It’s Electric! Automakers Bet BIG On EV Pickups
As the best-selling and most popular vehicle segment, it’s no surprise that profitable pickups would serve as automakers’ solution for introducing next-gen vehicle technology and powertrains to the market. Simply put: Americans love their trucks – even if a battery lurks underneath.
Indeed, while fuel-efficient crossovers and mid-size SUVs continue to drive light truck sales, pickup trucks remain a perennial favorite among consumers. Their popularity is good news for automakers, who make most of their revenue and profits from truck sales. The aftermarket tells a similar story, as well. SEMA reports the segment as the largest in the specialty-equipment industry at 31% of retail sales.
With recent legislation catapulting EVs onto the stage, manufacturers will be vying for their products to take top billing. To ensure popularity – and profitability – many automakers are putting their eggs in the electric truck basket.
As they say – what’s good for the goose, is good for the gander.
While many industry professionals eye up electric technology with some trepidation, aftermarket restylers seem particularly keen to enter a new frontier of custom accessories. Good news for them: SEMA predicts 44,000 units will be sold between 2021 -2028 for Rivian R1T, 145,000 units sold for the Tesla Cybertruck between 2022 – 2028, and 63,000 units sold between 2021-2028 for the GMC Hummer Pickup EV.
True, these vehicles have no need for traditional engine modifications, fluids/oils, exhaust upgrades, or transmission mods. And yes, some installations will be noticeably more difficult, thanks to all the space-age cameras, sensors, bells and whistles. But popular add-ons like tonneau covers, replacement bumpers, LED lighting, and step systems are still very relevant – regardless of the truck’s powertrain.
Besides, if there’s one thing the EV market is lacking right now it’s customization – which the aftermarket just happens to keep in full stock.
Keep reading for a round-up of some buzz-worthy electric pickup trucks set to hit dealerships sooner than later. Plus, see how well quality accessories — like side steps, bumpers, and light mounts from aftermarket leader NFAB — transition to these EV models.
Ford
The Blue Oval comes out swinging with two attention-grabbing green energy models for 2022.
2022 F-150 Lightning
Legacy line gains new mobility
With a mid-four-second 0-60 time, respectable 300 miles of range, and a battery capable of powering a full-sized home for three days, this pickup is something special. Familiar styling and a seriously fair price-point don’t hurt either. Indeed, set to start around $40,000, the first-ever all-electric F-Series truck could actually come in under the standard combustion engine model after tax credits.
Those customers who still buy a truck for hard work will be pleasantly surprised to find this vehicle is well-suited for tough jobs. There’s even a prototype in the works purpose-built for commercial customers. Backed by Ford charging systems that simplify EV integration with available 48- and 80-amp chargers, the Ford Lighting “Pro” offers seamless overnight charging with Level 2 AC plus Ford charge management solutions.
Feature Specs
- Drivetrain Layout – Dual eMotor, front/rear transverse mounted, four-wheel drive
- Motors/configuration – Two inboard three-phase fixed magnet AC motors with internal PMAC controller and transaxles
- Battery Type – Lithium-ion pouch with internal battery management, liquid cooled
- Targeted Peak Power (hp/kW) – Standard-Range Battery = 426/318, Extended-Range Battery = 563/420
- Targeted Maximum Payload – Standard-Range Battery = 2,000 lbs. Extended-Range Battery = 1,800 lbs. With max trailer tow package – Standard-Range Battery = 7,700 lbs. Extended-Range Battery = 10,000 lbs.
- Eight-year warranty on electric vehicle unique component. Battery is covered for eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
- 1-cubic-feet of lockable, water-tight storage in front trunk or “frunk”
2022 Ford Maverick
Hybrid travel in an affordable package.
Delivering the first standard full-hybrid pickup in America, the new Ford Maverick also brings back tiny. Technically, this is Ford’s first compact unit since the original Ranger went wayside in 2012. The Maverick is also Ford’s cheapest option in the lineup, coming in at $21,490.
Unveiled in June, the Maverick leverages its more accessible size and sleek modern design to target people who may not usually be interested in the pickup market. (Think: young drivers, eco-conscious folks, and women.) The little hauler uses a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder standard hybrid engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT), and boasts an EPA-estimated 40 miles per gallon city and 500 miles range on a single tank. It offers a standard payload of 1,500 pounds and the volume to carry a standard ATV.
The new bed design, dubbed FLEXBED, is advertised as a “makerspace,” with spots for drivers to add DIY racks for bikes, watersports gear or anything else they can “make.”
Feature Specs
- Drivetrain Layout – Standard front-wheel drive, Optional Intelligent All-Wheel Drive
- Engine Configuration – Standard5-liter FHEV, Optional 2.0L EcoBoost
- Hybrid System Output – 94 kW/173 lb.-ft. battery peak
- EPA-estimated 40 miles per gallon
- 1,500-lb standard payload capacity
- 2,000-lb base towing capacity and available 4,000-lb max towing capacity
- 5-foot bed, multi-position tailgate and smart storage solutions
GMC/Chevrolet
Detroit rival GMC also promises to hit the market with two new EV pickups.
2022 GMC Hummer EV
All the Comfort, Bells and Whistles… With a Price Tag to Match
Historically a gas-guzzler, the 2022 GMC Hummer EV is the first all-electric “supertruck.”
Available in 2022, the pickup will be followed by the SUV version at a later date.
The Hummer EV has several exciting industry-firsts, namely its CrabWalk and Extract Mode functions. CrabWalk is an available setting utilizing Hummer EV’s available 4-Wheel Steer (its rear wheels can turn up to 10 degrees in either direction) to drive diagonally at low speeds, helping it to traverse tight trails. The Extract Mode activates the vehicle’s Adaptive Air Ride Suspension to raise approximately six-inches to surmount tough obstacles, like boulders or water.
Otherwise known as ‘one-pedal driving’, Hummer EV’s Regen On Demand allows the driver to slow the vehicle to a stop without the use of the brake pedal, as the regenerative braking mechanism initiates as soon as the accelerator pedal is released. Plus, Hummer EV’s available UltraVision comes with up to eighteen camera views, including waterproof underbody forward-and-rear-facing cameras for real-time views of the terrain.
All that tech is matched by some impressive performance numbers. Built like beast, this pickup can still rocket 0-60 in approximately three seconds, pushing out a whopping 1,000 hp and 11,500 lb-ft. of torque.
Feature Specs
- Estimated up to 350-plus mile range.
- Available charging up to nearly 100 miles in 10 minutes.
- Infinity Roof with transparent modular sky panels.
- Massive 13.4” center-mounted diagonal color touch screen.
- Specially engineered 35-inch tires.
- Super Cruise driver-assist feature allows hands-free driving for compatible roads.
Chevy Silverado EV
A Contender Arises
Not much is known about the Chevy Silverado EV, except that it’s set to debut at the 2022 Consumer Electronics Show in January in Las Vegas, and will likely go on sale in 2024. However, it’s safe to say the electric pickup will provide competition to the Ford F-150 Lightning, continuing a decades-long competition between America’s top dogs.
The Silverado EV will share a platform and assembly line with the Hummer EV, and some speculate that the two will also share a powertrain. Chevy claims the new wave Silverado will travel more than 400 miles on a full charge and will “turn circles – tight circles – around obstacles” – and the competition.
Feature Specs
- Available segment-leading fixed-glass roof
- Available Four-Wheel Steer, a chassis feature allowing the vehicle to steer all four wheels, enabling that aforementioned tight turn radius.
- All-wheel drive will likely be standard.
Rivian
2022 Rivian R1T
Rivian serves up what many consider to be the most viable electric pickup from an EV startup.
For All Your Outdoor Adventures
With support from both Ford and Amazon, Rivian is the start-up for the cool kids. The company’s new electric pickup is marketed and hyped up as a “purpose-built truck equipped to handle any adventure,” and – frankly – it looks like it could deliver on that promise. That is, if it doesn’t experience any more delays… The pandemic caused a hold up in production, delaying delivery from this summer to an estimated fall delivery.
The truck has more than 68-cubic-feet of storage, including a very innovative Gear Tunnel. This “channel” is designed to handle all the stuff you normally can’t find a secure spot for, like ski boots, trail shoes or wetsuits. Additionally, the side doors have storage compartments inside that can hold up to 300 pounds. An optional Camp Kitchen slides in and out of the Gear Tunnel and can be moved by a single person. Those seeking yet more storage capacity will enjoy knowing that Rivian Cargo Crossbars can fit multiple ports on the roof and are compatible with a broad range of mounts and gear, including a rooftop tent.
Feature Specs
- EPA estimated range of 314 miles
- Battery system tolerates between 130 degrees Fahrenheit to -25 degrees Fahrenheit
- Quad-motor powertrain
- Up to 11,000 pounds towing capacity
- Three-plus-foot wading depth
- 14 inches of ground clearance
- 4G and Wi-Fi data capabilities
- Glass panoramic roof. Open-air removable roof option to be offered in mid-2022.
Tesla
2023 Tesla Cybertruck
Definitely the most Sci-Fi looking of the bunch, Tesla’s entry into the segment has tongues wagging.
A Ride to the Future
With a hard 30X cold-rolled stainless-steel structural skin and armored glass, the Tesla Cybertruck looks like it was plucked straight from a post-apocalyptic world and dropped into ours. But that unique design serves an important purpose. Tesla says the construction helps eliminate dents, damage, and long-term corrosion. Essentially, the smooth monochrome exoskeleton puts the shell on the outside of the car, providing maximum protection.
Additionally, Tesla says the Cybertruck touts a utilitarian design so it can be easily outfitted to each buyers’ individual needs. It has space for a toolbox, tire, and “Cyberquad,” with room to spare. It also offers 100 cubic feet of exterior, lockable storage — including the under-bed, frunk, and sail pillars. The suspension can raise and lower by four inches in either direction for easy access to the Cybertruck or the vault. It also has self-leveling capabilities.
Tri Motor AWD Feature Specs
- EPA estimated range of 500+ miles
- 14,000 pounds + towing capacity
- Autopilot
- Adaptive Air Suspension
- Frunk
- On-board power and compressed air
- 100-cubic-feet of exterior, lockable storage
- Magic Tonneau cover
Future full self-driving option
Bollinger
With bygone styling tempered by new-age innovation, this rectangular beast is hardly a square.
2022 Bollinger B2
Haul it All
Dubbed “the world’s most capable pickup truck,” the 2022 Bollinger B2 electric pickup truck is the big brother of the B1. The electric truck is capable of carrying 16-foot cargo through a patented full-length pass-through, making it a truly unique contender.
The B2 had some design changes from the B1, including raising the beltline or “shoulder” of the truck to allow for more packaging space for the components under the frunk, but also to raise the overall occupant head clearance. Production is slated to start in late 2022.
Feature Specs
- Flip Down Rear Cabin Wall
- Flip up rear window
- Removable glass, doors and roof panels
- Removable windshield
- 614 Horsepower
- 668-foot-pound Torque
- EPA estimated range of 200 miles
- 15-inch ground clearance
- 7,500-pound towing capacity
- Frunk
EV vehicles are buzz-worthy, but SEMA’s report shows an impressive 74% of consumers would prefer a traditional ICE powertrain for their next car. Meanwhile, 16% say they prefer a hybrid electric and only 5% show interest in going full battery electric. Where do you fall on the matter? Let us know in the comments below.
