Electric Pickup Truck Boosts Workhorse Muscle

Until recently, there weren’t many electrified options for light-duty pickup trucks. But that’s changing, and fast.

EV pickup trucks are making significant inroads in the market, boasting vehicle horsepower, towing capacity and range that rival their combustion-engine counterparts. But are they the right fit for your fleet?

EV startups Rivian and Atlis have started delivering their vehicles, while established automakers like Ford are getting ready to release their offerings.

Power

As any truck owner knows, pickups are powerful vehicles with plenty of muscle. And when it comes to electric pickups, the power numbers are impressive.

In 2022, Rivian beat established automakers to the punch with its R1T EV pickup, which boasts electric pickup truck twin motors and claims of 836 horsepower and 908 lb-ft of torque. Chevy followed suit with the Silverado EV, which can carry 1,300 pounds and tow up to 7,500 lbs.

Ram recently unveiled a green contender in its 1500 REV, and if it delivers on its promises, it could be a game-changer for light trucks looking to go green. In addition to their ability to lug heavy loads and provide power to tools or equipment, electric pickups can also serve as portable power stations during power outages. The F-150 Lightning EV can even be used to charge home solar panels and enhance energy independence.

Range

An electric pickup truck can haul more weight and accelerate quickly thanks to its all-electric drive system, making it a resourceful workhorse. It also has less of an impact on the environment since it produces fewer carbon emissions than gas-powered models.

Rivian’s electric pickup trucks, the R1T and the R1S SUV, have impressive driving ranges that can get you to your destination without running out of electricity. The company’s new 149-kilowatt-hour battery pack, paired with either the performance dual-motor AWD or the standard dual-motor AWD setup, is expected to provide 400 miles of range in both trucks.

Rivian will lose its longest-range title to GM’s upcoming electric Silverado EV when it arrives, though. GM claims its truck will have a range of up to 450 miles when paired with the Silverado’s 240-kilowatt-hour battery. This will be the first time that an EV has offered this much driving range in a truck.

Towing

When it comes to full-sized pickup trucks, many people see them as workhorses that can carry heavy loads and tow trailers. With a host of new electric models from tech startups like Rivian and Tesla plus legacy GM and Ford, these trucks offer plenty of power without any tailpipe emissions.

While the newest EVs are impressive when it comes to towing, they’re not without their limitations. Manufacturers typically rate their towing capacities based on the weight of the trailer, but real-world tests by car publications and YouTubers have found that those ratings are often overestimated.

Steep hills and weather can also reduce towing capabilities. Additionally, the current norm for EV charging stations revolves around standard pull-in parking spaces, which require unhitching trailers before you can charge.

Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is important for trucks, especially those that are used for long hauls. The power of electric motors gives them a boost in fuel economy that can be noticeable. Plus, they don’t need spark plugs or a gas tank to operate, which can reduce maintenance costs.

Advanced technology has led to significant improvements in battery capacity, allowing electric pickups to have driving ranges that rival those of traditional gasoline or diesel vehicles. This addresses a primary concern for buyers and can help alleviate range anxiety.

An electric truck may have a higher upfront cost than a traditional gas vehicle, but federal and state incentives can offset this initial investment. Additionally, an EV can be recharged faster than a gas truck at a charging station. A fleet management company can help assess the best options for your specific business needs, including EV charger installation and availability.

Noise

Because electric motors operate quietly, they generate few sounds. This can be an advantage for truck drivers who want to avoid loud noises. However, safety experts warn that pedestrians and other traffic may not hear a vehicle approaching Electric Motorcycles supplier them. Therefore, some EVs have artificial whirring noises to let people outside know the car is moving.

Some companies even sell a speaker system that lets you make your EV sound like it has a big V8 engine. One such company, Borla, has a $1,600 aftermarket product called Active Performance Sound for EVs. A TikTok video from vehicle reviewer TFLstudios shows a Ford Lightning electric truck with the speaker set-up.

Although it might take some time to replace the gasoline trucks on the road, electric pickup trucks can offer many benefits for those who prefer them. Their quieter driving experience, powerful acceleration and instant torque make them suitable for many applications, including towing. Additionally, their long-lasting batteries require less maintenance and have lower operating costs than gas engines. Finally, tax credits and an expanding charging infrastructure make them more affordable to buy for those who are willing to give them a try.

Weight

There’s a good reason EV pickup trucks are heavier than their gasoline-powered counterparts. Battery electric vehicles must have a large shell to protect their batteries from punctures, and that requires heavy-duty metals. Plus, they tend to be bigger than other cars and trucks, which can lead to a higher center of gravity that leads to more damage in crashes.

While there’s been progress on pushing down overall battery weight from old lead-acid lumps to today’s lithium-ion bundles, it takes time and money to do so. So it’s not surprising that an EV truck like the F-150 Lightning or the Rivian R1T weighs more than the gasoline-powered GMC Hummer EV, which has a GVWR over 9,000 pounds. That’s close to the weight of a 14-passenger bus. It also means less driving range and lower towing capacity compared to the gas-powered versions.