If you’ve looked at a full electric truck recently, you’ve probably noticed two things: specs that rival or beat gas trucks, and plenty of debate about whether they’re ready for “real truck work.” In 2025, battery‑electric pickups are finally good enough for many owners, but not all. This guide walks you through what full electric trucks can and can’t do, how leading models compare, and how to shop smart, especially if you’re considering a used EV truck.
Quick definition
A full electric truck (or battery electric truck) uses only electric motors and a high‑voltage battery for propulsion, no gasoline or diesel engine on board. That’s different from plug‑in hybrid trucks and range‑extended designs that still carry an engine.
What is a full electric truck in 2025?
In 2025, a full electric truck is usually a light‑duty pickup built on a dedicated EV platform or an adapted full‑size frame. Current examples include the Ford F‑150 Lightning, Rivian R1T, Tesla Cybertruck, and GMC’s new Sierra EV. All use large battery packs, often 100 kWh or more, to deliver SUV‑like driving range and serious towing and payload capability.
Full electric pickup snapshot (2025)
Regulation whiplash
Policy support for EV trucks has been evolving quickly, some mandates have been rolled back while incentives remain in flux. That makes it even more important to focus on fundamentals: total cost of ownership, charging access, and how you’ll actually use the truck.
Pros and cons of full electric trucks
Why electric trucks shine, and where they struggle
Every truck is a compromise. EVs simply move the tradeoffs around.
Advantages of full electric trucks
- Instant torque: Electric motors deliver peak torque from zero rpm, making launches with a trailer effortless.
- Quiet and smooth: No engine noise, no shifting, great for long days behind the wheel or early‑morning departures.
- Lower running costs: Electricity is typically cheaper per mile than gasoline or diesel, especially if you can charge at home.
- Low maintenance: No oil changes, fewer moving parts, and less brake wear thanks to regenerative braking.
- Onboard power: Many electric trucks offer built‑in outlets and can power tools, campsites, and even your home during an outage.
Drawbacks to consider
- Towing cuts range hard: Pulling a heavy trailer can slash effective range by 40–60% or more.
- Charging time vs. fueling: Even with DC fast charging, you’ll spend longer at the “pump” than with gasoline.
- Public charging gaps: Networks are improving but still uneven, especially for trucks towing long distances.
- Purchase price: New electric trucks usually cost more upfront than comparable gas models, though used pricing is softening.
- Weight: Massive battery packs add thousands of pounds, which can affect payload and off‑road feel.
How to think about it
If most of your miles are commuting, around town, or job‑site to job‑site with predictable routes, a full electric truck can be a fantastic tool. If your life is built around long‑distance towing, you’ll need to plan much more carefully, or consider a different powertrain for now.
Key specs: range, towing, payload and charging
When you compare full electric trucks, look past the headline horsepower number. The specs that really determine whether an EV pickup works for you are range (especially when loaded), towing and payload, and how quickly you can add miles back with home or public charging.
Typical full electric truck specs (2025)
Representative specs for mainstream electric pickups. Exact numbers vary by trim and options.
| Truck | Battery (approx.) | EPA range (max trim) | Max towing | Max payload | DC fast charge peak |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford F‑150 Lightning | 98–131 kWh | Up to ~320 mi | 10,000 lb | ~2,000 lb | 150 kW |
| Rivian R1T | 105–180+ kWh | Up to ~410 mi | 11,000 lb | ~1,760 lb | 220+ kW |
| Tesla Cybertruck | ~123–130+ kWh (est.) | Mid‑300s mi (select trims) | 11,000 lb | ~2,500 lb (est. by trim) | 250 kW+ (Tesla Supercharger) |
| GMC Sierra EV | Big‑pack Ultium | Up to ~460 mi | 10,500 lb | ~1,500 lb+ | Up to 350 kW |
Use this table as a ballpark guide, then double‑check the exact configuration you’re considering.
Paper range vs. real range
Official range figures assume mild weather, moderate driving, and no trailer. Cold temperatures, high speeds, headwinds, and heavy loads all cut deeply into real‑world range, especially with boxy trailers.
Top full electric truck models in 2025
Ford F‑150 Lightning
If you want a full electric truck that still feels like a familiar half‑ton, this is it. The Lightning rides on a version of the F‑150 body with an electric platform underneath, so the cabin, bed, and controls are instantly recognizable.
- Range: Around 230 miles with the standard battery and up to roughly 320 miles with the extended pack.
- Towing: Maximum 10,000 pounds when properly equipped, though range under tow can fall to about one‑third of the unladen figure in demanding conditions.
- Best for: Homeowners who can install a Level 2 charger, contractors who value the big front trunk and onboard power, and families who want a quiet, comfortable daily driver.
Rivian R1T
The Rivian R1T is the adventure take on the full electric truck, shorter overall than a traditional full‑size pickup but packed with clever storage and off‑road hardware.
- Range: Depending on battery and wheels, roughly 270–410 miles.
- Towing: Rated up to about 11,000 pounds, but like all EV trucks, range drops sharply with a heavy trailer.
- Best for: Outdoor‑oriented buyers who value off‑road capability, fast DC charging, and a more compact footprint that’s easier to park than a full‑size.
Tesla Cybertruck
The Cybertruck is the polarizing one, wedge‑shaped stainless body, minimalist interior, and the deep integration with the Tesla Supercharger network that many owners love.
- Range: Mid‑300‑mile estimates on select trims in ideal conditions.
- Towing: Advertised up to 11,000 pounds, with strong acceleration and advanced driver‑assist tech available.
- Best for: Drivers who already use Tesla’s ecosystem or live near plenty of Superchargers and want something that looks nothing like a traditional truck.
GMC Sierra EV (and other Ultium trucks)
GMC’s Sierra EV and its platform cousins aim at the luxury and work‑truck ends of the market with powerful dual‑motor setups and very large battery packs.
- Range: Some trims are targeting roughly 400–460 miles per charge.
- Towing: Up to about 10,500 pounds, with trick four‑wheel steering features available on upscale versions.
- Best for: Buyers who want a premium full‑size electric truck with big range and are comfortable paying luxury‑vehicle money to get it.
Real‑world towing with a full electric truck
On paper, electric pickups tow as much as comparable gas 1/2‑tons. In practice, towing is where you feel the limitations of today’s batteries most sharply. Aerodynamic drag from tall trailers, extra weight, and highway speeds combine to sap range quickly.
- Expect roughly 40–60% range loss when towing a heavy, boxy trailer at freeway speeds.
- Plan charging stops based on the towing range you’ve personally seen, not the window sticker.
- Use built‑in trailer profiles and trip planning tools where available to get more realistic estimates.
- Whenever possible, charge without unhitching by choosing pull‑through or end‑of‑row chargers that fit a truck‑and‑trailer combo.
The 100‑mile towing reality
Many owners find that with a 6,000‑plus‑pound travel trailer, an electric truck that normally offers ~300 miles of range might deliver just 90–130 miles between charges at highway speeds. That’s workable for regional trips with planned charging, but it changes the rhythm of a classic cross‑country tow.
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How full electric trucks fit daily driving and work
Common use cases for full electric trucks
Think in terms of your weekly routine, not just the once‑a‑year road trip.
Suburban commuting & family duty
Full electric trucks shine as daily drivers. Instant heat and A/C, one‑pedal driving in traffic, and quiet acceleration make them easy to live with. If your round‑trip commute is 80 miles or less and you can charge overnight, range anxiety fades quickly.
Job‑site and trade work
Onboard power outlets can run tools, lights, and compressors without a noisy generator, ideal for trades who work within a metro area. The key is confirming that payload ratings and bed length fit your actual equipment and materials.
Recreation and overlanding
For camping, mountain biking, and light overlanding within a few hundred miles, an electric truck’s torque and low‑speed control are big pluses. Just remember that remote areas often have sparse fast‑charging, so plan routes around chargers.
Where EV trucks already feel better than gas
Short‑hop towing (boats, utility trailers), daily commuting, and work within a 100‑mile radius are all areas where a full electric truck can be more comfortable, cheaper to run, and easier to power equipment than its gas counterpart.
Cost of ownership, incentives and resale
Sticker prices on full electric trucks can be eye‑opening, but ownership costs tell a more nuanced story. Electricity is typically cheaper per mile than gasoline, maintenance is lower, and used EV truck prices have softened as early adopters trade up and fleets re‑balance.
Running costs vs. gas trucks
- Fuel: At average U.S. electricity rates, many owners pay the equivalent of roughly $1–$1.50 per “gallon” to charge at home, versus whatever your local pump price is for regular or diesel.
- Maintenance: No engine oil, spark plugs, exhaust system, or transmission service. You’re mostly looking at tires, cabin filters, brake fluid, and standard wear items.
- Repairs: EV‑specific repairs can be expensive, but they’re relatively rare early in a truck’s life, especially when the battery and drive units are still under warranty.
Incentives and resale
- Tax credits: Federal and state EV incentives change frequently, but many new and some used EVs qualify for tax credits or rebates that can materially lower your net cost.
- Depreciation: Electric trucks, like many EVs, have seen accelerated depreciation in recent years as technology moves quickly and incentives influence pricing.
- Used value: For shoppers, that depreciation is an opportunity, late‑model trucks with plenty of life left can often be purchased for far less than their original MSRP.
Run the numbers for your situation
Instead of focusing only on MSRP, compare total cost per mile over the years you plan to own the truck. Factor in energy, maintenance, insurance, and likely resale value. A used full electric truck can pencil out surprisingly well if it fits your driving pattern.
Buying a used full electric truck
Because electric trucks launched at relatively high prices, the used market is where many value‑oriented buyers will end up. The key question is simple: what’s the battery health, and has the truck been used in a way that supports long life, rather than abused with constant max‑load towing and fast charging?
Used full electric truck buying checklist
1. Get a real battery health report
Battery pack condition is the heart of any electric truck purchase. Look for an independently verified diagnostic, like the <strong>Recharged Score</strong>, that measures usable capacity and flags any anomalies, instead of relying solely on dashboard bars.
2. Review charging and usage history
Ask how the truck was charged and used. Occasional DC fast charging and light towing are fine; a steady diet of max‑weight towing and daily fast‑charge sessions can accelerate battery wear.
3. Confirm towing and payload options
Electric trucks often have multiple axle ratios, battery sizes, and tow packages. Verify the specific VIN’s ratings so you know the real tow and payload limits, not just the marketing headline.
4. Inspect tires, brakes and suspension
EV trucks are heavy. Uneven tire wear or tired suspension components can hint at hard use or misalignment. Make sure tires are EV‑rated replacements, not the cheapest thing that would bolt on.
5. Check software, recalls and charger access
Confirm the truck has the latest software updates, that any recalls or service campaigns have been addressed, and that it’s configured to access the charging networks you plan to use.
6. Compare price to similar gas trucks
Look at the total picture: for your miles per year and local energy prices, will this used electric truck actually cost less to run than a comparable gas or diesel? If not, what other benefits justify the choice?
How Recharged helps used EV truck buyers
Every truck listed with Recharged includes a Recharged Score Report with verified battery health data, fair‑market pricing analysis, and EV‑specialist guidance. That means you can shop used full electric trucks with the same confidence you’d expect from a pre‑purchase inspection on a gas truck, without crawling under the vehicle yourself.
Checklist: Are you ready for a full electric truck?
Readiness checklist for full electric truck ownership
1. Your daily miles fit the range
Add up your typical weekday miles and your heaviest regular weekend use. If that total is well under 70–80% of the truck’s usable range, you’re in the comfort zone.
2. You can charge reliably at home or work
Home Level 2 charging is the gold standard. At minimum, you should have dependable overnight access to a 240‑volt outlet or a workplace charger so you start most days with a full battery.
3. Your towing is predictable and regional
Electric trucks work best when towing within a few hundred miles of home with known charging stops. If you regularly tow cross‑country on tight timelines, today’s EV infrastructure may feel limiting.
4. You’ve budgeted for installation
Factor in the cost of installing a home charger or 240‑volt outlet. In many cases, that’s a one‑time upgrade that pays you back through lower fuel and time savings over years of ownership.
5. You value quiet, torque and tech
A full electric truck is more than a fuel choice, it’s a different driving experience. If silent, instant torque and advanced driver‑assist tech sound appealing, you’re more likely to love the switch.
Full electric truck FAQ
Frequently asked questions about full electric trucks
Bottom line: Who should buy a full electric truck?
A full electric truck is no longer a science experiment. For the right owner, someone with reliable charging, mostly regional driving, and realistic expectations about towing, it can be a quieter, quicker, and often cheaper‑to‑run alternative to a gas or diesel 1/2‑ton. For others, especially long‑haul haulers, the technology and infrastructure still have catching up to do.
If you’re curious but cautious, start by mapping your real miles and towing needs for a month. Then compare new and used electric trucks against your current fuel and maintenance costs. When you’re ready to explore options, Recharged can help you shop used full electric trucks, review a Recharged Score battery report for each vehicle, line up financing, and even arrange nationwide delivery, all with EV specialists who understand trucks, not just cars.
