The Rivian R1T and Ford F-150 Lightning are two heavyweights in the electric vehicle (EV) truck market. But what makes these electric trucks different from each other? We spent a day with real owners, Brian and Les, diving deep into the unique features and real-world experiences of these top EV trucks to uncover what makes each one stand out. From adventure to practicality, here’s what we found.
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Rivian R1T: The Adventurer’s Dream
Brian, a seasoned fan of Rivian electric trucks, shared his insights on the R1T, describing it as the “Jack of all trades vehicle.” The Rivian R1T is eye-catching and built for adventure. “For me, the Rivian brand just speaks to adventure,” Brian explained. The Rivian R1T excels in off-road conditions, tackling mud, ice, and snow with ease, making it perfect for those who love exploring the great outdoors. The Rivian R1T range of 258 miles, combined with its Dual-Motor AWD drive system, performs exceptionally well in mountainous terrains like those in Colorado.
The Rivian R1T features impressive specs. Starting at $69,990, it delivers 533 horsepower and 610 lb-ft of torque. It can tow up to 7,700 lbs and has a payload capacity of 1,984 lbs. With seating for five and a charging time from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes, this electric truck is both powerful and convenient. As of January 1, 2024, buyers of the Rivian R1T can receive a $3,750 federal tax credit at the point of sale at participating dealerships.
One of the most impressive aspects of the Rivian electric truck is its variety of hidden features. Brian revealed, “There’s a compartment right here under the bed… you can throw ice in there, have a little tailgate party.” The truck bed is spacious and highly functional, equipped with mounting points, an integrated power supply, and even an onboard air compressor—ideal for inflating paddleboards or handling flat tires on the go.
The Rivian R1T combines utility with luxury inside. It features a gear tunnel unique to its design, providing plenty of storage space. Additionally, the cabin is designed to be quiet and spacious, improving comfort. Brian highlighted, “Every time they do a software update… you feel like you’re kind of getting into a new car experience almost.” The interior is loaded with high-end features such as a 12.3-inch driver display screen, a 15.6-inch infotainment screen, and a 6.8-inch rear screen. Other amenities include heated and ventilated front seats with memory settings, a panoramic glass roof, and a wireless charging system for up to two phones.
Safety and driver assistance features are excellent, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and a 360-degree view camera system. The Rivian R1T is designed to provide a seamless and secure driving experience, with various drive modes like All-Purpose, All-Terrain, and Snow, making it adaptable to different driving conditions.
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Ford F-150 Lightning: The Versatile Workhorse
Les, a long-time truck enthusiast, opted for the Ford electric truck, the F-150 Lightning, for its blend of family-friendly features and commercial capabilities. “You’ve got the advantages of a pickup truck, obviously, but it’s also a family car simply by the room that Ford gives you in the Lightning,” he said. This electric pickup truck is designed to be a true multi-purpose vehicle, offering a smooth and quiet ride perfect for long family drives.
The Ford F-150 Lightning starts at $62,995 and offers a range of 240 miles. It features a Dual-Motor AWD system with 452 horsepower and a massive 776 lb-ft of torque. The truck can tow up to 5,000 lbs and has a payload capacity of 2,000 lbs. Charging from 15% to 80% takes about 36 minutes, making it a practical choice for both everyday use and long road trips. The 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning Pro, XLT, Flash, and Lariat base models may be eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit under the IRA, but not all customers qualify.
A key feature of the Ford electric truck is its Pro Power Onboard system. “You have a 220 volt, 7 kW plug—you can charge other vehicles,” Les noted. This Vehicle-to-Load (V2L)capability is invaluable in emergencies, such as during hurricanes, where the truck can power essential household appliances. Additionally, the Ford F-150 Lightning’s Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology further extends its utility, allowing it to provide power to a wide range of devices and even other electric vehicles. The Lightning also comes equipped with multiple power outlets, making it a reliable partner for camping trips and construction sites.
The interior of the Ford F-150 Lightning is equally impressive, with plenty of storage options and a user-friendly layout. Les appreciated the comfort and spaciousness, saying, “You get the advantage of a pickup truck for off-road or even commercial use, and it’s a great family car to travel anywhere you want to travel.” Standard features include a 12-inch digital productivity screen, dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control, and a 360-degree camera. Optional features like the B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen and the Ford BlueCruise 1.2 enhance the driving experience.
Safety and convenience are at the forefront with features like Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane-Keeping System, and a rearview camera. The truck also includes advanced towing features such as Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Trailer Reverse Guidance, making it a versatile option for various needs.
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Living with an Electric Truck
Both Brian and Les shared their experiences with charging their electric trucks, highlighting the convenience and cost-effectiveness. Brian mentioned, “The charging experience has been really nice and easy for us. We have been able to charge at home for most things.” Les highlighted the affordability: “Between two EVs at home, we spend about $30 a month in electricity to charge both vehicles.”
Range anxiety, a common concern for potential EV buyers, was addressed by both owners. Brian pointed out the growing availability of trickle chargers in various locations, making it easier to keep the vehicle charged during long trips. Les discussed the regenerative braking system, which significantly extends the Ford F-150 Lightning range, especially in hilly terrains.
Rivian R1T vs. Ford F-150 Lightning Specs
| Feature | Rivian R1T | Ford F-150 Lightning |
| Starting Price | $69,990 | $62,995 |
| EPA Estimated Range | 270-420 miles | 240-320 miles |
| Drive System | Dual-Motor AWD | Dual-Motor AWD |
| Horsepower | 533-1,025 hp | 452-580 hp |
| Torque | 610-1,198 lb-ft | 775 lb-ft |
| Towing Capacity | 7,700-11,000 lbs | 5,000-7,700 lbs |
| Payload Capacity | 1,764 lbs | 2,000 lbs |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Charging Time (10%-80%) | 30 mins | 36 mins (15%-80%) |
| Drive Modes | All-Purpose, All-Terrain, Snow | Normal, Sport, Tow/Haul, Off-road |
| Suspension | Independent air suspension with 4 ride heights | Independent Front and Rear Suspension |
| Exterior Lighting | LED front light bar, LED headlights, LED brake and taillights, LED ambient lighting, LED rear lightbar, LED entry lights, Rear fog lights | LED Projector Headlamps, Dynamic Bending, LED Mirror-Mounted Spotlights, Signature Front Lighting, Daytime Running Lamps, Cargo Lamp |
| Storage Features | Gear Tunnel storage, Underbed storage, Lockable full-sized spare tire storage | Mega Power Frunk, Spare Tire Carrier – Rear Underframe, Under Seat Storage |
| Power Features | Integrated power supply, Onboard air compressor, Power folding side mirrors, Heated auto-dimming side mirrors | Pro Power Onboard – 2.4kW (Optional 9.6kW), Multiple power outlets, Remote Keyless Entry System, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, Pro Trailer Hitch Assist |
| Interior Screens | 12.3″ driver display, 15.6″ infotainment screen, 6.8″ rear screen | 12″ digital productivity screen, SYNC® 4 with Enhanced Voice Recognition with 12″ Touchscreen |
| Navigation & Connectivity | Rivian navigation, Voice assistance, Hands-free Bluetooth® interface | FordPass™ Connect with 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot, Connected Navigation |
| Seating Comfort | Heated and ventilated front seats with memory settings, Dual-zone automatic climate control, Panoramic glass roof, Heated steering wheel | Seats – Front, Heated, Power-Adjustable Pedals, Rearview Mirror, Auto-Dimming |
| Safety and Driver Assistance | Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitoring, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Warning, 360 View | Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane-Keeping System, Rearview Camera, AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ (RSC®), Curve Control, SOS Post-Crash Alert System™, Adaptive Cruise Control, Ford BlueCruise 1.2 (Optional 3-year plan) |
Final Thoughts
Both the Rivian R1T and Ford F-150 Lightning cater to different preferences and lifestyles. If you’re an adventurer who loves off-roading, the Rivian R1T is designed for you. On the other hand, if you need a versatile truck that works well for both family and commercial use, the Ford F-150 Lightning is a great choice. Each of these electric pickup trucks is ready to meet your specific needs.
For those still deciding which electric truck aligns with their lifestyle, owner testimonials offer valuable insights into how these vehicles perform in real scenarios. To make your decision even easier, head over to CarsDirect to check out the latest deals and see which truck best suits your budget. You can also visit your local dealership or attend an upcoming Electrify Expo event for a test drive.
Rivian R1T and Ford F-150 Lightning Electric Pickup Truck Photos
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