The Out of Spec Motoring YouTube channel has been providing comprehensive information on the current lineup of electric trucks and their capabilities. In a recent road trip from Florida to California, four popular electric trucks, the Rivian R1T, Ford F-150 Lightning, Chevy Silverado EV, and Tesla Cybertruck, were put to the test in a coast-to-coast race. Each truck showcased its unique strengths, but all faced challenges with charging issues and limitations, even the highly anticipated Cybertruck.
One standout in the road trip was the Chevy Silverado EV, which had a delayed first charging stop due to its massive battery pack size. The team encountered issues with fast charging at CCS stations, limiting their charging options. Despite facing challenges with station availability and charging speed fluctuations, the team managed to navigate through the obstacles. The Silverado EV is set to expand its fast charging capabilities, which will improve its charging experiences in the future.
The Tesla Cybertruck performed well in the race, with an improved charging curve and efficient range due to its aerodynamic design. However, the team faced issues with initiating charges at some stations, requiring them to switch to different units. The Ford F-150 Lightning team also encountered challenges with charging speed fluctuations and range estimates, resulting in cautious charging strategies to avoid being stranded. Both teams had to optimize their charging sessions to overcome these issues.
The Rivian R1T team also faced efficiency challenges during the road trip, especially in heavy storms that impacted their speed and charging schedules. Despite encountering a common issue with EA stations cutting charging short, the team remained competitive and traded first place multiple times with the other trucks. Overall, each truck showcased its strengths and weaknesses in the race, highlighting the current state of the EV truck market in 2024.
As the EV truck market continues to grow, buyers have more options to consider for their towing and hauling needs. The road trip provided valuable insights into the capabilities of each electric truck and their charging experiences. With advancements in charging infrastructure and improvements in software updates, the electric truck market is set to evolve and offer better solutions for American buyers. The ongoing race between the top electric trucks will reveal which one comes out on top, allowing consumers to make informed decisions when choosing their preferred electric truck in 2024.
