If you’ve watched the rise of electric pickups over the last few years, you’ve also seen the hype, the delays, and some genuine towing‑day disappointments. Yet trucks like the Ford F‑150 Lightning, Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC Sierra EV and Tesla Cybertruck prove that battery power and full‑size capability can live in the same driveway. The key is understanding what these trucks do exceptionally well, and where physics still wins.
Electric trucks are past the prototype stage
Multiple electric pickups are on U.S. roads today, and more are in the pipeline. But the market is also shifting as automakers reassess demand and adjust their lineups. That makes doing your homework, especially if you’re considering a used truck, more important than ever.
Why electric pickups matter now
The pickup has long been America’s do‑everything vehicle: commute rig, family hauler, job‑site tool and weekend tow vehicle. Electric pickups take that familiar formula and swap the fuel pump for electrons. You still get four‑wheel drive, serious torque and a proper bed, but you add near‑silent operation, instant response, and the ability to power tools or even your home.
What electric pickups do especially well
Strengths you’ll notice the first week you own one
Instant torque
Lower fueling hassle
Smooth, quiet daily driving
But they’re not for everyone yet
Most electric pickups still carry a price premium over comparable gas trucks, and towing heavy at highway speeds can cut range dramatically. If you count on spontaneous 400‑mile tow days, you’ll need to plan carefully, or consider waiting a few product cycles.
Electric pickups on the road today
You’ll see more electric trucks in dealer lots and on the used market in 2025 than ever before. Here’s a high‑level look at the main full‑size players you’re likely to cross‑shop if you’re in the U.S.
Electric pickup snapshot (2024–2025 model years)
Key electric pickups: headline specs
Approximate specs for current or imminent full‑size electric pickups. Always verify exact figures for the model year and trim you’re shopping.
| Model | EPA/Est. Range (mi) | Max Towing (lb) | Notable Traits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford F‑150 Lightning | Up to ~320 | Up to 10,000 | Familiar F‑150 cabin, strong work‑truck credentials, broad trim mix. |
| Chevrolet Silverado EV | Up to ~440–460 | Up to 12,500 | Ultium platform, long‑range options, 800‑volt fast charging, midgate flexibility. |
| GMC Sierra EV Denali | Up to ~390–460 | Up to ~10,500 | Luxury‑focused twin to Silverado EV with upscale cabin and features. |
| Tesla Cybertruck | Roughly low‑300s | Over 11,000 (select trims) | Polarizing design, strong straight‑line performance, evolving software ecosystem. |
| Ram 1500 REV (announced) | Target ~350 | Target up to ~14,000 | Stellantis has since refocused strategy; availability and specs may shift. |
Specifications can vary by trim, wheel/tire package, battery and options.
Watch for changing product plans
Stellantis has paused development of a pure battery‑electric Ram 1500 pickup in North America and is prioritizing extended‑range and plug‑in solutions instead. In a fast‑moving segment, always double‑check that a truck you’ve read about is actually in production and headed to the U.S. market before you plan around it.
Range and battery: what to expect from an electric pickup
Range is where the brochure and the real world can part company, especially for trucks. Electric pickups carry large battery packs, often 98–200 kWh or more, to deliver passenger‑car‑like range despite their size. But those EPA numbers are measured with no trailer, modest speeds and gentle driving. Your results will vary, and they’ll vary more for a truck than a crossover.
Typical range numbers
- Ford F‑150 Lightning: commonly rated around the mid‑200s to low‑300s miles, depending on battery, trim and wheels.
- Chevrolet Silverado EV: work‑oriented trims and range packages can stretch toward the mid‑400s on a full charge.
- GMC Sierra EV Denali: similarly offers roughly 390–460 miles of estimated range in long‑range configurations.
- Tesla Cybertruck: real‑world range tends to fall well short of the original 500‑mile concept promises, landing closer to the low‑300s for many owners.
What actually cuts your range
- High speeds: Aerodynamic drag climbs quickly above 65 mph, especially with a bluff‑front pickup and open bed.
- Cold weather: Heating the cabin and keeping the battery in its comfort zone can noticeably reduce range.
- Big wheels and tires: Popular off‑road or appearance packages can knock meaningful miles off the window‑sticker estimate.
- Lift kits and racks: Anything that adds mass or drag, lifts, roof tents, ladder racks, will push energy use up.
Plan with a 25–40% buffer
If you routinely drive 200 miles in a day, look for an electric pickup with at least 260–280 miles of rated range. That buffer helps account for weather, elevation, accessory loads and the fact that you won’t always charge to 100% or run down to zero.
Battery health basics for electric pickups
1. Know the pack size and chemistry
A 200‑kWh pack behaves differently from a 100‑kWh one in terms of charging time, weight and cost to replace. Get comfortable with the numbers for any truck you’re considering.
2. Look for gentle fast‑charging history
Repeated 0–100% DC fast‑charging isn’t ideal for long‑term battery health. When shopping used, ask for charge history or a third‑party health report instead of guessing.
3. Understand warranties
Most electric pickups carry 8‑year battery warranties with mileage caps. Check whether the original warranty transfers in full to a second owner and where the time/miles sit today.
4. Use independent health data
A <strong>Recharged Score battery health diagnostic</strong> goes beyond a dash display to give you an objective view of remaining capacity before you commit to a used truck.
Towing and hauling with electric pickups
On paper, electric pickups tow like champions. Many match or exceed the tow ratings of their gas counterparts. The catch is that towing exposes the limits of current battery tech: pulling a big trailer at highway speeds can cut effective range in half or more. That doesn’t make electric pickups unusable for towing, but it does change how, and how far, you tow.
Electric pickup towing: ratings vs reality
Selected manufacturer‑published maximum tow ratings and how they translate on the road.
| Model | Max Rated Tow (lb) | Typical Real‑World Impact on Range* | Best Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford F‑150 Lightning | Up to 10,000 | Heavy trailers at 65–70 mph can cut range by ~50% or more. | Boats, utility trailers, campers within a couple of charging stops. |
| Chevrolet Silverado EV | Up to 12,500 (select trims) | Similar or greater range loss when maxed out, but big battery helps. | Work trailers, equipment, long distances with careful planning. |
| GMC Sierra EV Denali | Around 10,500 | Luxury focus means most owners tow recreationally, not at GVWR all day. | Weekend toys, enclosed car haulers, midsize campers. |
| Tesla Cybertruck | Over 11,000 (dual‑motor and up) | Range penalty is similar; fast‑charge access matters more than badge. | Occasional towing where Supercharger coverage is strong. |
Always verify towing figures for your specific trim, axle ratio, hitch and options before hitching up.
Think in legs, not total trip distance
Instead of asking, "Can this electric pickup tow my camper 400 miles?" ask, "How far can I comfortably go between charging stops with my trailer on?" For most current trucks, planning on 80–150‑mile tow legs at highway speeds is a realistic starting point, depending on trailer size and conditions.
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Practical towing tips for electric pickups
1. Start with a shakedown run
Before a big road trip, do a shorter tow loop near home. Note energy use at your normal speeds so you’re not surprised when you’re hours from your driveway.
2. Use truck‑aware navigation
Many electric pickups can factor trailer mode into their range estimates and route planning. Use that, and still give yourself a cushion to the next charger.
3. Favor chargers with space
When possible, pick DC fast chargers designed for trailers, pull‑through spots or roomy layouts, so you don’t have to drop the trailer just to plug in.
4. Mind your tongue weight
Electric pickups often carry hefty curb weights thanks to their battery packs. Stay within both tow rating and payload limits once you add tongue weight, people and cargo.
Charging an electric pickup: home, public and on-the-job
Because electric pickups carry such large battery packs, charging strategy matters more than it does for a compact EV. The good news is that many owners do the bulk of their charging at home or at a depot, where the truck can sit for hours. Public DC fast charging then becomes an as‑needed tool for road trips and occasional long‑distance tows.
Three main ways to keep your electric pickup charged
You’ll likely lean on a mix of these over the life of the truck
Home Level 2 charging
Public DC fast charging
Worksite and depot charging
Oversize your home charger if you can
With battery packs this large, a higher‑amperage Level 2 charger (48–80 amps on a suitable circuit) can make the difference between a slow overnight refill and waking up every day at or near your target charge level, especially if you drive long distances during the week.
Home‑charging questions to answer
- Do you have access to a garage or driveway where you can install a 240‑volt outlet or wallbox?
- Is your existing electrical service (often 100–200 amps) sufficient for a high‑amp charger plus household loads?
- Can you take advantage of off‑peak or EV‑specific electric rates from your utility?
If you’re not sure, a licensed electrician, and in some markets, a utility rebate program, can help you run the numbers.
On‑the‑road charging reality
- Plan road‑trip stops where there are multiple chargers on‑site in case one is down or busy.
- In cold weather, expect slower charge speeds until the battery warms up.
- If you’re shopping used, look for trucks that support modern connector standards and networks you’re likely to use.
Ownership costs and resale value
Sticker price gets the headlines, but total cost of ownership is where electric pickups can quietly shine, especially if you rack up a lot of miles and keep a truck for years. Electricity is often cheaper per mile than gasoline or diesel, and EVs generally spend less time in the service bay because they have fewer moving parts and no oil changes.
Where electric pickups can save you money
Higher up front, potentially lower over the long haul
Fuel vs electricity
Maintenance and repairs
Depreciation and incentives
Budget realistically for tires and insurance
Electric pickups are heavy and quick, which can translate into higher tire wear and insurance premiums than you’re used to with a conventional half‑ton. When you build your ownership budget, pencil in a set of quality tires sooner rather than later and get real insurance quotes before you buy.
Buying a used electric pickup: how to shop smart
Because electric pickups launched at premium prices, the used market is where many value‑conscious shoppers will find their first EV truck. The fundamentals of buying used haven’t changed, condition, history and price still rule, but you’ll add a few EV‑specific checks to your usual routine.
Used electric pickup buying checklist
1. Focus on battery health, not just miles
Two trucks with the same odometer reading can have very different remaining battery capacity depending on climate, charging habits and use. A dedicated health report is worth more than guesses.
2. Verify charging compatibility
Make sure the truck can use the connector standards and networks you’ll rely on locally and on road trips. Adapters can help, but native support is simpler.
3. Check software and feature status
Over‑the‑air updates can add features, or quietly remove experimental ones. Confirm what driver‑assist, power‑export and connectivity features are active on the truck you’re buying.
4. Inspect underbody and suspension
The battery pack lives under the floor. Look for signs of off‑road abuse, corrosion or poorly repaired damage that could affect pack protection or cooling.
5. Compare real‑world prices, not just MSRP history
Early buyers may have paid far more than today’s market value. Use current transaction data, not original window stickers, to decide whether the asking price makes sense.
6. Use independent experts when possible
With a used EV truck, leaning on a third‑party inspection and a <strong>Recharged Score Report</strong>, including verified battery health and fair‑market pricing, can save you thousands and a lot of uncertainty.
How Recharged can help you buy with confidence
Every truck listed on Recharged includes a Recharged Score Report with verified battery health, transparent pricing analysis, and expert EV guidance from first click to delivery. If you’re weighing a used electric pickup against a gas truck, that unbiased data makes the comparison far easier.
Who electric pickups fit best, and who should wait
In my years covering trucks and advising buyers, the happiest electric pickup owners have one thing in common: their use case fits the tech. They’re not trying to force a square peg into a round hole; they’re exploiting what EVs do best and working around what they don’t.
Great candidates for an electric pickup
- Local contractors and trades who can charge at home or at a shop and mostly work within a defined radius.
- Suburban families who love the utility of a truck but mainly use it for commuting, errands and weekend DIY projects.
- Outdoor enthusiasts whose trips fit within today’s range envelope and who appreciate quiet access to the trailhead or campsite.
- Tech‑forward fleets looking to cut fuel and maintenance costs while meeting sustainability goals.
Who may want to wait a generation
- Long‑distance haulers who routinely tow heavy at highway speeds across sparsely populated regions.
- Remote‑area owners with limited access to reliable public charging or weak grid infrastructure at home.
- Budget‑first buyers who simply need the cheapest capable truck they can find and don’t drive many miles per year.
- Upfit‑heavy users whose racks, lifts and accessories drastically increase drag and weight.
Electric pickups FAQ
Electric pickups: your top questions answered
Bottom line on electric pickups
Electric pickups are no longer science projects or distant promises, they’re real trucks that can shoulder serious work and make daily driving much more pleasant. They also demand a bit more planning, especially if you tow heavy or live far from public charging. If your use case lines up with their strengths, an electric pickup can quietly become the most capable and enjoyable vehicle you’ve ever owned. And if you’re weighing whether a new or used EV truck fits your life, pairing solid research with a data‑driven Recharged Score battery and pricing report will help you make that decision with your eyes wide open.
