Die-hard diesel truck lovers may not like it, but all-electric trucks are on the rise – particularly in the last year, more and more manufacturers have focused on creating new electric vehicles instead of upgrading gasoline and diesel ones.
So how do electric trucks compare to gasoline ones? Is it good that we’re seeing more electric trucks for sale than ever before?
The Functionality of Electric and Gasoline Trucks
Things like fuel efficiency and towing and payload capacity are essential in determining the difference between a decent truck and a great one. So how do electric trucks compare to gas when talking about how well a truck functions?
Towing and Payload
The area where trucks can see the most difference is in the towing and payload capacity – electric trucks are no exception. However, most electric trucks will have less payload and towing capacity than their gasoline counterparts.
For example, the electric Chevy Silverado has a maximum towing capacity of 10,000 pounds. The gasoline-powered Silverados can tow over 13,000 pounds.
Fuel Efficiency and Refueling
Unlike gasoline vehicles, electric trucks run on a rechargeable battery, giving them stellar fuel efficiency. According to EPA averages, electric trucks can get as much as 70 mpg compared to a gasoline truck’s mere 20 mpg.
However, this fuel efficiency is negated by how you have to refuel an electric truck. Electric vehicles charge through at-home chargers or public charging stations, which are much less prevalent than gas stations.
The Upfront and Maintainance Costs of Electric Vehicles
Are electric vehicles more expensive than their gasoline counterparts? It’s hard to say.
Take the Ford F-150, for example: depending on the model and packages, a brand new 2022 Ford F-150 can cost anywhere from just over $30,000 to $80,000. A Ford F-150 Lightning, one of the electric trucks for sale now, has a price range from $40,000 to $90,000 – which evens out pretty well with other F-150s.
While the upfront purchase of electric trucks may be more than gas-powered trucks, maintenance costs are dramatically reduced. An electric motor needs little to no regular maintenance, and there are fewer fluids to replace or top up in an electric truck.
So while the upfront cost of an electric truck is higher, the maintenance costs are much lower. For someone that wants to save money, looking at electric trucks for sale may be better than looking at cheaper gas-powered trucks.
The Environmental Impact of Electric Versus Gas Vehicles
A big part of the push for electric vehicles comes from climate change and emissions concerns. Studies from the last year have shown that emissions from electric cars and trucks are as much as 15% less than initially estimated.
With more people becoming concerned about emissions and climate change, electric trucks provide a reasonable way to reduce emissions and increase environmentally friendly travel.
No matter where you stand on the idea of electric vehicles, there’s no denying that electric trucks are changing how people view and use trucks. If you’re interested in jumping on the new electric trucks available this year, keep an eye out for impressive models like the Ford F-150 Lightning and the GMC Hummer EV.
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