Help choosing between EV Pickup trucks.

AmarOG

I am currently trying to choose an EV pickup to tow a 8,000 lbs catamaran boat. I have been looking between the Cybertruck, the Rivian R1-T, the Hummer EV, and the Ford F-150 Lightning.

I have been searching for standardized data and information on these vehicles but cannot for the life of me seem to find full spec sheets with things like full EPA estimated ranges, battery sizes kWh, DC charging max kW, etc.

I was just wondering if any of you folks have any ideas or suggestions on how I can find this information or otherwise make an informed decision.

JustinS

Hey @AmarOG! We have a few resources that could help here.

Here's a comparison between the GMC Hummer, Ford F-150 Lightning, and Rivian R1T. We don't have the Cybertruck fully built out to bring it into the comparison tool.

https://www.edmunds.com/car-comparisons/?veh1=401990478&veh2=401986137&veh3=401954474

Here's where you can read about the Cybertruck: https://www.edmunds.com/tesla/cybertruck/

And here's a video comparison on three of the four trucks you mentioned!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tk7T1rvT6rI

xwesx

Likewise, The FastLane Truck has comparison and performance tests on all of these pickups, including specifications, etc. Their standard test is driving them on the "Ike Gauntlet," which is pretty much the ultimate real-world test for any working vehicle. There is also a series (YouTube) available where the owners of an F150 Lightning document their experience with driving the electric truck on a significant trip across the US (while towing).

I'd say the general takeaway is that theses trucks are all pretty great at towing big/heavy loads, but not if you need to travel far since range is diminished to around 100 miles on a full charge (and these things have HUGE batteries!).

xwesx

JustinS said:

Here's a comparison between the GMC Hummer, Ford F-150 Lightning, and Rivian R1T. We don't have the Cybertruck fully built out to bring it into the comparison tool.

https://www.edmunds.com/car-comparisons/?veh1=401990478&veh2=401986137&veh3=401954474

Hah! Look at that mind-boggling curb weight on the Hummer!

stickguy

What Wes said agrees with what I have taken away from watching a lot of videos. For the most part, they are actually very good at towing. The range is just diminished (how much depends on load, drag, speed).

IOW, just like a gas truck, which also get significantly worse MPG when towing. The only difference it having to recharge instead of gas up. The reviewers that get all worked up about decreased range ignore the fact that it is a towing issue, not an EV issue!

So IMO a big factor is how far you need to tow. If you are taking your boat 10 miles from home to the lake and back, an EV will likely be a very good choice. If you are planning to do long distance highway, not so much.