EV Truck Sales Showdown

The Battle for EV Pickups

It wasn’t that long ago Tesla’s Cybertruck made quite the splash with its bold design and Elon Musk’s announcement of sky-high demand. However, things haven’t exactly panned out as expected for Tesla’s futuristic pickup. Instead, the Ford F-150 Lightning is turning heads and getting into more driveways, outselling the Cybertruck this year.

Sales Numbers

Based on recent registration data from S&P Global Mobility, Ford’s electric truck is comfortably leading the pack. In March, 2,598 F-150 Lightnings were registered compared to just 2,170 Cybertrucks. For the first quarter of the year, Ford has registered a total of 7,913 electric pickups, well ahead of Tesla’s 7,126.

Overpromising Troubles

One reason the Cybertruck might be lagging is that the final version hasn’t quite met initial promises. Back in 2019, the base model was touted to start at $39,900 with a rear-wheel drive capable of over 250 miles per charge. Fast forward to today, and the so-called “affordable” version costs $69,990 with about 350 miles of range. It’s a better range, sure, but a price bump of over $30,000 is a tough pill to swallow.

Price Comparisons

Currently, the entry-level rear-wheel-drive Cybertruck is more expensive than what the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive version was supposed to be. Originally, this version promised a $49,900 price tag, but now it’s listed at a cool $79,990.

Driving Experience

That brings us to the overall drive. Ford’s F-150 Lightning is known for its remarkable balance between traditional pickup toughness and modern electric tech. It handles like a dream, smooth yet authoritative on the road. In contrast, the Cybertruck has an exotic, spaceship-like feel but doesn’t necessarily translate into a superior driving experience. For folks used to traditional truck dynamics, the F-150 Lightning might just feel more familiar under hand, despite its electric bones.

The F-150 Lightning also offers rapid charging options and can even serve as a backup generator for your home, which are practical perks for the American driver. Meanwhile, Tesla’s Cybertruck, although unique, seems surrounded by more hype than substance at this point.

Wrap-Up

In a marketplace filled with expectations, the F-150 Lightning is proving itself by delivering what so many pickup drivers need: reliability and performance without the drawbacks of exaggerated promises. While the Cybertruck is still figuring out its identity, Ford’s electric pickup is simply getting the job done.