Hybrid and Electric Pickup Trucks: The Future of Heavy Duty Vehicles

Updated on Jul 24, 2024

America loves trucks, and for good reason.

Trucks are an ideal blend of capability, comfort, and performance. These beasts are equally good at hauling a boat to the lake or gear to a campsite as they are at shuffling the kids off to school for the day. In fact, the only thing a truck isn’t particularly good at is using fuel efficiently.

Despite rapid advances in powertrain technology, including turbocharging, transmissions with up to ten speeds, and lightweight aluminum components; traditional gas or diesel powered trucks will fuel at a rapid pace.

How rapid? According to the United States Department of Energy, modern light trucks average around 17 miles per gallon. Yikes.

Big Problems

It’s not hard to see the problem here: America’s best selling vehicles are among the least efficient vehicles on the road.

In the race to reduce our dependence on oil, trucks form a sort of immovable barrier in the way of progress. To help remove these barriers, the United States Government has set aggressive fuel economy standards. Known as CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy), these regulations aim to improve the average fuel economy of cars and light trucks produced for sale in the U.S in a BIG way.

For model years 2024-2026, the standards require an industry-wide fleet average of approximately 49 miles per gallon (mpg) by 2026. This is an increase of 33% over the standards from model year 2021. The standards will improve fuel efficiency by 8% annually for 2024 and 2025, and by 10% for 2026.

These measures are expected to reduce fuel consumption by over 200 billion gallons through 2050, cut carbon emissions by 2.5 billion metric tons, and save consumers up to $1,400 in fuel expenses over the lifetime of compliant vehicles.

Since light trucks are the biggest offenders, the automotive industry must respond with solutions. And they have. Big time.

Big Solutions

Strict government policies have paved the way for legacy manufacturers like Ford to develop new and exciting electric / hybrid models that do all the truck stuff consumers demand without the fuel penalty.

These new requirements also left the door open for brand new companies like Rivian and Tesla to bust through onto the scene with trucks that turn the concept of a pickup truck on it’s head.

Here are some of our favorites:

Ford Maverick

Among the most surprising success stories for the boys in blue is the humble Ford Maverick truck.

Ford media notes sales totaling 40,420 through the first half of the year, which is a nearly 60% increase from the year before. Take a look at what the reasons behind this success are not hard to see.

Instead of being a gargantuan, 2+ ton, body on frame beast, the Ford Maverick is based on a car platform. You heard me right, a unibody car/SUV platform that it shares with the Ford Escape. Standard Ford Maverick models come with front-wheel drive and Ford’s highly developed hybrid powertrain., while all-wheel drive is standard on turbo models.

The hybrid setup combines a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 191 horsepower and achieving an impressive fuel economy of around 40 mpg in the city. For those seeking more power, an optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine cranks out 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque and standard all-wheel drive. Ford offers the Maverick with a towing capacity of up to 4,000 pounds when equipped with the optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine and the 4K Tow Package.

Every Maverick comes in a four-door body style with plenty of passenger room. Instead of going basic, Ford designed the Maverick’s interior with a functional, yet utilitarian blend of fun materials and useful features like massive door pockets and a clever rear bench seat. Out back, the Ford Maverick features a 4.5-foot bed with a 1,500 pound capacity along with versatile features such as built-in 12-volt electrical outlets, a multi-position tailgate, and multiple tie-down points.

Tightly packaged for urban / suburban use, remarkable fuel efficiency, and major utility make the affordable Ford Maverick a winner.

Ford Lightning

Among the most electrifying success stories for Ford is the innovative F-150 Lightning.

Unlike traditional gas-guzzling trucks, the Ford Lightning is fully electric, boasting an all-electric powertrain that delivers instant torque and remarkable performance. It features dual electric motors, providing standard all-wheel drive and a staggering 563 horsepower, enabling the Lightning to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds. The extended-range battery offers an impressive driving range of up to 300 miles on a single charge, making it practical for both urban commutes and long-distance journeys.

The Lightning’s towing capacity is equally impressive, with the ability to tow up to 10,000 pounds when properly equipped, showcasing its strength and versatility. Every Lightning comes with a spacious SuperCrew cab, ensuring ample passenger room and comfort. Inside, Ford has equipped the Lightning with a high-tech interior featuring a massive 15.5-inch touchscreen, an advanced SYNC 4A infotainment system, and a host of smart storage solutions.

In the bed, the Lightning offers a 5.5-foot cargo space with a payload capacity of up to 2,000 pounds. Notably, it includes features like the Pro Power Onboard system, providing up to 9.6 kW of exportable power for tools, camping gear, and more, making it a highly functional workspace on wheels.

Rivian R1T

If your taste in pickup trucks runs towards the strong, silent type, you'll find the Rivian R1T a perfect companion.

Its rugged-casual interior strikes a balance between work and play, featuring a clever cross-truck tunnel that offers a fair amount of out-of-sight lockable storage. The R1T's standard all-wheel drive and air suspension provide exceptional off-road capability, making it versatile for various terrains.

The 2025 R1T introduces several under-the-skin hardware updates aimed at improving nearly every performance metric. A new electrical architecture reduces weight by eliminating a large amount of wiring, while all three batteries have been revised. The maximum horsepower now increases to 1025—190 more than the previous version—allowing the quad-motor version to achieve a 0-60 mph time in less than 2.5 seconds. This places the R1T in the same performance league as, and slightly ahead of, some dedicated sports cars like the Porsche 911 GT3. Wow.

Despite its impressive acceleration, the R1T remains a highly functional pickup. It offers a useable bed space, room for five passengers, and an extended range of up to 420 miles. Additionally, it supports up to 220-kW DC fast-charging, making it both a practical and versatile vehicle with few caveats.

Tesla Cybertruck

We would be remiss without mentioning the controversial but pretty-freakin awesome Tesla Cybertruck.

With its distinctive angular design and robust exoskeleton, it looks like it rolled straight out of a sci-fi movie set. The Cybertruck offers an impressive range of up to 500 miles, ensuring you can cruise through your longest road trips without a hitch.

Packing a punch under the hood, the Tri-Motor version of the Cybertruck boasts an estimated 800+ horsepower, making it as powerful as it is unique. This beast can tow up to 14,000 pounds, so whether you're hauling a trailer, a boat, or even another car, the Cybertruck has you covered.

Its adaptive air suspension not only provides a smooth ride on highways but also makes off-roading a breeze. Inside, Tesla's signature minimalist design and cutting-edge technology create a cabin that's both futuristic and user-friendly.

With its blend of remarkable performance, substantial towing capacity, and head-turning design, the Tesla Cybertruck is here to redefine what a pickup truck can be. It's not just a truck; it’s a statement on wheels.

The Future’s Future

Lucky for the truck aficionados, the future is bright. Here is a list of future electric trucks that are set to make waves in the automotive market over the coming years:

Chevrolet Silverado EV (2024)
- Range: Up to 400 miles
- Performance: 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds in "Wide Open Watts" mode
- Notable Features: Built on GM’s Ultium EV platform, borrowing style elements from the Chevy Avalanche
GMC Sierra EV Denali (2024)
- Horsepower: 754 hp
- Torque: 785 lb-ft
- Range: 400 miles
- Notable Features: Multipro midgate expanding bed beyond 10 feet, much of Hummer EV capability without the gaudy appearance
Ram 1500 REV (2024)
- Range: Up to 500 miles
- Horsepower: Over 650 hp
- Notable Features: Massive, heavy battery packs, expected to offer more range than the F-150 Lightning
Toyota Electric Tacoma (2025)
- Notable Features: Built with Toyota’s quality, durability, and reliability, likely to resemble the 2024 Tacoma but in an electric version
Ford Project T3 Pickup (2025)
- Notable Features: Built on a dedicated EV platform, expected to outperform the F-150 Lightning, likened to the "Millennium Falcon—with a back porch attached" by Ford CEO Jim Farley
Toyota EPU Compact Pickup (2026)
- Notable Features: Double cab pickup on a unibody EV platform, concept shown in left-hand-drive with mph speedometer, potentially an electric Ford Maverick competitor
Rivian R2T (2026)
- Notable Features: Expected to be smaller and less capable than the R1T but more affordable, priced between $40,000 to $60,000
Scout Motors Pickup (2026)
- Notable Features: Built by Magna Steyr, reviving the iconic Scout nameplate as an off-road truck and SUV brand, targeting an affordable price point
Kia Electric Pickup (2026)
- Notable Features: Based on an advanced EV platform, likely to borrow design and powertrain elements from the EV9 crossover, built in America
Ford Ranger EV (2029)
- Notable Features: Expected to be smaller and cheaper than the F-Series, forecasted to enter production on a new TE1 platform around 2029
Nissan Electric Pickup (2030)

Notable Features: Could be smaller and cheaper than most EV trucks, previewed by the Surf-out concept, with production expected after the gas Frontier is phased out in 2029