Electric pickups are having a major moment. Industry experts project explosive growth in electric trucks over the next decade thanks to improving technology, growing model diversity, and strengthening consumer demand. Electrek reporter Fred Lambert summarizes, "we are going to see every mainstream automaker introduce electric truck programs in the next few years."
Jesse Toprak, Chief Analyst at Autonomy, explains "the demand is already exceeding supply for electric trucks…and it‘s only the beginning." According to Autonomy research, electric truck sales are forecasted to achieve a 12% market share by 2025, before surging to over 50% of sales by 2030 as shown below:
| Year | Total US Pickup Sales | Electric Pickup Sales | % Electric |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2.25 million | 25,000 | 1% |
| 2025 | 2.32 million | 275,000 | 12% |
| 2030 | 2.16 million | 1.10 million | 51% |
Electric trucks are projected to achieve over 50% market share of annual pickup sales by 2030. [Image credit: Autonomy 2022 EV Outlook]
With exciting new models arriving from both legacy brands and startups, electric trucks can now handle rugged daily use or extreme adventure while eliminating tailpipe emissions. Let‘s take a closer look at the 10 most impressive options expected on the market in 2024 and beyond.
Overview of Key Electric Truck Capabilities
| Truck | Motores) | Horsepower | Torque | 0-60 mph | Towing Capacity | Range (mi) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GMC Hummer EV | 3 | 1000 | 11,500 lb-ft | 3 sec | 7,500+ lbs | 350+ |
| Ford F-150 Lightning | 2 | 580 | 775 lb-ft | mid-4 sec | 10,000 lbs | 300 |
| Rivian R1T | 4 | 750 | 829 lb-ft | 3 sec | 11,000 lbs | 300+ |
| Ram 1500 BEV | 2 | ~500 (est) | ~800 lb-ft (est) | NA | 10,000 lbs | 350+ |
| Atlis XT | 1 to 6 | Up to 600 | NA | 5.5 sec | 35,000 lbs | 500 |
| Alpha Wolf | 1 to 3 | Up to 536 | NA | Sub-5 sec | 6,500 lbs | 275+ |
| Bollinger B2 | 2 | 614 | 668 lb-ft | 4.5 sec | 7,500 lbs | 200 |
| Tesla Cybertruck | 3 | >650 (est) | NA | <3 sec (est) | 14,000 lbs | 500+ |
| Lordstown Endurance | 4 | 600 | 800 lb-ft | NA | 6,000 lbs | 250 |
1. GMC Hummer EV Pickup
Hulking yet high-tech, the 2024 GMC Hummer EV pickup ushers in a new electrified chapter for this iconic nameplate. A monumental 200 kWh Ultium battery pack enables three motors to churn out a crazy 1000 horsepower and 11,500 pound-feet of torque – enough to propel the 9000-pound Hummer EV from 0-60mph in a physics-defying 3 seconds!
Yet it still promises 350+ miles EPA estimated range along with specialized features fit for adventure. Four-wheel steering with "crab walk mode" and adaptive air suspension with up to 15.9 inches of travel help overcome tough obstacles, while underbody armor and steel plates provide robust protection. A modular "infinity roof" of transparent sky panels keep the journey comfortable while cameras provide up to 18 unique views of the terrain.
The Edition 1 launch version unleashing the full 1000-horsepower begins production in late 2023, with subsequent model years offering 800+ hp trims at lower prices. GMC will manufacture the electric Hummer at its Factory ZERO Detroit-Hamtramck plant powered by renewable energy. With production capacity of just 800 per month to start for the hand-built Edition 1, demand is sure to greatly outpace supply at the starting price of $112,595.
2. Ford F-150 Lightning
The hotly anticipated 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning brings zero-emissions power and high-tech capabilities to Ford‘s best selling trucks.
Riding tremendous momentum as America‘s best-selling truck for 44 straight years, the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning hauls the iconic workhorse into the electric age. The 580 HP dual-motor powertrain enables a 300-mile maximum range and equals or beats the torque and acceleration of any gas-powered F-150 yet.
Yet Ford takes the technology even further, with the ability to power tools, appliances or even a home‘s electrical needs for up to 3 days or 10 days when paired with the optional 80-amp Ford Charge Station Pro. Over-the-air software updates will bring enhancements over time like hands-free Blue Cruise driving assist for highway use by late 2022.
Pre-orders have poured in from private customers and large fleets alike. Ford has stopped taking retail reservations after reaching 200,000 orders as they hustle to ramp up production. The company invested $950 million in Michigan assembly upgrades including four large electric drive battery lines to build the revolutionary Lightning. With starting prices around $41,000, America‘s best-selling truck is going electric in a big way.
3. Rivian R1T
The Rivian R1T delivers a unique blend of electrified performance, off-road capability and innovation.
Securing early backing from Ford and Amazon fueled buzz around the R1T, Rivian‘s first electric pickup model. Delivering up to 750 horsepower to all four wheels helps it sprint to 60 mph in 3 exhilarating seconds – giving some of the world‘s fastest supercars a run. Eleven thousand pounds of maximum towing and a passable 300+ mile EPA range check the work truck boxes as well.
While monsters like the Hummer flex pure power, the R1T focuses more on adventure. The off-road tuned quad-motor AWD system has capabilities like a "tank turn", enabling rotating in place by spinning side wheels opposite directions. A full "gear tunnel" between cabin and bed stores gear safely out of the weather. From the handy pull-out camp kitchen to speaker system, Rivian seeks to electrify outdoor exploration.
Rivian is still working through over 90,000 reservations as they gradually ramp production at their Illinois plant. Most new orders would expect delivery in 2024. Starting at $67,500, the R1T‘s unique blend of performance, innovation and eco-friendly trailblazing make it a top choice for adventure seekers.
4. Ram 1500 BEV
As the second best-selling US pickup behind Ford‘s F-series, Ram is forging into electrification early with its 1500 BEV model planned for 2024. Parent company Stellantis has promised an investment of over $35 billion towards vehicle electrification and software globally over the next 5 years.
Ram is keeping specs of their electric 1500 closely guarded for now. But as one of the two highest-volume truck models from Stellantis along with the Jeep Wagoneer, industry analysts anticipate Ram will aim to lead rather than follow. Comments from executives point toward targeting up to 500 miles of range, over 10,000 pounds towing capacity, and ultra-fast charging.
The Ram 1500 BEV concept model provides an intriguing preview of their upcoming electric truck. A rounded front face mirrors the styling of the 2019 Ram 1500 while linking the visual identity with an illuminated badge and signature "swoosh" light lines integrated along the sides. Further details will emerge ahead of the production model launch in 2024.
The Ram 1500 BEV electric pickup concept provides an early glimpse at their highly anticipated 2024 production model.
5. Atlis XT Electric Truck
Touting proprietary battery technology and partnerships with manufacturing specialists, startup Atlis Motors seeks to redefine expectations of electric truck capabilities with their upcoming XT pickup. Despite aiming for a $45,000 starting price, Atlis boasts some staggering targets – up to 500 miles of maximum range, 15-minute full charging, 35,000 pounds of towing capacity, and a modular platform supporting 300 to 800+ horsepower.
Atlis claims their BMS monitoring and cooling allows stacking smaller battery cells vertically to achieve energy density comparable to the largest EV competitors. Configurations from a single-motor RWD regular cab work truck to a 6-motor dualie crew cab are planned. CEO Mark Hanchett states, “We are developing the Atlis XT to significantly raise the bar for capability standards in the pickup truck market.”
Atlis XT electric pickup planned model range includes 300HP regular cab work trucks and 800HP dual-rear wheel crew cab options.
This promising startup has already attracted 18,000 preorders requiring a refundable $1000 deposit. Bringing such world-class capabilities to market at an accessible price point could shake up assumptions about the electric truck segment.
Charging Innovations Expand Capabilities
While early electric vehicle adoption heavily focused on smaller commuter cars, full-size electric trucks packing hefty battery packs introduce new challenges – and innovations – around charging.
Truck makers tout not only battery range milestones, but also dramatic improvements in charging times. Startup EV makers like Atlis Motors boast a 15-minute full charge, while established players like Hyundai claim their next dedicated EV truck platform will reach 80% charge in just 18 minutes. Other automakers like Rivian tout expansion plans for nationwide DC fast charging networks tailored specifically to their models.
Onboard power outputs from electric trucks now ranging from 2.4 kW on lower trims to 9.6 kW on some luxury models create the potential for trucks to power electric tools, appliances, or even a home during an outage. Ford‘s F150 Lightning touts this capability as a major selling point including an optional 80-amp Ford Charge Station Pro to enable home backup power for up to ten days.
Ford F-150 Lightning offers the ability to power home appliances and more using its Pro Power Onboard generator feature.
Future Truck Models Charge Ahead
The electric trucks available in 2024 represent major leaps forward in bringing zero-emissions powertrains to this high-capability vehicle segment. But the innovation is just beginning, with established automakers and new challengers alike promising more advanced trucks in coming years.
Hyundai aims to debut a dedicated large electric truck in 2025 based on the striking Seven Concept SUV. Using an 800-volt architecture similar to Porsche Taycan, this large pickup is projected to achieve 300 miles range and sub 15-minute fast charging.
Electric vehicle startup Canoo has also revealed uniquely designed pickup truck prototypes adopting a more futuristic aircraft-inspired cab forward architecture. Canoo executives promise this electric truck “will enable customers to use it as an office, workshop, tailgate central and much more.”
Of course, Tesla‘s outrageous Cybertruck still aims to begin “volume” production in mid 2023 at the new Austin Gigafactory in Texas. While many assumed such extreme styling marked merely a publicity stunt, CEO Elon Musk insists this stainless-steel beast with adaptive air suspension will seat six andtow up to 14,000 pounds.
Canoo pickup concept model adopts unique cab forward architecture rethinking traditional pickup proportions
Even beyond 2025, continuous battery innovations promise electric trucks with greater ranges towing heavier loads. Multiple startups pursue alternative battery chemistries, solid-state designs, and even hydrogen fuel cell options that could supplement or replace lithium ion.
Steady infrastructure growth provides more charging options across home, workplace and public settings to enable convenient daily use. It is truly a new golden era for the once-niche electric truck segment.
Which 2024 or future electric truck model are you most excited about and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
