Two of the most highly anticipated new vehicle launches over the next year will be the debut of two electric pickup trucks, the Ford F-150 Lightning and the Tesla Cybertruck. There’s no doubting the American love affair with pickups. Ford’s F Series trucks have been the best-selling vehicle for 44 years, with annual volumes exceeding 600,000 units.
It’s only natural that electrification would come to a segment that promises big volumes. But is the technology ready to meet the expectations of existing truck owners? Or will the idea of electric power attract a whole new breed of buyers?
The answer is a little of both. The radically different approaches taken by Ford and Tesla illustrate both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. From its position as a major force in the existing truck market, Ford is looking to appeal to traditional truck buyers. Newcomer Tesla, true to its image as a disruptor, seeks to push the envelope. Let’s take a closer look at each.
The Ford F-150 Lightning looks like a conventional internal combustion engine pickup. Only the appearance of the LED head- and taillamp elements differentiates the Lightning from the standard pickup template that employs a boxy cab and bed. This conservative approach to styling should appeal to the existing truck market, especially those who depend on basic functionality for both work and play.
The Tesla Cybertruck is, well, different. Its origami approach to design is more about making the stainless steel body easy to assemble than turning heads. Tesla has built its brand on being different than mainstream vehicles. While some say the design of Tesla’s cars is understated, there will be no mistaking a Cybertruck for anything else. While there is some functionality to the cargo area, the Tesla is more likely to be seen in suburban driveways than on job sites.
The Ford F-150 Lightning, like its F Series siblings, employs aluminum body panels. Ford pioneered the use of this material for pickups starting in 2015. The lightweight material is critical to the truck’s performance and range since it offsets the weight of the battery pack.
The Tesla Cybertruck uses cold-rolled stainless steel for its body panels. While heavier than aluminum, the stainless steel doesn’t need to be painted and adds to the unique look of the truck. Tesla touts the ruggedness of its 3 mm thick steel body.
With its conventional crew cab setup, we expect the Ford F-150 to accommodate five passengers. The standard instrumentation includes a 12-inch digital display for the driver and a 12-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen for the infotainment. A 15.5-inch center touchscreen is standard on upper trims, along with such features as 10-way power-adjustable seats, an 8-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, and leather seating surfaces.
The cab on the Tesla Cybertruck features conventional four doors that open up to seating for six. Like all Tesla models, switchgear is non-existent. Instead of a steering wheel, the Cybertruck employs an aircraft-inspired yoke. A 17-inch portrait touchscreen dominates the dash and provides access to all the vehicle systems.
There will be four trim levels initially available on the electric Ford F-150, a basic work truck called the Lightning Pro, a mid-range XLT trim, and two top luxury models in the Lariat and Platinum. Ford will offer a dual-motor configuration with one for each axle, giving all Lightning models all-wheel drive. The motors provide 426 horsepower in base trim with an upgrade producing 563 horses and 775 lb-ft of torque. The standard battery will provide 230 miles of range, while a larger available pack boosts that figure to 300 miles.
There are three different configurations for the Tesla Cybertruck. The base model has a single motor driving the rear axle and offers a range of 250 miles and 0-60 mph acceleration of 6.5 seconds. The all-wheel-drive Dual Motor version is quicker, sprinting to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds or about the same time as the F-150 Lightning in top trim. That model also has a range of 300 miles. The top Cybertruck boasts three electric motors producing an estimated 800 horsepower and 1,000 lb-ft of torque. Tesla said it’s good for a range of 500 miles and a 0-60 mph time of 2.9 seconds.
The Ford F-150 Lightning promises a maximum payload of 2,000 pounds. That is about midway between the ratings of conventional Ford pickups, which range from 1,500 to about 5,000 pounds. In top form, the Lightning will be able to tow up to 10,000 pounds. The Lightning Pro can tow 5,000 pounds or 7,700 pounds with an optional tow package. Similar to the standard F-150, we expect the Lighting to come with a 5.5-foot box. The front trunk or frunk can hold 14.1 cubic feet of cargo.
The Tesla Cybertruck in Tri-Motor form will be able to tow up to 14,000 pounds. Tesla says the maximum payload will be 3,500 pounds. It has a bed length of 6.5 feet and lockable storage front and rear of up to 100 cubic feet.
• Lightning Pro Dual Motor AWD Work Truck: $39,974 (426-hp; 230-mile range)
• Lightning Pro Dual Motor AWD Work Truck: $49,974 (563-hp; 300-mile range)
• XLT Dual Motor AWD XLT: $52,974 ($6,700 premium over a gas XLT 4×4)
• Lariat Dual Motor AWD: Est. $58,630 (using a $6,700 premium over Lariat 4×4)
• Platinum Dual Motor AWD: Est. $69,500 (using a $6,700 premium over Platinum 4×4)
• Top Trim: $90,474 (based on top price given by Ford)
• Eligible for $7,500 Federal Tax Credit
• Single Motor: $39,900
• Dual Motor AWD: $49,900
• Tri-Motor AWD: $69,900
• Not eligible for $7,500
• Federal Tax Credit
The Ford F-150 Lightning will have an impact on how pickup trucks are used. While the payload and towing capabilities are what you’d expect from a pickup, regularly carrying cargo or towing trailers will greatly impact range and performance. As a result, don’t expect an electric F-150 to replace gas or diesel trucks.
However, the advantage of the F-150 as a power source greatly expands its functionality. Ford touts the Lightning as an “Intelligent Backup Power” system, serving as a backup battery. It can provide full-home power for up to three days on a full charge. Also, the 21 external charge points and 11 outlets will make the truck an ideal power source on remote job sites or backwoods camping.
The Tesla Cybertruck offers cargo carrying and towing capabilities that may appeal to traditional truck owners but with a radical, head-turning look. Thanks to its performance, Cybertruck may attract enthusiasts or extreme sports types rather than those looking for practicality. It’s not likely to compete directly with the Ford F-150 Lightning, but it may catch the attention of someone eyeing a Raptor.
Cybertruck’s impact will be more likely on the perception of what a truck can be rather than how they are used. With polarizing design and outrageous performance, the Cybertruck, if it’s successful, may very well challenge other traditional vehicle makers to think out of the box on their future designs.
The outrageous styling of the Tesla Cybertruck and attention generated by Elon Musk are grabbing a lot of headlines. But the Ford F-150 Lightning, which focuses on what it does more than how it looks, is the real news here. In any event, the traditional full-size pickup truck market will never be the same.