Electric Pickup Trucks From Legacy and Startup Automakers
Several legacy and startup automakers are working on full-size electric pickup trucks. From the Ford F-150 Lightning to the GMC Hummer EV, these trucks promise an alternative to gas engines and machismo.
The GMC Hummer EV packs an insane amount of torque and can sprint to 60 mph in three seconds flat. It looks the part of a truck, too.
Ford F-150 Lightning
The Ford F-150 Lightning is an engineering marvel. It showcases how electric vehicle technology can be applied to one of the world’s biggest — and best-selling — vehicles. Its towing and cargo-carrying capability are also impressive.
For 2023, Ford has tweaked the Lightning and made it even better by boosting its range. The standard battery on Pro and XLT trims is now rated for 240 miles. Also new is Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, which automatically controls the steering, throttle, and brakes when connecting or uncoupling a low speed vehicles trailer. It’s available on Pro, XLT, and Lariat models. There’s also an enhanced Pro Power Onboard system that powers tools and charges laptops.
Otherwise, it’s the same Lightning you know and love. The truck’s SuperCrew cabin and 5.5-foot bed are comfortable, utilitarian, and familiar. Plus, it offers plenty of clever storage spaces, including a front trunk that holds 14 cubic feet of gear. Adjustable pedals up front make it easy for drivers of all sizes to get comfortable behind the wheel. And the Lightning’s rear seat flips up and features lockable storage for extra gear. The Lightning is the most functional and versatile pickup on the market.
Rivian R1T
The Rivian R1T is the company’s first electric pickup truck and it upends the genre like Tesla’s Model S did with sedans. It starts well-equipped at $68,575, which is in line with prices for loaded, gasoline-powered light-duty pickup trucks. The R1T has a unique architecture, with the battery pack and drive units essentially built into the truck’s frame. This creates a flat, almost skateboard-like package with a surprisingly low center of gravity and allows for a roomy cabin perched above the frame.
Rivian offers the R1T in dual-motor and quad-motor configurations. The EPA estimates that the dual-motor version can travel around 314 miles on a single charge. The quad-motor version gets a bit more range, but it’s also pricier.
The R1T has four off-road driving modes that adjust the ride height, suspension stiffness and power delivery to maximize capability on any terrain. It can also be driven in water up to 3.5 feet deep. Its interior is outfitted with vegan leather and real wood to appeal to adventure-seekers. It has a center console with an integrated touch screen for infotainment.
The Rivian R1T’s driver-aid suite includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and more. It also has cameras at the front, rear and sides to aid with parking.
Volkswagen Scout
The electric SUV and pickup truck market is booming, and Volkswagen wants to cash in on the resurgence with its Scout EV brand. A new subsidiary with a name that resonates with off-road enthusiasts, the Scout will take on iconic combustion models like the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler in the 4×4 EV market.
The company was founded by seven former VW executives, including CEO Scott Keogh, who left his job with the automaker to make this project happen. They also gave up their company 401(k) savings plans, healthcare benefits and company-issued laptops to launch the venture. It’s remarkable that such a small team can accomplish so much in such a short amount of time.
Keogh and his team have already recruited former Stellantis designer Chris Benjamin to head up design for the company. He has worked on projects for Mercedes, Volvo and BMW over his 25-year career, so he has the experience needed to help Scout establish itself as a top contender in the burgeoning SUV and pickup segment.
Scout’s first two EV vehicles will be an SUV and a pickup truck, and they are expected to debut in 2026. It’s unclear what platform the vehicles will use, but it is likely to be a full-size body-on-frame electric vehicle like the ones built by Rivian and other upstart brands. Such platforms provide better towing and off-road capabilities than unibody trucks, as well as more straightforward powertrain integration with batteries mounted between the frame rails and driving units.
Tesla Cybertruck
While Tesla’s angular Cybertruck looks nothing like the trucks that currently dominate the market, it does offer plenty of futuristic charm. The stainless steel body is tough enough to take a beating, while the windows are armored and nearly impossible to smash.
The truck also features rear-wheel steering, making it a lot more maneuverable than you might think. The steering wheel electric pickup truck is more like a normal vehicle’s, too, which should make it easier to get used to.
Another unique feature is the Cybertruck’s regenerative brakes, which can convert kinetic energy into electrical power for the wheels. This means you can recoup a significant amount of your energy loss, which is great news when it comes to range.
Finally, the Cybertruck can recharge at Tesla’s new megawatt charging stations. These are primarily designed to keep a fleet of Tesla Semi HGVs juiced up, but you’ll also be able to charge your pickup at them.
One thing that might annoy prospective buyers is the Cybertruck’s lack of side mirrors. The unpainted stainless steel design looked cool at the unveiling event, but it might not comply with laws in some states and countries. Fortunately, Tesla says the mirrors are easy to remove, so you can always install them if necessary.