The electric vehicle (EV) market has exploded in recent years as automakers race to electrify their model lineups. Two of the most hotly anticipated EV releases for pickup enthusiasts are the Ford F-150 Lightning and the GMC Hummer EV Pickup. These all-electric trucks promise powerful performance with zero emissions. But with their differing designs and capabilities, many shoppers wonder – which is the better buy?
This in-depth guide compares every aspect of the F-150 Lightning and Hummer EV to crown a winner for needs ranging from daily driving to extreme off-roading. Read on for a detailed breakdown of these exciting new entrants in the EV truck segment.
F-150 Lightning vs Hummer EV: At a Glance
On the surface, both the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning and 2022 GMC Hummer EV Pickup are electric trucks packed with impressive specs. But they achieve their performance in very different ways, targeting distinct consumer needs.
The Lightning leans on Ford’s best-selling F-150 platform to deliver familiar comforts and capabilities in an all-electric package designed for everyday use.
The Hummer EV channels the military-grade ruggedness of the original Hummer brand into an ultra-high-tech truck tailored towards off-road performance and luxury.
| Specification | F-150 Lightning | Hummer EV |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $41,769+ | $108,700+ |
| Max Range | 320 miles | 329+ miles |
| Acceleration (0-60 mph) | Mid 4 seconds | 3 seconds |
| Max Towing | 10,000 lbs | 7,500 lbs |
| Horsepower / Torque | 580 hp / 775 lb-ft | 1,000 hp / 11,500 lb-ft |
| Available Trims | Pro, XLT, Lariat, Platinum Edition | Edition 1, EV2, EV2X, EV3X |
| Available Drive Modes | Normal, Sport, Tow/Haul, Off-Road, Slippery | Tour, Off-Road, Terrain, Tow/Haul |
As the table shows, both trucks boast impressive performance figures. But the Hummer edges out with greater horsepower, torque, and acceleration. The Lightning counters with higher payload capacity and overall tow rating. And the Hummer demands a far loftier price tag for its premium features and more specialized capabilities. Let’s analyze where these trucks align and differ in more depth across a range of considerations.
Range and Charging Comparison
One of the biggest concerns for prospective EV buyers remains range anxiety. But both Ford and GMC equipped their all-electric trucks with ample battery capacity for daily commuting and weekend adventures before needing to recharge. Still, differences emerge when towing and in charging infrastructure needs.
Everyday Driving Range
F-150 Lightning – The standard battery offers 230 miles of EPA-estimated range. The available extended-range battery bumps this up to 320 miles. Real-world tests largely confirm these numbers for everyday driving without any payload.
Hummer EV – All models currently feature a 24-module 200-kWh battery back with 329+ miles of range. GMC will release lower-range models at a later date.
For daily commuting and weekend errands without trailers, both trucks provide ample range to avoid frequent charging stops. The Hummer EV enjoys a slight range advantage, but not enough to be decisive alone.
Towing Range
Towing significantly impacts EV range. And with different performance targets, the Lightning and Hummer EV fair differently here:
F-150 Lightning – When maxing out the 10,000 lb tow rating, Lightning range drops 70% down to just 100 miles with the extended-range battery. Makes long hauls very challenging.
Hummer EV – Towing its lower 7,500 lb max only reduces range 50%, leaving 164 miles. Still limited for remote adventures.
Winner: Hummer EV – While neither truck can tow far without charging, the Hummer EV’s smaller range hit keeps more flexibility. Lightning range loss cripples long hauls.
Home and Public Charging
The convenience and speed of charging also helps determine real-world usability:
F-150 Lightning – All trims come standard with an 80A home charger, replenishing ~30 miles of range per hour. Reaching full will take 8-10 hours. But enables overnight top-ups. DC fast charging adds 54 miles in 10 minutes.
Hummer EV – Requires special 20 kW home charger (included on upper trims only) supplying 100 miles overnight (12 hours for full charge). 350 kW public DC fast charging adds 100 miles in just 12 minutes.
Winner: Tie – The Hummer juices up quicker at high-power charging stations. But the Lightning’s standard home charger better suits daily driving. Choice depends on access to each infrastructure type.
Performance and Capability Comparison
In addition to range, shoppers consider power, payload, trailering, and traction abilities. The specs suggest Hummer EV dominance, but strengths align differently in reality.
Raw Performance Metrics
On paper, the Hummer EV’s stats crush the Lightning across the board:
- Horsepower – 1,000 hp vs. 580 hp
- Torque – 11,500 lb-ft vs. 775 lb-ft
- 0-60 mph – 3.0 secs vs. mid 4 sec range
- Top Speed – 106 mph vs. 98 mph (towing)
Clearly, the Hummer EV packs a level of power never before seen in a production pickup. But translating that into real-world advantages depends on the use case…
Towing and Payload Capacities
Interestingly, despite having less power and torque, the Lightning actually out-hauls the Hummer EV in maximum tow rating and payload.
- Max Towing – 10,000 lbs (Lightning) vs 7,500 lbs
- Max Payload – 2,235 lbs (Lightning) vs 1,300 lbs
The key benefit of the Hummer EV’s torque output comes off-road, discussed below. For raw hauling duties on pavement, the Lightning has an unexpected advantage.
Off-Road Performance
Here is where the Hummer EV justifies its weighty price tag, with incredible rock crawling and trail talents:
- Ground Clearance – 15.9 inches vs. 8.6-10.6 inches
- Water Fording – 32 inches vs. splash only
- Approach/Departure Angles – 49.7o / 38.4o vs. 29.0o-30.2o / 24.2o-25.5o
- “CrabWalk” Feature – All wheels can steer up to 10o at low speeds for extreme maneuvering.
Between the sophisticated adaptive air suspension system, rugged underbody armor, camera system allowing for virtual spotting, and tricks like CrabWalk, the Hummer EV is purpose-built for extreme off-roading. Lightning can handle lighter trail duties, but gets outclassed here.
Features and Amenities
In addition to performance metrics, interior comforts and tech can make a big daily livability difference. And again, the strengths vary:
Cabin Comfort and Design
F-150 Lightning – Well-appointed, spacious cabins in familiar F-150 fashion. More everyday ergonomics and comfort for passengers and gear. Softer seats for long days.
Hummer EV – Premium appointments, but very industrial styling. Bucket seats economist but less cushy for long trips. Open passenger area but less storage and little rear seat room.
For daily driving and family hauling needs, the Lightning offers a more polished and practical interior design. The Hummer goes rugged over plush.
Technology and Connectivity
F-150 Lightning – Large 15.5” touchscreen with Sync 4A infotainment. OTA updates. Phone As Key. BlueCruise highway driving assistant extra cost option.
Hummer EV – Massive 13.4” touchscreen with Google built-in for maps/apps; Digital Key; Super Cruise driver assist included. UltraVision virtual spotting/cameras. Apps control many vehicle features.
Both boast impressive tech offerings, with the Hummer nudging ahead in flashier innovations. Super Cruise’s hands-free highway convenience beats Ford’s BlueCruise option. The rest comes down to OS preferences – Ford’s intuitive Sync or Android’s connected ecosystem.
Cost Considerations
Perhaps no specification creates a wider divide between the Lightning and Hummer EV than price. Buyers must weigh massive upfront and ongoing differences:
Base Model MSRP Differences
- F-150 Lightning Pro – $41,769
- Hummer EV2 – $108,700
For the price of the base Lightning, you could buy over two and a half of Ford’s popular gas-powered F-150 trucks. The electric premium is unavoidable, but magnified tremendously for the Hummer nameplate.
Top Trims MSRP Differences
- F-150 Lightning Platinum – $92,669
- Hummer EV3X Edition 1 – $112,595
Once you load up all the options, the Lightning creeps closer to Hummer pricing, but still carries a 20% lower sticker price for flagships. Plus many key Hummer innovations like Extract Mode come standard, reducing the need for upgrades. Value advantage goes to Lightning unless budget is no concern.
Availability Reality Check
On paper, both trucks look enticing in different scenarios. But huge demand coupled with supply chain and production ramp-up challenges means long wait lists to acquire either currently. Patience or paying over MSRP is key, favoring the higher-volume Lightning.
Order Backlogs
F-150 Lightning – Sold out for 2022 and most 2023 reservation slots filled, with 150k+ orders. But Ford plans steady production increases possibly hitting 80k trucks in 2024 if parts supply cooperates. Better availability coming.
Hummer EV – Only the loaded Edition 1 model ships currently, with other trims on hold. Strong demand will take years to fill over 90k reservations. Production hampered by battery parts shortages significantly limiting volumes near-term.
Winner: F-150 Lightning – Massive demand for both, but Ford’s larger manufacturing footprint favors faster order fulfillment as supply chains recover. Most buyers face a lengthy wait either way.
Environmental Impact Factors
For environmentally-conscious shoppers, the emissions and efficiency profile of EVs plays an important role. And the much larger, heavier Hummer EV predictably consumption more energy across manufacturing and operation.
Battery Size & Construction – The Hummer’s 200+ kWh pack requires more mining and materials for cells than Lightning’s standard 98 kWh or 131 kWh extended range packs. Worse lifecycle impact.
Efficiency Rating – The Hummer EV scores just 47 MPGe combined with its weight and aerodynamics compromising range. The Lightning earns 70 MPGe or better, going further on less energy.
Renewable Energy Use – Lightning will source battery components and production energy from 100% renewable sources starting in 2024 based on Ford’s sustainability plan. Details unclear for Hummer EV’s battery supply chain.
For eco-centric customers or businesses tracking carbon footprint, the Lightning aligns better with net-zero emissions goals both in product design and manufacturing practices.
Verdict: F-150 Lightning Is the More Practical EV Truck Choice, While the Hummer Excels for Off-Road Purposes
Based on this detailed comparison, with advantages in affordability, daily usability, towing ability, and eco-impact, the Ford F-150 Lightning earns top honors as the best all-around electric truck for most personal and commercial buyers.
The base Lightning Pro offers incredible value just above the price of mid-range gas F-150s, while matching range and performance needs for the majority of truck users who stick to paved roads. Higher weight ratings outclass the luxury-focused Hummer EV for customers hauling equipment, livestock, campers, or boats any real distance thanks to 310+ miles and 10,000 pounds of towing capacity.
Sure, the loaded Hummer EV3X Edition 1 provides unmatched off-road talents never before seen from the factory. For wilderness adventurers or extreme rock crawlers, this ultra-rugged truck earns its keep. Yet with huge price premiums, limited initial availability, and thorny charging considerations, its appeal looks limited beyond its hardcore niche.
Most electric truck buyers stand to be better served by the well-rounded talents of Ford’s impressive F-150 Lightning hitting the sweet spot on capabilities versus cost. For those focused purely on maxing out off-pavement performance with money no object, the audacious Hummer EV can’t be topped. Choose wisely based on your specialized needs between these landmark electric pickups.
