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6 Most Powerful Electric Pickup Trucks

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07 27, 2022

Suppose your only experience in an electric vehicle is eighteen holes at the local golf course. In that case, you may be wondering how anything powered by an electric motor could ever be viable as a commercial car, much less a full-size pickup truck. Welcome to the new world of electromagnetic engineering, battery chemistry, inverters, converters, and a dozen other EV powertrain components that make up the first wave of pickups that can blow the socks off a Mustang GT and tow nearly double what a RAM 1500 can.

We are entering an age of electrification that offers spectacular capabilities and may redefine what a pickup truck is. Sure, we will still use trucks to haul and tow stuff. Still, EVs can export their electric fuel to other things like power tools, automatic onboard air compressors, microwave stoves (goodbye hot dogs over an open fire, hello Hot Pockets), or even your house during a power outage. But for right now, let's forget about all-wheel steering, crab walking, and packing your own camp kitchen complete with a kitchen sink, and focus on capabilities and specs we are familiar with.

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The Electric Pickup Truck Allstar Lineup

Before we list the "most powerful" electric pickups, let's quickly review the specs of America's most popular gas-powered full-size truck, so we have something to compare to. The 2022 Ford F150 has a towing capability of 8200 lbs. and can haul 1400 lbs of payload. In addition, the new 2023 Raptor R will sport a 5.3L supercharged V8 generating 700 horsepower and 640 lb-ft of torque.

And now for the ion pushers:

6. Tesla Cybertruck

Just based on looks alone the Cybertruck deserves a spot on this list. Besides its futuristic design, it feautres a top-of-the-line AWD tri-motor Tesla Cybertruck packs 800 hp and can tow 14,000 lbs. and haul a ton and a half of cargo. On top of that, it has supercar speed, clocking 0 to 60 in 2.9 seconds. That said, the reason the Cybertruck only makes it to number 6 on this list is due to its max range being only 250 miles which will drop drastically while under tow or ripping up the highway at speed.​​​​​​​

5. Chevrolet EV Silverado RST

At number 5, another game changer destined to redefine what a pickup truck is, the Chevy Silverado RST's 400-mile range, 660 hp. and 780 lb-ft of torque translate to some impressive capabilities. You can tow or trailer up to 10,000 lbs. (20,000 on an upcoming WT model) or haul 2,140 lbs. in the bed. Loaded with tech, the Silverado RST is built on the Ultium platform, GMC's platform for all of its EVs, including the new EV Hummer.​​​​​​​

4. Hercules Alpha

On paper, the Alpha is an impressive truck. With a towing capacity of 12,500 lbs. and a payload of 2,500, coupled with a 300-mile range and a reported 1,000 hp, the Hercules Alpha represents a serious contender, particularly with a target price of $45,000. The company, which was formed in 2018, has not announced a production date but claims it raised $27 million in preorders.​​​​​​​

3. GMC Hummer EV

​​​​​​​With a reported 1,000 hp and 11,500 lb-ft of torque, the Hummer has a surprisingly average ability to tow and haul (7,000 lbs. and 1,000 lbs.). However, with its outstanding off-road features, it can haul it anywhere you want to go. Packed with all kinds of tech goodies and suspension innovations, the three-motor Hummer has a range of 320 miles and a starting price of $108 700. All together this safely places the Hummer EV at number 3.

2. Rivian R1T

A pricey lifestyle truck, the Rivian EV truck does pack impressive numbers with a towing capability of 11,000 lbs and an ability to haul 1,760 lbs. The extended range battery generates 754 hp and 824 lb-ft of torque and gives the R1t a range of 314 miles. A luxurious cabin, a host of clever features, and the fact that it is already in production promise to make Rivian an early star.

1. Ford F150 Lightning

This may be a bit of a surprise for sum, however, the F150 Lighting was designed to not only match its gas-powered counterpart but also improve on it. The Lightning equipped with a long-range battery generates 580 hp, capable of towing 10,000 lbs. and carrying 2,200 lbs. of payload. Thanks to the Lighting's streamlined dual electric motors the front half of the vehicle now becomes a secured storage area allowing for 400 lbs of storage. The most attractive feature of the Lighting is its ability to offload its electrical power in order to power heavy-duty tools and lights, and can even act as an emergency generator for your home. On a full charge, the F150 Lighting can power the average home for three days in the event of an outage.The Ford Lightning confirms that electric trucks can not only contend with gas-powered vehicles but even surpass them making it easily the most powerful electric pickup truck of the year.​​​​​​​




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Keep in mind that only three of these trucks, Rivian, Hummer, and the Ford F150, are actually performing on the streets and trails. The rest are estimating their power based on testing and prototype operations. Also, these are the first of their kind and as battery technologies progress, you can bet there will be bigger, badder, EVs in the not too distant future.
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