The new EV pickup trucks offer many upsides to their gas counterparts. From mileage efficiency to higher horsepower, electric vehicles offer many benefits. The added storage space is a big plus, too.
There are a few all-electric trucks breaking headlines: the Tesla Cybertruck, the Ford F-150 Lightning, and the GMC Hummer EV pickup. Each manufacturer listed comes with its own potential. Ford is a well-known manufacturer of reliable trucks. And the Hummer is a favorite powerhouse, all-terrain option. Choosing between either option is difficult, so read on to understand each new electric truck’s benefits and make the best comparison for yourself.
Construction and design
Inside and out, GMC and Ford are very different manufacturers. Let’s break down the major differences between the Lightning and Hummer EV pickup’s construction and design.
GMC Hummer EV truck
The GMC Hummer EV pickup is boxy like the H2. However, the updated look comes with the option to remove the roof panels for more of an open-air experience. The steel body construction and under-body armor protect the battery pack and other drivetrain components from rugged terrain — perfect for off-roading.
The Hummer EV truck seats five in its four-door crew cab system. This upscale off-roading vehicle comes with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.4-inch center infotainment touchscreen. Standard features include high-definition surround vision cameras, rear cabin power drop glass, and all-weather floor liners with carpet inserts. The Hummer EV truck also has GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving system.
Ford F-150 Lightning
The clearest difference between the Hummer EV pickup and the Ford F-150 Lightning is the Lightning’s LED headlights and taillights from the outside. The Lightning is less boxy than its gas-powered counterparts, too. Like its F Series siblings, the Lightning has aluminum body panels to improve the truck’s performance and range.
Its conventional crew cab setup means it can accommodate five passengers. The standard instrumentation has a 12-inch digital display for the driver and a 12-inch vertical touchscreen for infotainment. A 15.5-inch center touchscreen is standard on upper trims, along with upgrades like 10-way power-adjustable seats, an 8-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, and leather seating surfaces.
Performance and capability
Where the Hummer touts luxury and style, the Ford is all about power and performance. Both offer high horsepower, but both prioritize different features. See more about capability differences for these EV pickup trucks below.
GMC Hummer EV truck
The First Edition model comes with three electric motors, 300 miles of range, 1,000 HP, and 11,500 lb-ft of torque. The Hummer EV3X, available this year, is rated at 830 HP with the same torque. The EV2X has two electric motors, 300 miles of range, 625 HP, and 7,400 lb-ft of torque — it’s slated for 2023. The base model of the EV2 won’t see production until 2024, but will have the same horsepower and torque ratings as the EV2x with a 250-mile range. First Edition and EV3X models will feature Watts to Freedom, a launch system that promises 0-60 mph acceleration of about 3 seconds.
Ford F-150 Lightning
Four trim levels are initially available with the Lightning: the Lightning Pro, a mid-range XLT trim, and two top luxury models in the Lariat and Platinum. There’s a dual-motor configuration for each axle, giving every Lightning model all-wheel drive.
The motors provide 426 HP in base trim with an upgrade producing 563 horses and 775 lb-ft of torque. The standard battery will provide 230 miles of range, while a larger available pack boosts that figure to 300 miles.
The Ford F-150 Lightning promises a maximum payload of 2,000 pounds. That’s between ratings of conventional Ford pickups. The Lightning can tow up to 10,000 pounds and the Lightning Pro can tow 5,000 pounds or 7,700 pounds with an optional tow package. The front trunk can hold 14.1 cubic feet of cargo. Although this is less than the Hummer EV pickup, it still runs higher across every model available.
Pricing and availability
Let’s take a look at what each manufacturer has priced its vehicles at. Hummer may run a higher price tag, but you do get luxury details included. Here’s an approximate breakdown of prices:
GMC Hummer EV truck
- EV2 AWD 2-motor: $79,995 (available 2024)
- EV2X AWD 2-motor: $$89,995 (available 2023)
- EV3X AWD 3-motor: $99,995 (available 2022)
- First Edition AWD 3-motor: $112,595 (sold out)
Ford F-150 Lightning
Ford is accepting orders of the Ford F-150 Lightning now, but it’s not going to launch until late 2022. Here’s a breakdown of pricing with estimated costs for the different trims and features available:
- Lightning Pro Dual Motor AWD Work Truck: $39,974 (426 HP, 230-mile range)
- Lightning Pro Dual Motor AWD Work Truck: $49,974 (563 HP, 300-mile range)
- XLT Dual Motor AWD XLT: $52,974 ($6,700 premium over a gas XLT 4×4)
- Lariat Dual Motor AWD: $58,630 (using a $6,700 premium over Lariat 4×4)
- Platinum Dual Motor AWD: $69,500 (using a $6,700 premium over Platinum 4×4)
- Top Trim: $90,474 (based on top price given by Ford)
Choosing an EV pickup truck
Ford’s promise of alternative power with the electric F-150 as an “Intelligent Backup Power” system makes it ideal for multitaskers and digital nomads on the go. Like the Tesla Cybertruck, the GMC Hummer EV pickup is as much about style as it is unique features. The sideways mobile Crab Walk system, Super Cruise, and 800-volt quick charge are just a few high-end features that may inform some consumers’ choices.
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