Electric Truck Vs. Gas Truck: Which You Should You Buy?

Gasoline-Powered Trucks: Tried and Tested Performance

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Such is the mindset behind opting for a gasoline-powered truck over a new EV in 2025. Conventional internal combustion engines have been around for over a century and have grown ever more refined, powerful, efficient, and reliable with that much time in production. 

However, as manufacturers move from naturally aspirated, large-displacement engines to small-displacement, turbocharged powertrains, internal combustion has just about reached the peak of its feasible efficiency. Considering gasoline isn't likely to get any less expensive and gas burners aren't expected to become more fuel efficient, every manufacturer has toyed with the idea of mass-production hybrid-electric or full-electric vehicles.

Electric Trucks: Impressive, but Green

There's no doubt that if zero-emissions energy is the future, electric trucks are the best option regarding current technology—however, they aren't without flaws or drawbacks. 

Electric trucks are relatively green—both from an emissions and experience standpoint. Though technically, General Motors and Ford released electric midsize trucks in the late nineties, the first mass-produced electric pickup rivaling its gasoline-powered counterparts didn't come about until 2021's release of the Rivian R1T. 

Unfortunately for the electric truck market, four to five years isn't enough time to get consumers on board with the idea—especially the truck community, which is overwhelmingly opposed to electric vehicles. Regardless of electric trucks' impressive specifications and well-regarded driveability, we'll likely need another five to ten years to see them gain significant traction in the pickup market. With that being said, how do the two technologies compare objectively?

Electric Trucks vs. Gas Trucks: Technologies Comparison

Public perception and green politics aside, it's time to see how both technologies compare from a performance perspective. This section covers performance, reliability, resale value, and more.

Entry Pricing

How do these technologies compare in price, ignoring factors like EV rebates and fuel costs? Currently, the median EV price ranges from approximately $57,000 to $97,000, whereas the median price for a gasoline-powered truck is around $50,000 to $60,000. While there's some overlap in price between technologies, the cost of electric trucks is generally higher than comparable internal combustion trucks.

When shopping for a new pickup, consider your budget and whether the extra price of an EV is worth it.

Carbon Footprint

Next, let's talk about the carbon footprints of both technologies, especially considering that one of the most significant arguments of EV proponents is their reduced emissions. 

On average, the production of a single electric vehicle has a significantly higher carbon footprint than the production of a gasoline-powered vehicle. Some studies claim that EV production produces as much carbon as driving a similar gasoline-powered vehicle for eight years. These higher emissions are primarily tied to battery production. 

However, driving an EV produces close to zero emissions compared to the continuous release of carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) from the tailpipes of internal combustion engines. On average, an EV produces less carbon emissions over its lifetime, including manufacturing, than a comparable gas vehicle.

Performance

Emissions aren't the only area where EVs excel. On paper, most electric trucks also produce ridiculous power figures, such as the F-150 Lightning's 775 lb-ft of torque or the Tesla CyberBeast's 864 lb-ft. These figures are unrivaled compared to most half-ton trucks, which electric trucks directly compete with. 

While the instant torque of an electric motor delivers mind-blowing speed and blistering 0–60 figures, how do these values translate to real-world scenarios? That much torque is almost unnecessary unless you're tracking your pickup truck. 

You may assume those figures would benefit towing and hauling capabilities, but think again. Most electric vehicles feature lower towing and payload capacities than their gasoline-powered counterparts due to the added weight of EV batteries and the need to not overwork the motors. Also, EV range drops exponentially while towing, with several initial reports claiming that models like the F-150 Lightning couldn't even manage 100 miles between charges with a 7,000 to 8,000-lb. trailer. 

What good is all that power if you can't use it for work? If your perception of performance only spans acceleration, an Electric truck will impress. However, don't expect to work an EV like a conventional gasoline-powered truck.

Reliability

Regarding reliability, it's tough to score an EV. Since the electric truck market is relatively new, long-term reliability is relatively unknown. However, short-term testing for models like the F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T shows some promise. 

However, electric vehicles aren't known for their impressive reliability in the grand scheme of things. If you're in the market for a vehicle that'll get you to work every day, put in miles on the job site, and return home without a hiccup, a gasoline-powered truck is likely your best bet until electric truck technology has some time to prove itself.

Longevity

Longevity is another area of uncertainty. EV manufacturers typically claim a projected lifespan of 15 to 20 years or 200,000 miles for modern batteries, though there likely aren't many examples of electric pickups that've hit this milestone. Alternatively, modern pickup trucks are known to reach upwards of 300,000 miles with nothing more than maintenance and routine repairs. 

If you plan to keep your truck for longer than the average lifespan of an EV battery pack, consider sticking to traditional internal combustion technology. However, if you plan to sell or trade your truck before that point, either option will likely meet your needs, which brings us to our next point—resale value.

Resale Value

When it comes to selling or trading your pickup, most hope to get top dollar for their old vehicle. However, which technology has the highest resale value? 

Historically, EVs have depreciated far faster than comparable gasoline-powered vehicles, with some studies claiming up to 10x greater depreciation over the same period. While this gap continues to close as EV technology improves, current studies still show significant depreciation across the EV market.

Which Should You Buy?

Which technology is right for you? If you're interested in buying, we recommend a trusty gasoline-powered vehicle regarding reliability, longevity, and resale value. Additionally, if you plan to tow and haul frequently, an EV doesn't have the range requirements or cooling capacity to warrant the switch. 

However, if you plan to lease your truck and won't tow or haul frequently, the added unloaded performance and enhanced technical features can make an electric truck worthwhile, though we wouldn't recommend purchasing one just yet. We'd save buying an electric truck for when technology improves in the next five to ten years.

Electric Truck Resources

For more information on electric vehicles, check out our EV resources on RealSource, which include guides, comparisons, and reviews.

• Rivian R1T vs Tesla Cybertruck

• F150 Lightning vs Tesla Cybertruck 

• Hybrid Electric Pickup Trucks: the Future HD Vehicles 

• Is Tesla's Cybertruck a RealTruck? 

• Rivian R1S Overview

• Rivian R1T Overview

• Tesla Model Y Overview