The Pros and Cons of an Electric Pickup Truck
Electric pickup trucks offer several advantages for drivers who are looking to reduce their environmental footprint. However, the trucks also come with some drawbacks.
Truck brands will have to reexamine their playbook as they shift to the electric world. The one-upmanship of the truck market will spill over into the EV world, with companies vying for loyalty from new buyers while satisfying their loyal fanbase.
Cost
Electric vehicles use a lot less fuel than trucks with big engines. They also produce fewer emissions, which makes them environmentally friendly. Moreover, they are cheaper to operate than their diesel and gas-powered counterparts. This makes them popular with many large businesses and fleets. However, the costs can add up quickly. For example, batteries can be expensive. They also take longer to charge than their traditional counterparts. The cost can also increase if you have to make multiple trips to the charging depot.
Tesla’s wild Cybertruck made its first production run last year, though it was pushed back from its original launch date. Rivian has also started producing customer versions of its electric pickup. These models are a bit more luxurious than the Cybertruck. They include gadgets like large infotainment screens and silent operation that eliminates the tiring vibrations of a normal engine.
Workhorse is another company that is experimenting with an electric pickup truck. It uses the chassis of a traditional truck and combines it with an low speed vehicles electric powertrain from its partner, Zero Motorcycles. The Loveland, Ohio-based company plans to release its first model later this year. Its trucks will be used for long-haul hauling and can be equipped with cargo pods or trailers for delivering loads. The company is aiming to reduce the carbon footprint of long-haul trucking.
Range
Until recently, there was little to choose from when it came to electric pickup trucks. The few that did exist were limited in their capabilities, had a high price tag, or both. But that’s starting to change as several manufacturers, both startups and established players, have announced plans to produce electric truck models.
For instance, the upcoming Ram REV is expected to offer up to 500 miles of driving range on a single charge. That would make it far ahead of the GMC Hummer EV, Ford F-150 Lightning, and Rivian R1T, which currently have maximum EPA estimated ranges of around 350 miles.
The REV will also boast impressive performance numbers. It’s slated to have a 0-60 time of less than three seconds, and it will be able to tow up to 11,000 pounds. It’s worth noting, however, that towing and hauling heavy loads can dramatically reduce an electric pickup’s driving range.
Then there’s Tesla’s Cybertruck, which was supposed to go into production this year. But the company pushed its timeline back, and it may be a while before we see this model on the road. Other startups, like Lordstown-based Canoo’s Endurance, have suffered similar delays. The company has promised to deliver a working prototype this year, but it’s not clear whether the truck will actually make it into production.
Performance
Powerful electric motors are a signature feature of many performance-oriented vehicles, and it’s no different with pickup trucks. Electric pickups can deliver a slew of impressive stats, including roaring 0 to 60 times and face-melting top speeds. However, it’s the raw power that electric pickups can offer that’s most lauded, especially when it comes to off-roading and towing.
As a result, many manufacturers have designed their electric pickup trucks from the ground up with off-roading in mind. They may include features like increased ground clearance, better departure/approach/breakover angles, water-fording capability and all-terrain tires to help them conquer any terrain they encounter. They also often offer a variety of upgrades to take their pickup’s performance to the next level.
One example is Rivian’s RT1, which electric pickup truck has a dual-motor AWD setup that can be upgraded to a quad-motor configuration with 835 horsepower and 908 pound-feet of torque. This is more than enough to tame any trail and tow up to 11,000 pounds, which is an important metric for many truck buyers.
However, Rivian’s first-mover advantage in the EV pickup space may be its biggest challenge as it tries to appeal to core truck buyers. The RT1’s traditional proportions and imagery will be familiar to shoppers, unlike Tesla’s more flashy Cybertruck, which will likely alienate some. As a result, it will require an exceptional amount of marketing and convincing to sell brand-loyal truck owners on the benefits of switching to an electric pickup.
Towing
In addition to the normal driving range that electric trucks can achieve, they also have towing capabilities comparable to a gas or diesel pickup. However, when towing a trailer, an EV will lose about half its driving range. This makes planning stops and access to charging stations more important for long trips.
Some electric truck makers are taking the towing challenge seriously. For example, the new 2023 Chevrolet Silverado EV will be able to haul up to 10,000 pounds with a fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailer and has a payload capacity of 1300 pounds. This is a lot more than what you can expect from a conventional half-ton pickup truck.
Other startups are also aiming to capture this market segment. For instance, startup EV-maker Alpha has already shown off its compact Alpha Wolf and its dual-motor Wolf+ and Superwolf variants. The company says its vehicles have a range of 275 miles on a charge and can tow up to 10,000 pounds. The company also promises features like bi-directional power and a rear cargo area that can double as a charger.
Rivian is another startup that has a heavy-duty electric pickup truck on the way. The company’s upcoming Rivian R1T is capable of pulling gooseneck or fifth-wheel loads up to 35,000 pounds. The company says it has a heavy-duty frame and dedicated towing package to help with this capability.
