When it comes to electric trucks, certain brands stand out as exceptional choices. These EVs boast raw power, impressive towing capacity, and extensive range.
Ford’s F-150 Lightning stands out as a clear winner, boasting familiar controls coupled with innovative features in an upscale tech interior. Rivian R1T was also highly commended due to its quad motor AWD drivetrain which provided quick acceleration and long range capability.
1. Ford F-150 Lightning
Ford’s F-150 Lightning proves that switching to electric is no substitute for truck capabilities. Capable of towing 10,000 pounds and reaching 60mph in just 4.5 seconds, its electric propulsion allows it to cover demanding terrain more efficiently than gas-powered models while remaining quieter, roomier and smoother to drive than its gas counterparts.
The Lightning’s standard 98.0-kW battery offers an estimated driving range of 230 miles; an extended-range 131.0-kW pack can increase that to 300 miles. Buyers can charge their trucks at home or public DC fast-charging stations that offer charging from 15 percent capacity up to 80 percent capacity in 44 minutes.
To ease range anxiety, the Lightning offers an innovative feature called Intelligent Range that precisely calculates how far a driver can travel based on factors like weather conditions, road grade, payload weight and towing weight. With this impressive package in place, the Lightning could convince many pickup buyers to give electric powertrains serious consideration; though they’ll first need to get past any stereotypes associated with them as toys.
2. Rivian R1T
Rivian R1T is the first real electric pickup truck on the market and, while more costly than its gas counterparts, offers plenty of power, capability and utility in an elegant package.
The 2022 Rivian R1T is an extraordinary engineering feat that seamlessly marries performance with practicality, luxury, safety and comfort in one irresistible package. MotorTrend awarded it their 2022 Truck of the Year honor and it boasts amazing off-road capabilities as well.
Rivian’s Quad-Motor AWD system uses individual electric motors to power each wheel of their off-road truck, creating a highly capable off-roader capable of climbing over sand dunes and traversing muddy trails with ease.
Rivian utilizes hydraulic roll control and independent air suspension to offer an auto-like driving experience on pavement. This makes the Rivian an enjoyable truck that blends in effortlessly into highway traffic like an upmarket luxury sedan.
3. GMC Hummer EV
GM’s Hummer EV may seem unnecessary, but it serves a useful purpose. Its goal is to convince consumers who purchase expensive full-size pickup trucks that there will be an electric car option in their future – and its Edition 1 offers some impressive features to grab their attention, such as WTF mode and CrabWalk (a feature which allows it to turn diagonally at low speeds).
Hummer EVs differ from most electric vehicles by employing dual motors to drive all four wheels independently for maximum maneuverability on difficult terrain. Their massive battery pack provides them with 329 miles of driving range and allows them to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in around three seconds – something most car manufacturers cannot claim! This vehicle provides great fun as well.
Hummer EV’s rear-wheel steering system also assists its maneuverability, activated via its Driver Mode Control dial and can be switched into traditional driving mode for normal use. This feature helps reduce energy usage during highway cruising for improved fuel economy.
4. Chevrolet Silverado EV
Chevrolet’s Silverado EV provides mass market competition to Ford’s fleet-oriented Lightning Pro and Rivian’s adventure-ready R1T models. The 2024 model’s 510-mile battery-powered range and 10,000 pound towing capacity make it the premier pickup in its class; however, its price point might put off many potential buyers.
The Silverado EV stands out from its fossil-fueled counterpart with a sleek SUV-like appearance. The C-pillar bed sails aren’t just cosmetic; Chevy says they cut through turbulent airflow to increase aero efficiency.
Chevrolet’s electric Silverado also boasts an innovative Multi-Flex Midgate that can lift two inches to assist cargo loading. Its cabin is roomy, and while it may not win any beauty awards with hardwearing plastics and one-tone colors schemes, its front seats remain comfortable even on longer drives.