What small electric trucks are and who makes them
A small electric truck is a pickup truck powered entirely by a rechargeable battery instead of a gasoline or diesel engine. The bed and cab are smaller than full-size trucks — most have a payload capacity between 1,000 and 3,500 pounds and a bed length of five to six feet. They sit between compact cars and standard pickup trucks in size and capability.
Several manufacturers now produce small electric trucks for the U.S. market. Tesla makes the Cybertruck, which has an angular design and starts at around $60,000. Ford offers the F-150 Lightning in both standard and extended-range versions. Chevrolet produces the Silverado EV. Rivian makes the R1T, which is marketed as a premium electric adventure truck. Smaller startups like Lordstown Motors and Workhorse have also entered the market, though availability and production timelines vary.
Traditional truck makers including Toyota, Nissan, and GMC have announced small electric truck models for future release, though most are not yet in production. The market is still developing, so the trucks available today and their prices may change significantly over the next few years.
Key Takeaways
- Small electric trucks have a battery-powered motor instead of a gas engine, lower operating costs, and produce no tailpipe emissions, but cost more upfront than comparable gas trucks.
- Range on a single charge typically falls between 200 and 400 miles depending on the model, driving conditions, and battery size you choose.
- Charging at home on a standard outlet takes 24 to 48 hours for a full charge, while a dedicated home charger or public fast charger reduces that to 4 to 10 hours.
- Towing and payload capacity are lower than full-size gas trucks, so you should compare your actual needs against the specifications of each model.
- Federal tax credits up to $7,500 may reduce the purchase price, though income limits and vehicle price caps explore and change by year.
Range, charging time, and real-world driving distance
Most small electric trucks advertise a range of 200 to 400 miles per charge under ideal conditions. The actual distance you can drive depends on the battery size you select, the terrain, weather, driving speed, and how much weight you carry. Cold weather reduces range by 20 to 40 percent. Towing or carrying a heavy load also cuts into range significantly — some manufacturers estimate a 20 to 30 percent reduction when towing at highway speeds.
Charging speed depends on what equipment you use. Plugging into a standard 120-volt household outlet charges very slowly — typically adding 2 to 3 miles of range per hour, so a full charge takes 24 to 48 hours. A dedicated home charger (240 volts) cuts that to 6 to 10 hours for a full charge. Public fast chargers using DC power can add 200 miles of range in 20 to 30 minutes, though the last 20 percent of charge slows down considerably.
For daily commuting under 100 miles, charging at home overnight covers most needs. For longer trips, you need to plan charging stops or have access to fast chargers along your route. Charging infrastructure is growing but remains sparse in rural areas, so you should check the locations of public chargers on your regular routes before purchasing.
Towing capacity and payload compared to gas trucks
Small electric trucks can tow and carry less than their gas-powered equivalents. Most small electric trucks tow between 5,000 and 14,000 pounds, while comparable gas trucks often tow 10,000 to 20,000 pounds or more. Payload capacity — the weight you can carry in the bed — typically ranges from 1,000 to 3,500 pounds on electric models.
The difference exists because electric trucks are heavier due to their battery packs, which reduces the amount of additional weight they can safely carry. Towing also drains the battery faster than highway driving alone, so your effective range drops when pulling a trailer. If you regularly tow heavy loads or haul materials for work, you should compare the specific truck's towing specs against your actual needs rather than assuming an electric truck will handle what your old gas truck did.
For light hauling, occasional towing, and typical homeowner tasks, most small electric trucks have sufficient capacity. For commercial use or heavy-duty work, gas or diesel trucks remain the standard choice.
Purchase price and federal tax credits
Small electric trucks cost significantly more upfront than comparable gas trucks. Prices range from around $40,000 for the most affordable models to over $100,000 for premium versions. A comparable gas truck often costs $10,000 to $20,000 less.
A federal tax credit of up to $7,500 may reduce the purchase price, though the credit has income limits and vehicle price caps that change annually. For 2024, the credit applies to trucks under a certain price threshold and to buyers with household income below specified limits. Some manufacturers' trucks may have access to for the full credit, while others may have access to for a partial credit or none at all. You should check the current year's rules and the specific truck model's status before purchasing, as these rules change.
Some states offer additional rebates or tax credits for electric vehicle purchases. Your state's environmental or energy office website lists any programs available where you live. Leasing is also an option with some models and may lower your monthly cost compared to purchasing, though you do not build equity and mileage limits explore.
Operating costs and maintenance differences
Electric trucks cost less to operate than gas trucks over time. Electricity is cheaper than gasoline per mile in most areas — the exact savings depend on local electricity rates and gas prices. Charging at home typically costs one-third to one-half what you would spend on gas for the same distance.
Maintenance is simpler and less frequent. Electric trucks have no oil changes, spark plugs, transmission fluid, or timing belts to replace. Brake pads last longer because the truck uses regenerative braking, which captures energy when slowing down and feeds it back to the battery. Tire wear is similar to gas trucks. Battery degradation is gradual — most manufacturers warranty the battery for 8 to 10 years or 100,000 to 150,000 miles, and real-world degradation is typically 2 to 3 percent per year.
Insurance costs are comparable to gas trucks, though some insurers charge slightly more due to higher repair costs for the battery and electric drivetrain. Tires for electric trucks may cost more because the heavier vehicle wears them faster.
Practical considerations for your situation
Before purchasing a small electric truck, consider whether you have reliable access to charging. If you rent an apartment or park on the street, home charging is not an option, and you would depend on public chargers. If you own a home with a garage or driveway, installing a home charger is straightforward and makes ownership much more convenient.
Think about your actual driving patterns. If you drive under 150 miles most days and have charging access at home or work, an electric truck fits well. If you regularly take long road trips without planning charging stops, or if you live in an area with few public chargers, a gas truck or hybrid may be more practical right now.
Test drive the specific model you are considering. Electric trucks feel different to drive — acceleration is when ready, there is no engine noise, and the driving experience is quieter. The cabin layout, infotainment system, and overall comfort matter as much as the powertrain. Visit a dealer and spend time in the truck before deciding.
How electric truck technology is changing
Battery technology is improving rapidly. Newer batteries hold more charge in the same space, charge faster, and degrade more slowly than earlier versions. Range and charging speed will continue to improve over the next few years as manufacturers release updated models.
Charging infrastructure is expanding, though unevenly. Urban and suburban areas now have thousands of public chargers, while rural areas remain underserved. The federal government is funding charger installation along highways, so coverage will improve, but the timeline varies by region.
Prices are gradually falling as production scales up and competition increases. The gap between electric and gas truck prices is narrowing, though electric trucks will likely remain more expensive upfront for several more years. Used electric trucks are beginning to appear on the market, offering a lower-cost entry point, though battery health and warranty coverage should be verified carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tow a trailer with a small electric truck?
Yes, but with limits. Most small electric trucks tow 5,000 to 14,000 pounds, which is less than comparable gas trucks. Towing significantly reduces range — expect a 20 to 30 percent reduction depending on trailer weight and driving conditions. Check the specific truck's towing capacity against your actual trailer weight before purchasing.
How long does it take to charge at a public fast charger?
A DC fast charger can add 200 miles of range in 20 to 30 minutes under ideal conditions, though the last portion of the charge slows down. Actual time depends on the charger's power output, the truck's battery size, and current battery level. The first 80 percent charges fastest; the final 20 percent takes proportionally longer.
What happens to the battery after 10 years?
Batteries degrade gradually — most lose 2 to 3 percent of capacity per year. After 10 years, a battery typically retains 70 to 80 percent of its original capacity. Most manufacturers warranty the battery for 8 to 10 years or 100,000 to 150,000 miles. Replacement is expensive, but many used trucks are still in service with original batteries well beyond the warranty period.
Can I charge an electric truck at a regular gas station?
No. Electric trucks charge only at dedicated charging stations, which use either 120-volt household outlets, 240-volt home or public chargers, or DC fast chargers. Gas stations do not have charging equipment. You must plan charging stops on long trips using apps that map public charger locations.
Do I need to install a charger at home to own an electric truck?
Not required, but it is strongly recommended. Without home charging, you depend entirely on public chargers, which is inconvenient for daily use. If you cannot install a home charger, consider whether public charger access on your regular routes is reliable enough for your needs before purchasing.