Sometimes strange is just strange.
Tesla’s Cybertruck will ultimately be delivered to inaugural customers on November 30 at a ceremony in Austin, TX, according to the firm. The controversial battery-electric pickup truck announced in 2019 has been plagued by production delays, and many crucial elements about it, including the pricing, range, drivetrain, performance, and features, remain unknown. Furthermore, the Cybertruck’s design is quite divisive.
Regardless, the Cybertruck has received over 250,000 pre-orders, indicating that interest is high. As a happy, two-time Tesla owner, I have no doubt that the Cybertruck will provide amazing range, impressive performance, and superior technology, not to mention access to the Supercharger network. However, I’ve driven a variety of other EVs, including two pickup trucks, the Ford F-150 Lightning and the Rivian R1T.
And I’m here to tell you that, for the time being, Ford and Rivian’s offers are superior to the Cybertruck. This is why.
Tesla’s Cybertruck remains a mystery.
The design of the Cybertruck is undeniably divisive. You either like it or despise it. But, if you can see past this EV’s divisive style, two issues arise: will the Cybertruck be a decent Tesla and a good pickup truck? It’s difficult to answer because the Cybertruck is still a big unknown right now. Some features, like as Autopilot/FSD and access to the Supercharger network, are standard, but what about the rest?
So far, here’s what we know. The Cybertruck has unpainted stainless steel body panels, no door handles, and one huge windshield wiper. It also has a frunk (front trunk) that appears to be smaller than Ford’s but maybe comparable to Rivian’s. A movable tonneau cover protects the 100 cubic foot (2800 liter) bed, which contains a weather-tight compartment underneath, electrical outlets, and an air compressor.
Additional characteristics include gigacastings for the front and/or back structure of the EV, fully independent air suspension, and four-wheel steering. The drivetrain is planned to begin with dual- and tri-motor AWD models, with a more inexpensive single-motor RWD setup to follow later. The battery capacity is unknown, but when the Cybertruck was introduced in 2019, Tesla was aiming for a 402.33 to 804.67-km EPA range.
While performance estimates (0-60km/h in 2.9 to 6.5 seconds, depending on model) were provided at the 2019 launch, the true numbers are still unknown. The interior of the Cybertruck appears to be a scaled-up version of the recently redesigned Model 3, but with a larger, 17-inch central touchscreen. It has a standard steering wheel (rather than a yoke), but no turn signal or gear selector stalks.
The payload capacity is planned to be 3,500 pounds (1,600 kilograms), while the towing capability will be between 7,500 and 14,000 pounds (3.4 and 6.4 tons). Pricing is unknown because the economy has changed significantly since Tesla declared a $39,900 beginning price for the single-motor RWD version in 2019. Availability will most likely be limited at first, especially since Cybertruck production will not begin until 2024.
The Ford F-150 Lightning is the company’s greatest F-150.
Consider the following: Ford’s F-150 Lightning is just as speedy as the Raptor R (0-60mph in 3.7 seconds). Because of the independent rear suspension, it rides and handles better than any other F-150. Then there’s the enormous 14 cubic foot (396 liter) frunk that replaces the gas engine in the Lightning. It even has a handy drain plug and four 120V, 20A plugs, making it ideal for tailgating, or is that “headgating”?
These 120V plugs in the trunk supplement what the F-150 Hybrid already has, which includes one 240V, 30A outlet and two sets of 120V, 20A twin sockets in the bed, as well as a handful of 120V, 20A outlets in the cab. In total, the Lightning has 9.6kW of power on board, which is enough to power your home for up to three days in the event of a power loss. Ford even has a bi-directional home charger available for this reason.
In terms of charging, the F-150 Lightning has an EPA range of 230 to 350 miles (depending on battery arrangement) and will support Tesla’s Supercharger network in 2024, as well as a NACS (North American Charging Standard) connector in 2025. Depending on the type, payload capacity ranges from 1,800 to 2,000 lbs (816 to 907kg) and towing capability ranges from 7,000 to 10,000 lbs (3.5 to 4.5 tons).
In general, the F-150 Lightning and its ICE (internal combustion engine) equivalent are nearly identical. It has the same SuperCrew (4-door) cab and 5.5-foot bed as the majority of popular gas / hybrid variants. This also implies that the trim levels are the same, as is the external and interior design, with the same recognizable layout and controls. As a result, most F-150 accessories will fit the Lightning right away.
Aside from the obvious EV benefits of improved performance, ride, and handling, as well as the large trunk and extensive on-board power features, familiarity and compatibility are what truly distinguishes Ford’s F-150 Lightning from other battery electric pickup trucks. The Lightning is an EV that looks and operates similarly to a standard F-150 and accepts a wide range of existing accessories.
Aside from apparent EV benefits like improved performance, ride, and handling – not to mention the large trunk and extensive on-board power features – familiarity and compatibility are what really set Ford’s F-150 Lightning apart from rival battery electric pickup trucks. The Lightning is an electric vehicle that looks and operates similarly to a conventional F-150 and accepts a large range of existing accessories.
In addition, Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free Level 2+ ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) and the volume knob-equipped 15.5-inch portrait infotainment display from Ford’s Mustang Mach-E are standard. Pricing for the Lightning ranges from $59,090 to $100,090, depending on trim level, and all models are dual-motor AWD. Just keep an eye out for dealer markups.
Rivian’s R1T is the EV equivalent of a Swiss army knife.
So you want a pickup truck with the performance of a Porsche, the off-road capabilities of a Jeep, the comfort of a Mercedes, and the technology of a Tesla? Take a look at Rivian’s R1T. It does everything and does it exceptionally well. It’s essentially the Swiss army knife of EVs. The performance (0-60mph in 3.0s) and ride and handling are very remarkable, thanks to a fully independent air suspension and adjustable dampers.
The R1T has up to 14.9 inches of ground clearance, which, when paired with a 4.5-foot bed, a payload capacity of 1,760lbs (798kg), and a towing capacity of 11,000lbs (4990kg), results in a versatile pickup truck that’s 15 inches shorter than Ford’s F-150 Lightning. While the smaller R1T is simpler to drive and park in cities, it doesn’t skimp on interior space or load capacity.
In addition to the bed, which is protected by an optional rolling tonneau cover and has a weather-tight compartment underneath, as well as twin 120V power outlets and an air compressor, the R1T has an 11 cubic-foot (311 liter) frunk under the hood and an 11.6 cubic-foot (328 liter) “gear tunnel” behind the rear seats. It’s accessed via drop-down panels on either side of the bed, placed between the rear doors and rear wheels.
The R1T appears futuristic in design, but it is unmistakably a pickup truck. Aside from the incredible performance and acceleration provided by dual-motor and quad-motor AWD choices, it drives remarkably well both on and off-road. While Ford’s F-150 Lightning has the lethargic truck-like steering that pick-up drivers are accustomed to, the R1T’s steering is shockingly precise and tactile – more like to that of a sports car.
The interior of the R1T is sleek, comfy, and full of clever touches. It includes a flashlight hidden in the driver’s side door as well as a removable Bluetooth speaker that fits into the center console. The build quality and materials are excellent, and the R1T includes plenty of user-friendly technology, such as an infotainment system with a 15.6-inch landscape touchscreen driven by Unreal Engine and Level 2+ ADAS.
In terms of charging, the R1T has an EPA range of 270 to 410 miles (depending on battery size) and will have access to Tesla Superchargers in 2024, as well as a NACS connector in 2025. The R1T, like Tesla’s automobiles, is a software-defined vehicle that can be fully upgraded over the air and is marketed direct-to-consumer, eliminating the need for dealer markups. Depending on the model, prices range from $73,000 to $89,000.
My key takeaway
The Cybertruck is on its way, and while we’ll learn more on November 30, availability will most likely be limited at first, especially given production won’t begin until 2024. So, assuming you aren’t horrified by Tesla’s newest EV in the first place, you’re unlikely to accept delivery anytime soon. The good news is that you don’t have to wait to get into the world of battery-electric pickup trucks: better options are available right now.
Ford’s F-150 Lightning and Rivian’s R1T are both excellent choices. I didn’t include the Hummer EV in this tale because it’s impractical and pricey for most people. But if that’s what you’re looking for, go ahead and do it. While other battery electric pickup trucks, such as the Chevy Silverado EV and RAM 1500 EV, are on the road, neither will be available anytime soon.
The Lightning is essentially a Ford F-150 that has been converted into an electric vehicle. Aside from the reduced towing range, it’s the closest thing to a standard ICE pickup truck. Meanwhile, Rivian’s R1T is an adventure-focused EV that also happens to be a pickup truck. Both have advantages and disadvantages, but they are both excellent battery electric pickup trucks.
