Why not to buy an electric truck?
Apr. 29, 2024
5 Electric Trucks To Stay Away From Buying - GOBankingRates
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GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology. 20 Years Reviewed Trusted by The biggest reasons to get an electric vehicle are to save money, save gas, and save the environment. However, one of the downsides to buying an EV is that they might not do all the things a typical-powered one might, especially if you are used to trucks that can haul, tow and tackle the heaviest tasks on your to-do list. “Safety and efficiency are some of the most essential needs a user hopes to ensure when purchasing an auto truck,” explained Peter Dubois, general manager of Find by Plate. “However, while these may be the primary concern for some, others are more interested in other factors such as a more pleasant MPGe, longevity and the level of comfort the truck provides.” It’s not just the lack of capability, either. Oftentimes it can be the price tag of an electric vehicle or the amount of money it takes to repair one that drives potential buyers away. Here is a list of some electric trucks to stay away from buying, including their manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) and key features. For years, the Atlis XT was in development, continuously facing challenges from a limited charging infrastructure that didn’t provide reliability to drivers on long destination trips. While the Atlis TX price is the second least expensive electric truck on this list, its delayed rollout and underperforming track record may make potential buyers hesitant. In short: its reliability is a gamble.
“The truth is, when it comes to electric automobiles, being amongst the first to purchase is not always the smartest thing to do,” advised Dubois. “It is best to watch and learn from the experience of others and ascertain if indeed, a company lives up to their promised standard.” Don’t let the low price tag fool you. While the upfront cost might be attractive to your wallet, there is a staggering number of reports about Lordstown Endurance’s low real-world range of MPGe (miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent). “This particular truck, though being affordable, is quite low for a range of 174 miles,” said Dubois. Plus, some of the untested tech features have been called into scrutiny, among several other features it offers. “Official EPA stats show a meager 174-mile range for this sizable crew cab,” said Steven May, owner at Number Plates 4 You. “That’s barely above a standard Nissan Leaf and well below the Ford F-150 Lightning’s reach. Even more, it sits at the bottom of the 2023 EV list with a mere 48 MPGe combined.” The Rivian’s R1T has been awarded high marks and general applause for its well-rounded performance. It includes a standard all-wheel drive, which is available in two different configurations: Dual-Motor and Quad-Motor. With the optional Quad-Motor setup, the R1T boasts up to 835 horsepower.
However, many drivers report that this truck offers a less desirable MPGe. John Lin, owner of JB Motor Works, said that “…some customers have raised concerns about the overly engineered features and pricey options making it an expensive buy for many.” Ford has come up with an electric truck that has 400 miles of all-electric range, rear- and four-wheel drive, and can be configured with either an extended cab with a 6.6-foot bed, or a larger four-door crew cab with a shorter 5.6-foot bed. “The most important reason why you should avoid this is that the Lightning falls short in range, a glaring downside when you’re hauling heavy stuff,” highlighted May. “It was pitched as tough, but the reality is that electric trucks are scarce because shifting these big, weighty machines to electric isn’t easy.”
Ford recently confirmed that it was drastically downsizing its Lightning production because of global markets signaling a slowdown in the electric vehicle industry. “From the get-go, the F-150 Lightning didn’t live up to the hype,” added May. “While hiccups are normal for fresh models, especially innovative ones, the troubles here were significant, prompting Ford to pull back more than 100 units in 2023.” An 1000-hp electric powertrain is the push behind this Hummer’s drive, letting the truck sprint to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. With a large size and hauling capacity, the GMC Hummer EV SUT can plow through all roads and any terrain it comes across. If you are looking for more details, kindly visit sinopoly.
“It is no longer a secret that people are willing to pay more for a brand that is known,” noted Dubois. “However, this truck shows that being known and trusted doesn’t always guarantee that a product would satisfy the needs of a customer.” He continued, “Another reason one should stay away from this product is durability, and reliability in traffic. Also the fact that others have reported that its nature and make up, defeats the relevance of the EV in its name.” Lin concludes that potential buyers should keep in mind that “every truck has its own pros and cons, blended with respective brand reputations.” Therefore, “it is advisable for customers to research thoroughly, test drive, and make their choices based on their individual needs and comfort.”
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Electric Trucks vs. Gas: Which is Best?
When people think of electric vehicles (EVs), the tiny models that squeeze into compact parking spots are often the first to come to mind. But over the last decade, EVs have started taking on all shapes and sizes for contracting, landscaping, and delivery duties—and as auto companies find more innovative ways to fix the issues that come with electrifying heavy-duty trucks, fleet managers may want to think twice before turning a blind eye to EVs. After all, when it comes to making the switch from gas to electric trucks for your fleet, it’s not a matter of if—it’s a matter of when.
Many forward-thinking companies have already started electrifying fleets of large vehicles. New York City plans to convert its public bus system, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, to an all-electric fleet by 2040. Amazon is already using EVs in its delivery fleet, and plans to bring 100,000 electric delivery vehicles on the road by 2030. In December 2019, Tesla unveiled the Cybertruck, an all-electric pickup truck with the performance specs of a sports car, and deliveries slated to begin in 2024. But adding electric trucks to your fleet is no simple task, and it probably won’t be on most fleet managers’ radar until we see more of them on the road. Admittedly, it has taken a long time to electrify heavier-duty vehicles, for reasons ranging from the additional weight in cargo beds affecting battery power to the need for more EV charging stations across the country.
Fortunately, more automakers have proven that they’re up for the challenge. Ford, Rivian, GM, and Canoo are just a few of the automakers releasing electric pickup and commercial trucks to the market. Plus, the EV movement as a whole is gaining more momentum, with the U.S. investing billions to create high-paying jobs and build new EV manufacturing plants. Electric trucks will likely become commonplace in the next decade, so there’s never been a better time to start thinking about adding them to your fleet.
Pros of powering up
Save money through EV tax credits
When debating the merits of electric vs. gas, EV tax credits are a big factor in getting people to switch. Under EPA rules, new medium and heavy-duty vehicles and engines must adhere to rigid carbon dioxide emissions limits that will continue to affect model years 2027-2032. So, by selling even small volumes of electric trucks, the original equipment manufacturers can bring down their carbon emission numbers while getting EV tax credits for over-complying to standards. Fleet managers who add EVs to their fleet are eligible for rebates, vehicle registration fee reductions, loans, and special low-cost charging rates. For a detailed list of tax credits and incentives by area, visit the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center.
Cut fuel and maintenance costs
EVs are four times more efficient than internal combustion engines, which ultimately means hefty savings on fuel. Further, EVs have fewer and less complex equipment needs. There’s no need for oil changes or spark plugs, which means less time and money spent on maintenance. And since electric motors can slow themselves down, you’ll also put less strain on your brakes.
Charge toward the future
Policy changes are on the rise at the state level; as of July 2021, at least 47 states and the District of Columbia offer incentives to encourage deployment of EVs or alternative fuel vehicles and the development of the necessary infrastructure. Fleet managers can expect these changes to accelerate and transform the EV landscape. California, for instance, surpassed its zero-emission vehicle truck sales goal two years ahead of schedule. Meanwhile, the U.K. is introducing a ban on petrol and diesel cars in 2035. If your fleet wants a head start, it's time to think EV.
Fuel for thought: Cons to electrifying
Higher up-front cost
New technology is bound to be pricey. The 2023 Rivian R1T, an all-electric pickup truck, starts at $73,000. More affordable, though still a substantial investment, the Ford F-150 Lighting starts at $49,995. Depending on the EV you choose, federal and state purchase incentives can have a meaningful impact on the price.
Adoption is still foreign
The burly stereotypes of pickup truck owners simply don’t fit into the demographics of current EV owners. It will take considerable convincing to sell brand-loyal truck owners on the benefits of switching to an electric truck. On Tesla’s Cybertruck, one analyst noted that the flashy electric truck misses the mark on core truck buyers—a contractor is “not going to show up to a work site in this truck.” With so much cost-saving potential, companies may need to be strategic about how they’re branding electric trucks to alter current perceptions.
Distance and elements cause trouble
Most combustion-powered vehicles offer fuel ranges of 300-450 miles per tank. In 2021, the average EV offered a range of 234 miles; today, that number sits right below 300. While that is an improvement, it might not be enough to eliminate drivers’ range anxiety—and how fast you’re going can impact that range. EVs use more energy at higher speeds, and it’s recommended that EV drivers keep their speed under 60 mph to maintain battery life. This means combustion trucks may be a more efficient choice for lengthy freeway trips—especially if your electric commercial truck is loaded up with cargo. And that doesn’t even take weather into account. EVs don’t generally do well in the cold. Using your heating system in cold weather can sap EV batteries, leaving ranges cut by more than 40 percent.
What the future has in store
Starting small
Electric trucks might not yet have the capacity for long-distance travel simply due to the shortage of EV charging stations in the United States—but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a great opportunity to use EVs for local routes. These short-distance travels have the potential to make a big impact (think last mile delivery applications).
Heavy-duty, efficient models
Many electric trucks are built with the modern façade of an electric car, but the fortitude of a hefty combustion pickup. Tesla’s Cybertruck, for instance, is built with ultra-hard stainless steel — allegedly bulletproof. Meanwhile, Chevrolet made the first ever electric Silverado that can carry up to 10,000 lbs. of max towing and an estimated range of 400 miles, which is appealing for many truck owners. Along with towing capacity, horsepower is a top priority for those who use trucks; the GMC Hummer EV Pick-up truck boasts up to 1,000 horsepower and up to 380 miles of range.
Charging options
A common pain point for EV drivers is range anxiety, or the fear that a vehicle won’t make it to its destination before getting to a charging station. With a need for more charging stations on the road, the focus of EV charging will most likely be “return-to-base” charging, where fleet vehicles will only route locally and then power up on the fleet site. Other charging options have become available; Rivian, for instance, has announced bidirectional charging capabilities that will allow its vehicles to charge other EVs or even a home if the power goes out. Even more advanced charging technologies are also on the horizon—like electrified roads, which will soon be underway in Sweden.
Ideal for fleets
Electric truck fleet usage may be ideal for delivery services. Places like California that have high-occupancy vehicle lanes (HOV lanes), which EVs often qualify for, can meet criteria to help them deliver packages more quickly. They’re economical, can be used for routes specifically catered to a model’s operating range, and charging can happen at the fleet site overnight.
There are pros and cons to early adoption of electric trucks—but considering the amount of change that has happened in the last decade, we can expect EV technology to only improve in the coming years. That’ll put fleet managers in the best position to add electric pickup trucks to their fleet. Not only does the future of electric trucks speak to a more eco-friendly future, but it also promises stronger, faster, and tougher vehicles.
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