Electric Pickup Truck Rodeo. Lasso a Steed Now

Here are some of the most popular electric pickup trucks currently on the market and covered in our 1st Annual Electric Pickup Rodeo:

• Ford F-150 Lightning: One of the first mass-produced electric pickup trucks, it offers a range of configurations and features.
• Rivian R1T: Known for its off-road capabilities and advanced technology, the R1T is a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts.  
• Tesla Cybertruck: This futuristic-looking truck boasts impressive range and performance, but its production has faced delays.  
• GMC Hummer EV: Designed for off-roading and heavy-duty tasks, the Hummer EV is a powerful and capable electric pick-up truck.  
• Chevrolet Silverado EV: A direct competitor to the F-150 Lightning, the Silverado EV offers a similar range of features and configurations.  

As of now, there are very few plug-in hybrid (PHEV) pickup trucks available in the market. This is primarily due to the recent surge in popularity of fully electric pickup trucks.

However, here are a few notable PHEV pickup trucks that are planned for release:

• Ram 1500 Ramcharger: This is the first PHEV pickup truck to be offered in the United States, and will be offered for sale in 2025.
• Ford Maverick: Ford has announced plans to offer a PHEV version of the Maverick, but it’s unclear when it will be available.
• BYD Shark: This Chinese-made PHEV pickup truck is not currently available in the United States, but it may be in market in the future. We include the specifications at the end of this article for reference as it may be more readily available in the future.
• Jeep Gladiator 4xE, a PHEV, is available in 2025. We do not review its specifications or performance in this article.  

Availability and pricing may vary depending on your location and specific model. It’s always recommended to check with your local dealership or manufacturer for the latest information.

Ford F-150 Lightning

Range and Charging:

• Offers a range of up to 320 miles on a full charge.
• Can be charged at home with a Level 2 charger or at public fast-charging stations.

Performance:

• Available in various trims with different power outputs, ranging from 452 horsepower to 577 horsepower.
• Offers impressive towing and hauling capacity.

Features:

• Comes with a spacious interior and a large bed.
• Features advanced technology, including a large touchscreen display and driver-assistance features.

Pricing and Availability:

• Prices vary depending on the trim and options chosen. Starting at $54,995 but availability at this base price is very limited.
• Widely available at Ford dealerships across the United States.

Rivian R1T

Range and Charging:

• Offers a range of up to 420 miles on a full charge.
• Can be charged at home or at public charging stations.

Performance:

• Known for its off-road capabilities and powerful electric motors.
• Offers impressive acceleration and towing capacity.

Features:

• Features a unique design with a gear tunnel that can be used for storage or as a work surface.
• Comes with advanced technology, including a large touchscreen display and driver-assistance features.

Pricing and Availability:

• Prices vary depending on the trim and options chosen. Starting at $70,100.
• Availability may be limited in some areas, as Rivian is a relatively new automaker.

Comparing the Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T

For many the choice is between the F-150 and the Rivian. This is due to the uncommon aesthetic of the Cybertruck and the lack of availability of some of the other models.

Key Differences:

• Design: The F-150 Lightning has a more traditional pickup truck look, while the R1T has a more futuristic and rugged design.
• Off-Road Capabilities: The R1T is designed specifically for off-roading, with features like four-wheel steering and adjustable air suspension. The F-150 Lightning also offers off-road capabilities, but it’s not as focused on it as the R1T.
• Interior: Both trucks have spacious interiors, but the R1T offers a more unique and minimalist design. The F-150 Lightning has a more traditional pickup truck interior.
• Availability: The F-150 Lightning is more widely available at Ford dealerships across the United States. The R1T may have limited availability in some areas, as it’s a relatively new automaker.

Similarities:

• Range and Charging: Both trucks offer similar range and charging capabilities.
• Performance: Both trucks have impressive performance, with powerful electric motors and good acceleration.
• Technology: Both trucks come with advanced technology, including large touchscreen displays and driver-assistance features.
• Price: Prices for both trucks vary depending on the trim and options chosen, but they are generally comparable.

Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a traditional pickup truck with good off-road capabilities, the F-150 Lightning might be a good option. If you’re looking for a more futuristic and rugged truck with advanced off-road features, the R1T might be a better choice.

Tesla Cybertruck vs. Ford F-150 Lightning vs. Rivian R1T vs. GMC Hummer EV

What about if we compare these two popular models to the more polarizing designs of the Tesla Cybertruck and the GMC Hummer? Hint: we still like the Rivian R1T.

Design and Aesthetics

• Cybertruck: Unique, angular design with a stainless-steel exoskeleton.
• F-150 Lightning: Traditional pickup truck design with a more modern aesthetic.
• Rivian R1T: Sleek and futuristic design with a focus on adventure and outdoor activities.
• Hummer EV: Aggressive, off-road-focused design with a retro-inspired aesthetic.

Performance and Capabilities

• Cybertruck: Claims impressive acceleration, towing capacity, and range.
• F-150 Lightning: Offers strong performance, towing capacity, and range, with various trim levels to suit different needs.
• Rivian R1T: Known for its off-road capabilities, powerful electric motors, and impressive range.
• Hummer EV: Designed for extreme off-roading with features like crab walk and extract mode.

Range and Charging

• Cybertruck: Has a range of up to 318 miles on a full charge.
• F-150 Lightning: Offers a range of up to 320 miles on a full charge.
• Rivian R1T: Has a range of up to 420 miles on a full charge.
• Hummer EV: Offers a range of up to 314 miles on a full charge.

Features and Technology

• Cybertruck: Features a minimalist interior with a large touchscreen display and advanced technology.
• F-150 Lightning: Offers a spacious interior, advanced driver-assistance features, and a range of customization options.
• Rivian R1T: Known for its innovative features, including a gear tunnel for storage and a spacious interior.
• Hummer EV: Features a rugged interior with off-road-focused technology and advanced driver-assistance systems.

Availability and Pricing

• Cybertruck: Production has faced delays, and availability is limited except in the ultra-premium models. Base price starting at $93,990. 
• F-150 Lightning: Widely available at Ford dealerships across the United States. Base price starting at $54.995. 
• Rivian R1T: Availability may be limited in some areas, as Rivian is a relatively new automaker. Base price starting at $70,100.
• Hummer EV: Production is ramping up, but availability may still be limited. Base price starting at $99,340. 

As of September 2024, the BYD Shark is not currently available in the United States. It is primarily sold in markets outside the U.S., such as China, Australia, and Mexico.  While there have been sightings of the BYD Shark in the U.S., it’s important to note that BYD has not announced any plans to sell this model within the country.

BYD Shark Specs

Here’s a breakdown of the BYD Shark’s key specifications:

Powertrain

• Engine: 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine  
• Electric Motors: Dual electric motors (front and rear)  
• Combined Power: 320 kW (429 hp)
• Combined Torque: 660 Nm (486 lb-ft)
• Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Performance

• 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 5.7 seconds
• Top Speed: 160 km/h (100 mph)  
• Towing Capacity: 2,500 kg (5,510 lb)  
• Payload Capacity: 835 kg (1,840 lb)  

Battery

• Type: LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate)
• Capacity: 29.58 kWh  
• Electric Range: 100 km (62 miles) under NEDC testing

Dimensions

• Length: 5,457 mm (214.8 in)  
• Width: 1,971 mm (77.6 in)  
• Height: 1,925 mm (75.8 in)  
• Wheelbase: 3,260 mm (128.3 in)  

Note: These specifications are based on the Mexican market model. The exact specifications for other markets may vary slightly.

And the Winner Is…

The Rivian R1T has received positive reviews and for good reason. With its innovative design, impressive performance, and advanced technology, it stands atop this rodeo.

What we like:

• Unique and innovative design: The R1T’s design stands out from other pickup trucks, with its sleek lines, spacious interior, and clever features like the gear tunnel.
• Impressive performance: The R1T offers powerful electric motors and impressive acceleration, making it a thrilling truck to drive.
• Excellent off-road capabilities: The R1T’s four-wheel drive, adaptive suspension, and off-road modes make it capable of tackling challenging terrain.
• Advanced technology: The R1T comes with a range of advanced features, including a large touchscreen display, driver-assistance systems, and over-the-air software updates.
• Spacious and comfortable interior: The R1T offers ample space for passengers and cargo, with comfortable seats and a high-quality interior.
• Long range: The R1T can travel up to 420 miles on a single charge, making it suitable for long trips.

What we don’t:

• Limited availability: The R1T is still relatively new and availability is limited in some areas.
• High price: The R1T is a more expensive option than most gas-powered pickup trucks.
• Some initial quality issues: Some owners have reported minor quality issues, such as software glitches or squeaks and rattles.
• Limited charging network: While Rivian is expanding its charging network, it may still be challenging to find chargers in some areas.

Overall, the Rivian R1T is a highly impressive electric pickup truck that offers a unique combination of performance, off-road capability, and advanced technology. It’s a great choice for those looking for a cutting-edge electric truck that can handle a variety of tasks.

KEY TAKEAWAY

The Rivian R1T is the best offering in the market today and the winner of our 1st Annual Electric Pickup Rodeo. While the electric pickup truck market is in its infancy several of the traditional carmakers and several new entrants have offerings which are exciting and making a big splash in the marketplace. Watch this sector carefully as much of the growth is expected in pickup trucks and its little sibling the SUV.

Sources: EV Car Answers Editors, Gemini, Rivian, Tesla, GMC, BYD, Ford