The automotive industry is experiencing huge paradigm shifts as hybrids and electric vehicles become more integrated with the lineups that automakers currently offer. The idea of an electric pickup may have been laughable as recently as 2010, but it’s not as funny now. Within a decade, solely gasoline models in every segment will be the minority as the EVs take over. There is an obvious concern of weight as pickups and electrics are rather heavy on their own without being combined, but emerging technologies should solve this soon. None of the following trucks are currently available, but they will be able to carry out deliveries and a full days’ work on a single charge when released.
Rivian R1T
The R1T is an electric pickup initially announced in 2018, though it will be available by the end of the year. The automaker promised that the pickup would provide over 400 miles of range, though that is reserved for the larger 180-kWh battery pack. Every wheel on the Rivian will be powered by its motor, and the output will be up to 800 horsepower. That also means an acceleration to 60 miles per hour within 3.0 seconds. The fact that each wheel is individually powered means the left can rotate in a different direction than the right, allowing the truck to spin on its axis like a tank. Adjustable air suspension means you can adjust the clearance height from eight to 14 inches as well. Its towing capability will be more than 11,000 pounds though towing a heavy trailer will not be good for battery life.
Read our full review on the Rivian R1T
Tesla Cybertruck
The reveal of the Cybertruck did not find the attention that was expected, though the EV still has a lot of potential. It will be available in three variants. For one, the entry-level pickup features one motor and a rear-wheel-drive system, while the two and three motor models will come with all-wheel drive. The range-topping model will produce 800 horsepower and accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 2.9 seconds. The more motors, the more performance and Tesla maintains, the tri-motor will manage an estimated 500 miles on a single charge. The base model will achieve half that on a single charge. The interior of the Cybertruck is nearly as unique as the exterior, considering the design language. There are a lot of sharp angles, and the 17-inch touchscreen adds to the futuristic feeling.
Read our full review on the Tesla Cybertruck
Bollinger B2
The Bollinger B2 is probably the most retro-styled of the upcoming EV pickups. The styling looks like a modified land-rover 90 in pickup body. From a glance, it is easy to tell that its capabilities as a pickup are all about durability rather than luxury. The Bollinger features dual electric motors in the front and rear, rated at 614 horsepower. That allows it to go 0 to 60 miles per hour in a time of 4.5 seconds, though the top speed is 100 miles per hour. Bollinger claims the pickup has a two-speed transfer case and high and low ranges for off-roading. With a towing capacity of up to 7500 pounds, 5000-pound payload, and 96-inch expandable bed, the B2 will be quite the work truck. It will have a 120 kWh battery that will allow a 200-mile driving range and fast charging capability.
Read our full review on the Bollinger B2
Lordstown Endurance
The Endurance has been touted as being the world’s first all-electric commercial pickup. Like the Rivian, it will also feature an electric motor mounted on each wheel to reduce the number of moving parts. The Endurance will have an output of 600 horsepower as well from the hub motor system. From the prototype testing videos, it seems the truck will have moderate off-roading ability. Its towing ability will be up to 6000 pounds though the payload capacity is not yet confirmed. The Endurance also has a target range of 250 miles from the 109 kWh battery. Its minimalist interior will have three screens on the dash with climate control buttons underneath as well. The industrial feel of the materials lends to the commercial theme.
Read our full review on the Lordstown Endurance
Hummer EV
The Hummer EV is the most ironic member of the list as the famous previous models were built to disregard emissions and melt ice caps. The new Hummer will apparently first appear as a pickup and later as an SUV. That being said, next year’s model will have a motor in the front and rear, leading to an insane 1000 horsepower. All-wheel drive is standard, and the estimated acceleration time to 60 miles per hour is 3 seconds. It will also have removable panels and adjustable air suspension, not to mention four-wheel steering for crab driving. As for the interior, the moon-inspired touches, including speaker grilles showing the sea of tranquility and a moon boot footprint, serve as reminders of the connection with NASA’s engineering department.
Read our full review on the Hummer EV
Chevrolet Silverado Electric Pickup
The Silverado pickup will have a traditional take as an electric pickup. It will resemble the gasoline 2022 Silverado exterior-wise but feature loads of technological tools to drool over. As the EV will share the platform and assembly with the Hummer, there is a probability that it will also share a powertrain. That translates to two or three motors, and it may have the same output at 1000 horsepower. It will have General Motor’s Ultium battery tech, which features a 200 kWh battery pack. The driving range is said to be 400 miles, but this has yet to be tested in the real world.
Ford F-150 Lightning
The conventional F-150 is what comes to mind when most think of pickups, as it has been the best-selling truck for 44 years. It would make sense for Ford to revamp it with an EV alternative, so it doesn’t die out with the other dinosaurs. Due to be released in early 2022, the Lighting will have a standard dual-motor powertrain and a four-wheel-drive system. Ford claims the F-150 EV will go to 60 miles per hour in 4.4 seconds. It will also be the first F-150 to have an independent rear suspension needed to package the rear motor. The top of the range trim should have a 300-mile driving range. The interior will have the same features as the traditional F-150, with the exception of the 15.5-inch vertical touchscreen. Some of the colors and materials will also be unique to the EV.
Read our full review on the Ford F-150 Lightning