Small electric pickups are real trucks you can buy now, not just future promises

A small electric pickup is a truck with an electric motor instead of a gas engine, sized between a compact car and a full-size pickup. The main models available today are the Chevrolet Silverado EV (arriving 2024), Ford F-150 Lightning (available now, though it is full-size rather than compact), the Rivian R1T (available now), and the GMC Sierra Denali Edition 1 (electric version coming). Smaller options include the Hyundai Santa Cruz (hybrid and electric versions), and international models like the LDV e-Deliver 3 in some markets. Unlike gas trucks, these vehicles plug in to charge at home or at public stations, and they produce zero tailpipe emissions.

The appeal is straightforward: electric motors deliver power when ready, so even smaller electric trucks feel quick off the line. They are quieter than gas engines, cost less to fuel (electricity is cheaper than gasoline per mile), and have lower maintenance because there is no oil to change or transmission fluid to replace. The trade-off is range — most small electric pickups travel 200 to 300 miles on a full charge, which is less than a gas truck's typical 400-plus miles. Charging at home takes 8 to 12 hours on a standard outlet, or 4 to 6 hours on a dedicated 240-volt charger. Public fast chargers can add 200 miles in 20 to 30 minutes, but they cost more per mile than home charging.

Key Takeaways

  • Small electric pickups cost $40,000 to $70,000 before incentives, with federal tax credits up to $7,500 available in the United States if you meet income and vehicle assembly requirements.
  • Range on a single charge is typically 200 to 300 miles, which is enough for daily driving but less than gas trucks, so towing long distances requires planning charging stops.
  • Home charging on a 240-volt outlet costs roughly one-third the price per mile of gas, but installing a charger runs $500 to $2,500 depending on your electrical panel.
  • Battery degradation is slow — most manufacturers warranty the battery for 8 to 10 years or 100,000 to 150,000 miles, and real-world loss is typically 2 to 3 percent per year.
  • Towing capacity ranges from 3,500 to 14,000 pounds depending on the model, which is less than comparable gas trucks but enough for trailers, boats, and light construction equipment.

Price and incentives vary by model and your location

A new small electric pickup costs between $40,000 and $70,000 before any discounts. The Rivian R1T starts around $71,000. The Chevrolet Silverado EV is expected to start under $40,000 when it launches. The Ford F-150 Lightning, which is full-size, starts around $52,000. Prices change frequently and vary by trim level, so check the manufacturer's website for current pricing in your area.

In the United States, a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 is available for electric vehicles, but it has income limits and assembly requirements. As of 2024, the vehicle must be assembled in North America, and your household income cannot exceed $300,000 (married filing jointly) or $150,000 (single filer). Some states offer additional rebates — California, New York, and Colorado have their own incentive programs. You can claim the federal credit on your tax return, or some dealers let you explore it at the point of sale. Check fueleconomy.gov or your state's energy office for current incentive details, as rules change annually.

Charging at home is the cheapest option, but requires upfront investment

Charging at home on a standard 120-volt outlet (the outlet in your garage) adds about 2 to 3 miles of range per hour, which means a full charge takes 24 to 48 hours. This works if you drive less than 50 miles a day and can charge overnight, but it is slow for regular use.

A dedicated 240-volt Level 2 charger is faster and more practical. It adds 25 to 30 miles of range per hour, so a full charge takes 8 to 12 hours. Installing one costs $500 to $2,500 depending on how far your electrical panel is from where you park and whether your home's electrical service needs an upgrade. Many utilities offer rebates of $500 to $1,000 for installation. Some electric truck buyers split the cost with a neighbor or install a charger that two homes can share.

Public charging networks like Tesla Supercharger, Electrify America, EVgo, and ChargePoint have fast chargers that add 200 miles in 20 to 30 minutes, but they cost $0.25 to $0.50 per kilowatt-hour, which is 3 to 4 times the cost of home charging. Use public fast chargers for road trips, not daily charging.

Range and towing capacity are lower than gas trucks, but sufficient for most owners

Most small electric pickups travel 200 to 300 miles on a full charge. The Rivian R1T reaches 320 miles in some configurations. The Chevrolet Silverado EV is expected to offer around 200 miles. The Ford F-150 Lightning offers 240 to 320 miles depending on the battery size. This is less than a gas truck's typical 400-plus miles, so long road trips require planning charging stops — but most people drive less than 50 miles a day, so range is not a problem for daily use.

Towing capacity ranges from 3,500 pounds (some compact models) to 14,000 pounds (Rivian R1T). For comparison, a gas F-150 can tow up to 14,000 pounds, so electric trucks are competitive. However, towing reduces range by 20 to 40 percent depending on the load and terrain, so towing a boat 200 miles may require a charging stop. Most owners tow trailers, small boats, or construction equipment, which is well within the capacity of current electric pickups.

Battery degradation is slow and covered by warranty

Electric vehicle batteries lose capacity over time, but the loss is gradual. Real-world data shows most electric vehicles lose 2 to 3 percent of battery capacity per year, which means after 10 years, the battery retains 70 to 80 percent of its original capacity. This is enough to still drive 140 to 240 miles on a charge, depending on the original range.

Manufacturers warranty the battery for 8 to 10 years or 100,000 to 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. Chevrolet covers the Silverado EV battery for 10 years or 150,000 miles. Ford covers the F-150 Lightning battery for 10 years or 150,000 miles. Rivian covers the R1T battery for 8 years or 120,000 miles. If the battery drops below 70 percent capacity during the warranty period, the manufacturer replaces it at no cost. After the warranty expires, a replacement battery costs $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the model, though prices are falling as production scales up.

Maintenance costs are lower because there is no oil or transmission fluid

Electric trucks have no oil changes, spark plugs, transmission fluid, or timing belts. Maintenance mainly involves tire rotation, brake fluid checks, and cabin air filters — the same as a gas truck. Brake pads last longer on electric trucks because regenerative braking (using the motor to slow the truck) does most of the stopping, so the friction brakes wear slowly.

Scheduled maintenance costs roughly 40 percent less than a comparable gas truck over the vehicle's lifetime. An oil change costs $50 to $100 and happens every 5,000 to 7,500 miles on a gas truck; an electric truck has no oil changes. Tire wear is similar, so tire replacement costs are the same. If something major breaks — the motor, the inverter, or the battery management system — repair costs can be high, but these failures are rare in the first 10 years.

Used electric pickups are starting to appear, but inventory is limited

The used market for electric pickups is small because these trucks are new. The Rivian R1T has been available since 2022, so some used models are appearing on the market. The Ford F-150 Lightning launched in 2022, so used examples exist but are still expensive — often selling for 80 to 90 percent of the original price. The Chevrolet Silverado EV and other new models will not have a used market for another year or two.

When buying used, check the battery health report, which the dealer or previous owner can provide. Ask how many miles the truck has and whether the battery has degraded noticeably. A truck with 30,000 miles and 95 percent battery capacity is in good condition. One with 50,000 miles and 85 percent capacity is also acceptable, but ask why the loss was faster than typical. Used electric trucks typically cost $5,000 to $15,000 less than new, but selection is limited, so be prepared to travel or wait for the right truck.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I tow a trailer with an electric pickup?

Yes, but range drops 20 to 40 percent depending on the load. A truck with 300 miles of range might travel 180 to 240 miles while towing. Most electric pickups can tow 3,500 to 14,000 pounds, which covers small boats, utility trailers, and light construction equipment. Plan charging stops for long towing trips.

What happens if I run out of charge on the road?

You can call a tow truck to take you to a charger, or use roadside information if your truck's warranty includes it. Most owners avoid this by using navigation apps like Tesla's or the truck's built-in system, which show charger locations and plan routes with charging stops. Charging networks are expanding, so finding a charger is easier than it was two years ago.

Do I need a special license to drive an electric pickup?

No. An electric pickup drives like any other truck — you do not need special training or a different license. The main difference is that regenerative braking means you use the brake pedal less often, which some drivers find takes a few days to adjust to.

Will the battery work in cold weather?

Yes, but range drops 20 to 40 percent in freezing temperatures because the battery works harder and the cabin heater uses energy. A truck with 300 miles of range might travel 180 to 240 miles in winter. The battery itself is not damaged by cold; range returns to normal when it warms up. Preheating the truck while it is plugged in helps recover some lost range.

Can I charge an electric pickup at a regular gas station?

No. You charge at home, at a workplace charger, or at a public charging network. Gas stations do not have chargers. However, many grocery stores, shopping centers, and parking garages now have chargers, and the number is growing. Use apps like PlugShare or your truck's navigation to find nearby chargers.