- The Chevrolet Silverado EV electric truck starts at $96,495 with up to 440 miles of range, while the more affordable Ford F-150 Lightning starts at $62,995 with 240-300 miles.
- Electric trucks like the GMC Hummer EV and Silverado EV can add 100 miles in just 10 minutes at a fast charger.
- Manufacturers are shifting from sustainability messaging to practical benefits like performance, cost savings, and driving experience to compete with gas vehicles.
The electric truck market in 2024 is a mix of excitement and doubt. Sure, zero emissions and a quiet ride sound great, but you’re probably not considering an electric truck just to save the planet. You want to know if these pricey EVs can hold their own when it comes to performance, cost savings, and everyday use.
That’s the real question: can electric trucks compete with their gas-powered counterparts on practical benefits? And what about the “fun factor” of driving? Are these EVs really worth their steep price tags, or are they just flashy tech toys?
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Electric Truck Features and Prices
| Year | Make | Model | Starting Price | Fully-Optioned Price | Range |
| 2024 | Ford | F-150 Lightning | $62,995 | $84,995 | 240 – 300 miles |
| 2025 | Rivian | R1T | $69,900 | $89,500 | 258 – 380 miles |
| 2024 | GMC | Hummer EV Pickup | $98,845 | $140,300 | 314 – 381 miles |
| 2024 | Tesla | Cybertruck | $80,240 | $119,990 | 250-340 miles |
| 2024 | Chevrolet | Silverado EV First Edition RST | $96,495 | N/A | up to 440 miles |
| 2024 | GMC | Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 | $99,495 | N/A | up to 440 miles |
| 2025 | RAM | 1500 REV | N/A | N/A | 350-500 miles |
High Costs or Smart Savings?
Take the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV First-Edition RST, starting at a staggering $96,495. It offers up to 440 miles of range, which sounds impressive, but the sticker shock is real. Even the entry-level 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning starts at $62,995 with a range of up to 300 miles. While the initial investment is high, there’s potential for savings through lower fuel costs and reduced maintenance.
However, those savings might not make up for the upfront cost in a realistic timeframe, especially when you factor in high electricity prices or potential home EV charger installations.
For those who don’t want to take a financial hit right out of the gate, Ford is offering a $335/month lease on the F-150 Lightning 4×4 Crew XLT 4P with the Standard Range Battery for 36 months, with $6,344 due at signing. If leasing isn’t your thing, they’re also promoting a 0% APR for 60 months through Ford Credit Financing—perfect if you’re looking to own without the burden of high interest.
Chevy isn’t slacking on deals either, offering 0% APR financing for the Silverado EV to well-qualified buyers, with no monthly payments for the first 90 days when you finance through GM Financial. This could ease the sting of that nearly $100,000 price tag, giving you some breathing room to settle into the cost of ownership.
EV Trucks Target Niche Buyers with Exclusive Deals
The GMC Hummer EV Pickup and Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 push even higher with starting prices of $98,845 and $99,495, respectively. With specs like 314-440 miles of range, these trucks are undeniably impressive. But these electric pickup trucks aren’t your average work trucks. They’re targeting a niche market—people who want a rugged, all-electric statement piece rather than a practical utility vehicle.
The GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 offers a lease deal of $1,099/month for 36 months with $4,619 due at signing. For those considering a purchase, there’s also a finance option of 2.9% APR for 72 months for well-qualified buyers. The Hummer EV Pickup e4WD 2X offers a more budget-friendly lease at $849/month for 36 months with $4,730 due at signing, but still, it’s far from a bargain.
For buyers looking at the RAM 1500 REV, the promise of up to 500 miles of range sounds incredible, but with availability pushed to late 2024 and perhaps early 2025, it’s all about waiting. The Rivian R1T, with prices starting at $69,900, offers a range of 258 to 380 miles. Its unique quad-motor setup provides exceptional off-road capabilities, but again, how many buyers are willing to pay that premium for a truck they might never take off the pavement?
Rivian is also offering an attractive lease option of $559/month for 36 months, with $7,454 due at signing. This includes a hefty $6,000 capitalized cost reduction, making the initial out-of-pocket a bit less daunting.
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Electric Truck Fast Charging Capabilities
Charging an electric truck can be quicker than you think, even when real-world conditions come into play. The Silverado EV, for instance, can add an impressive 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes at a DC fast charger under optimal conditions. Even though colder weather can extend charging times, having the ability to quickly top up is still a huge convenience. The F-150 Lightning is equally impressive, adding around 200 miles in about 40 minutes—perfect for those longer road trips. And yes, towing might reduce range, but that’s just part of the versatility of these trucks.
The Tesla Cybertruck, with a price range of $80,240 to $119,990 depending on the model, is a real contender. It can recover up to 136 miles in just 15 minutes. However, recent developments indicate that Tesla has paused orders for the cheaper variants amid dropping demand for Foundation Series All-Wheel Drive and Cyberbeast models. While we’re all eager to see how the Cybertruck continues to performs in the real world, it’s clear that Tesla enthusiasts still have plenty to be excited about. And if you’re curious, you can test drive one at Electrify Expo to experience this EV truck firsthand.
High Costs, Cool Factor, and Leasing Options to Consider
Here’s the bottom line: If you’re someone who loves being at the forefront of technology and have the budget for it, these electric trucks could be right up your alley. They deliver on performance, style, and that undeniable cool factor. But for most drivers? The high price tags and some real-world usability issues might make sticking with a traditional gas truck—or a more practical EV—a smarter move.
Instead of getting caught up in sustainability buzzwords or tax incentives, think about what really matters: Does this truck fit into your lifestyle? Can it handle your daily commute, your work needs, and those weekend road trips without making you worry about range or charging times?
For those not ready to commit fully to EV ownership, the lease offers can be an attractive middle ground. With options like the Ford F-150 Lightning, the most affordable and cheapest electric truck on the market—starting at $335/month, or the Rivian R1T at $559/month, you get to experience the benefits of driving electric without the long-term commitment.
But remember, lease deals often come with mileage limits and extra fees for wear and tear, so weigh these factors carefully. And if you’re worried about interest rates, those 0% APR finance deals from Ford and Chevy can help you own your EV with minimal financing costs—just make sure you qualify.
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IMAGES: ELECTRIFY EXPO
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