What electric trucks are on the market right now
The electric truck market in 2024 includes several models at different price points and stages of production. The Ford F-150 Lightning is in full production and available for purchase, with a starting price around $55,000 for the standard range model. The Chevrolet Silverado EV began customer deliveries in 2024 and starts near $85,000. The GMC Sierra Denali Edition 1 (the electric version) launched alongside the Silverado EV with similar pricing.
The Rivian R1T, a purpose-built electric truck, has been in production since 2021 and starts around $71,000 for the base model. Tesla Cybertruck began limited deliveries in late 2023 and continued into 2024, with pricing starting around $60,000 for the base model, though actual delivery timelines and final pricing have shifted. The Hyundai Ioniq 5N is not a truck but a crossover; the company has announced plans for an electric truck but it is not yet available in the U.S. market.
Several other manufacturers have announced electric trucks for future release — including Ram, Volkswagen, and others — but these are not yet available for purchase in 2024. Availability varies by region and dealer, and some models have long wait lists or limited production capacity.
Key Takeaways
- Four electric trucks are currently available for purchase in 2024: the Ford F-150 Lightning, Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC Sierra Denali Edition 1, and Rivian R1T, with prices ranging from roughly $55,000 to $85,000 depending on the model and trim.
- The Ford F-150 Lightning has the widest availability and shortest wait times because it has been in production the longest, while newer models like the Silverado EV have more limited dealer inventory.
- Electric trucks typically offer 200 to 400 miles of range per charge depending on the model and battery size, which is sufficient for daily use but requires planning for longer trips.
- Charging at home requires a Level 2 charger (240-volt), which takes 8 to 12 hours for a full charge; public fast chargers can add 200 miles in 20 to 30 minutes but are not yet as widespread as gas stations.
- Federal tax credits up to $7,500 may reduce the purchase price if you meet income and vehicle assembly requirements, though the final price depends on your specific situation and the truck model.
Range, battery size, and real-world driving distance
Electric truck range varies significantly by model and battery configuration. The Ford F-150 Lightning offers two battery options: the standard range provides approximately 240 miles of EPA-estimated range, while the extended range model delivers around 320 miles. The Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra Denali Edition 1 both claim over 400 miles of range on their largest battery packs. The Rivian R1T offers multiple battery options, with the largest providing around 400 miles of range.
Real-world range depends on driving conditions, weather, and how you use the truck's features. Cold weather reduces range by 20 to 40 percent. Towing a trailer or carrying a heavy load also reduces range — typically by 20 to 50 percent depending on the weight and aerodynamics. Highway driving at higher speeds uses more energy than city driving. Most owners find that their actual range is 10 to 20 percent lower than the EPA estimate under normal conditions.
For daily commuting and local work, most electric trucks offer enough range to complete a full day without charging. For longer trips or frequent towing, you need to plan charging stops or consider whether an electric truck fits your actual usage pattern.
Charging options: home, workplace, and public networks
Home charging is the most convenient option for truck owners who have a garage or driveway. A standard 120-volt outlet (the kind in most homes) charges very slowly — adding only 2 to 3 miles of range per hour. A Level 2 charger (240-volt) is much faster and is what most owners install. A Level 2 charger adds 25 to 30 miles of range per hour, meaning a full charge from empty takes 8 to 12 hours depending on the truck's battery size. Installation costs vary from $500 to $2,500 depending on your home's electrical setup and local labor rates.
Workplace charging is available at some employers and is often free or low-cost. If your workplace has a Level 2 charger, you can add significant range during an 8-hour workday. Some workplaces offer DC fast charging, which is much quicker but less common in non-urban areas.
Public charging networks include Tesla Superchargers (which Ford and GM trucks can now access with an adapter), Electrify America, EVgo, and ChargePoint. DC fast chargers can add 200 miles of range in 20 to 30 minutes, though charging speed slows as the battery approaches full capacity. Public charging networks are denser in urban and suburban areas and sparser in rural regions. Costs vary by network and location, typically ranging from $10 to $25 for a fast-charge session.
Towing capacity and payload compared to gas trucks
Electric trucks can tow, but their towing capacity is generally lower than comparable gas-powered trucks, and towing significantly reduces range. The Ford F-150 Lightning can tow up to 14,000 pounds, which is less than the gas F-150's 14,000 to 15,000 pounds depending on configuration. The Chevrolet Silverado EV is rated for 10,000 pounds of towing. The Rivian R1T can tow up to 11,000 pounds. These numbers are respectable for many users but fall short of heavy-duty gas trucks.
Payload capacity (the weight you can carry in the truck bed) is also affected by the battery's weight. The F-150 Lightning has a payload capacity around 1,800 pounds, which is lower than a comparable gas F-150. The Silverado EV offers similar payload figures. For light to moderate work — hauling tools, materials, or recreational equipment — this is usually sufficient. For heavy construction or commercial use, a gas truck may be more practical.
Towing with an electric truck reduces range significantly. Expect 30 to 50 percent less range when towing a loaded trailer, depending on the trailer's weight and aerodynamics. If you tow frequently or over long distances, you need to factor in additional charging stops.
Cost of ownership: fuel, maintenance, and insurance
Electricity is cheaper than gasoline on a per-mile basis. Charging an electric truck at home costs roughly $0.03 to $0.05 per mile, depending on your local electricity rates. Gasoline trucks typically cost $0.08 to $0.12 per mile. Over 100,000 miles, this difference adds up to thousands of dollars in fuel savings. Public fast charging is more expensive than home charging but still often cheaper than gasoline.
Maintenance costs are lower for electric trucks because they have no oil changes, spark plugs, transmission fluid, or timing belts. Brake wear is also reduced because electric trucks use regenerative braking, which captures energy when slowing down. Tire wear is similar to gas trucks. Battery degradation is gradual — most manufacturers warranty batteries for 8 to 10 years or 100,000 to 150,000 miles, and real-world data shows batteries retain 85 to 95 percent of their capacity after 10 years of normal use.
Insurance costs for electric trucks are comparable to or slightly higher than gas trucks of the same price, depending on the insurer and your location. Some insurers offer discounts for electric vehicles, while others charge more due to higher repair costs for specialized components. Get quotes from multiple insurers before purchasing.
Federal tax credits and state incentives
The federal tax credit for electric vehicles is up to $7,500 for new trucks, but may be able to access depends on several factors. The truck must be assembled in North America. The buyer's income must be below certain thresholds: $300,000 for joint filers, $150,000 for single filers. The vehicle's final assembly price must not exceed $80,000 for a truck. Battery component and mineral requirements also explore, and these thresholds tighten each year.
The Ford F-150 Lightning and Chevrolet Silverado EV both meet the assembly and price requirements for most configurations, making them may be able to access for the full $7,500 credit for most buyers. The Rivian R1T may exceed the price cap on some trims. The Tesla Cybertruck does not currently meet the price cap for the base model, though this may change.
Some states offer additional incentives, including state tax credits, rebates, or HOV lane access. California, New York, and Colorado have their own programs. Check your state's energy office or environmental agency website for current programs in your area. Incentives change frequently, so verify current details before making a purchase decision.
Practical considerations: where you live and how you drive
Electric trucks work best for owners who have reliable home charging, drive primarily within the truck's range on most days, and live in areas with developing public charging infrastructure. If you have a garage or driveway and a 240-volt outlet, you can charge overnight and start each day with a full battery. If you rent or live in an apartment without dedicated parking, home charging is not practical, and you would rely on public networks.
Rural areas with sparse public charging networks present challenges for long-distance travel. Urban and suburban owners with access to workplace charging and public networks have more flexibility. If you frequently take trips longer than the truck's range, you need to plan charging stops or consider a gas truck.
Weather also matters. Cold climates reduce range significantly, and snow can make charging access difficult. Hot climates are generally better for electric vehicle range, though extreme heat can also reduce efficiency slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tow a trailer with an electric truck?
Yes, but with limitations. Electric trucks can tow 10,000 to 14,000 pounds depending on the model, which is less than many gas trucks. Towing reduces range by 30 to 50 percent, so you need to plan charging stops for longer trips. If you tow frequently or over long distances, a gas truck may be more practical.
How long does it take to charge an electric truck at home?
A Level 2 charger (240-volt) takes 8 to 12 hours for a full charge depending on the truck's battery size. A standard 120-volt outlet takes 24 to 48 hours. Most owners charge overnight and start the day with a full battery, which is sufficient for daily driving.
What happens to the battery after 10 years?
Batteries degrade gradually. Most electric truck batteries retain 85 to 95 percent of their capacity after 10 years of normal use. Manufacturers warranty batteries for 8 to 10 years or 100,000 to 150,000 miles. Replacement batteries are expensive (typically $5,000 to $15,000), but most owners do not need replacement within the truck's useful life.
Do I need a special electrical permit to install a home charger?
Most jurisdictions require a permit and inspection for Level 2 charger installation. Your electrician handles the permit process as part of the installation. Costs vary by location but typically add $100 to $500 to the installation price. Check with your local building department or ask the electrician for details.
Can I use a Tesla Supercharger with a Ford or Chevy electric truck?
Ford and GM trucks can access Tesla Superchargers using an adapter (Tesla's NACS connector). This opens access to Tesla's large charging network, though charging speeds and pricing vary. Other public networks like Electrify America and EVgo are also available to all electric truck owners.