Electric Rodeo
Electrified vehicles have evolved from the purview of Earth First tree-huggers to the surest way to break into the 2s in the 0–60 dash. With electric propulsion’s image going from wuss to wunderkind, suddenly it’s no longer absurd to imagine a strong, capable electric pickup truck. Have you seen the video of the electric F-150 prototype pulling a 625-ton train? Now there’s a rush on to introduce an electric pickup for every purse and purpose.
Rivian made a splash with its sleek four-motor truck and SUV at the 2018 L.A. Auto Show. A year later Tesla made an even bigger splash with its wacky stainless steel, “bulletproof,” rolling-wedge Cybertruck. In the meantime, GM and Ford have announced full-size e-pickups of their own, and Bollinger is readying an electric heavy-duty pickup and SUV.
The relative ease with which an electric powertrain can be developed has other relatively unknown players threatening to drop an oar in these new e-truck waters. Here’s what we know about every electric pickup that may be coming, listed in chronological order of their expected introductions. Note that some figures are manufacturer estimates, some are our own, and some healthy skepticism is required, especially when it comes to towing and payload, where high curb weights inherent to large vehicles with large batteries will cut into capability.
Rivian R1T Late 2020
Price $69,000 (high-content launch model, 105-kW-hr battery, before applicable tax credits)
Powertrain Layout 4 inboard motors; 402–750 hp/413–829 lb-ft comb; 1-speed auto gearboxes; 105-, 135-, or 180-kW-hr battery pack
Configuration 4-door/5-pass/4.5-ft bed
L x W x H; Wheelbase 217.1 x 79.3 x 71.4 in; 135.8 in Performance 0–60: 3.0–4.0 sec; 230-, 300-, or 400-mile EPA range*
Towing/Payload Capacity11,000/1,760 lb*
Unique Selling 12.4-cubic-foot “gear tunnel” stowage compartment offering pull-out kitchen and other accessories, “tank-turn” maneuverability on dirt, removable speakers and flashlight, three-position Swing-and-Drop (90- or 180-degree) tailgate *estimated
