fast charging while its rumored powertrain aims to propel over 10,000 pounds.
Alpha Wolf – This audacious EV startup previewed the creatively styled Alpha Wolf pickup designed around a modular skateboard platform bowing in 2023. Starting at just $36k, its 275-mile range and retro charm could lure budget-minded adventurers.
Atlis XT – Promising up to 500 miles range by utilizing a monstrous 125 kWh battery pack, Atlis XT targets contractors and towing customers needing to electrify without compromise. 300-mile and 500-mile battery options aim for 2023 production.
Bollinger B2 – The boxy, back-to-basics B2 commits fully to utility and function over flash. Dual motors, hydropneumatic suspension, and ridiculous metal bumpers shout capability. A chassis pass-through and built in air compressor boost site/work cred.
Brand names provide no guarantees however considering half are unproven startups facing cutthroat competition and huge manufacturing challenges getting untested models to market. But abundant choice undoubtedly benefits consumers if even a few alternatives succeed catalzing widespread EV truck adoption.
Key Takeaways: What EV Truck Shoppers Need To Know
Early electric pickup offerings clearly carry compromises around pricing, availability and use case limitations that curb mass appeal despite abundant hype and reservations. But continuous progress rapidly electrifies options spanning needs and budgets. Keeping perspective is key:
The Bottom Line – If your everyday hauling needs push beyond 150 miles while towing/payload cross into extreme territory, sticking with efficient diesels or hybrids likely still makes financial sense over any EV embracing early. High costs of ownership may take years to recoup.
Expect Tradeoffs Initially – Reservation lists numbering the hundreds of thousands confirm interest runs sky high. Yet production bottlenecks and supply uncertainties will almost certainly lead dealers marking up what little inventory trickles onto lots in 2022/2023. Early adopter taxes apply.
Relief Coming – Legacy automakers like Ford and GM now publicly acknowledge the future is electric across their entire truck lineups. Combined with Tesla‘s guaranteed spotlight and dozens of hungry startups, market forces ensure more affordable EV trucks with few compromises continuously enter a marketplace you‘ll have growing options to choose from rather than take what you can get.
So while the tipping point remains a few years out still, the dawn of electric trucks unleashing huge torque instantaneously while preserving the utility expected from full-size pickups has clearly arrived. As production scales to meet this sizable new segment, prices should descend opening robust new options for towing and hauling without direct oil consumption or exhaust emissions. For the eco-conscious truckbuyer whose needs align with still maturing first generation capabilities, now proves the perfect time to stake your claim towards an electrified future. Everybody else still has good company playing watchful wait-and-see a little longer.
