The Best (and Cheapest) Electric Trucks That Are Coming Soon

Several prominent automakers (including Ford, GMC and Tesla) are now presenting their electric truck offerings, as well as upstart companies like the Amazon-backed Rivian, who are gearing up to be first to market. The race is on to plug-in to this lucrative EV growth sector. 

Although no manufacturer has an electric truck for sale right now, we’re going to look at what’s on the horizon, who can actually deliver a great product, and how much you can expect to pay for it.

Tesla Cybertruck

Price: Starting from US$39,900 (approx. $50,000 CAD)

Range: 400 to 800 kilometres 

Towing Capacity: 3,402 to 6,350 kilograms

Release Date: Production begins late 2021

The most anticipated (and cheapest) truck to hit the electric vehicle market will be Tesla’s Cybertruck. Its futuristic, box-like design will make it a head-turner on the road, especially its Knight Rider-esque headlights and lunar landing exoskeleton. You can choose from three versions depending on your towing capacity and mileage range needs. There will be a single-motor rear-wheel-drive model, a dual-motor all-wheel-drive, and a tri-motor AWD version that can go from 0-to-100 km/h in under 3 seconds. There will also be adjustable air suspension with up to 16 inches of ground clearance. For Canadian buyers, the base and trim prices have yet to be announced, but you can currently reserve the Cybertruck for a fully refundable $150. Production is slated to begin in late 2021.

Rivian R1T

Price: Starting from US$67,500 (approx. $85,000 CAD)

Range: 370 to 644 kilometres 

Towing Capacity: Up to 4,990 kilograms (750 Horsepower)

Release Date: Deliveries begin summer of 2021; next edition early 2022

Rivian isn’t a well-known player in the young electric truck space, but its advantage might be its ability to deliver first to market; not to mention being backed by Amazon. The American start-up is promising to have electric trucks on the road this summer. As opposed to the usual macho, built-tough truck marketing of Ford and GMC, Rivian’s R1T pick-up is aiming for the outdoorsy types, similar to say a Subaru Outback. It’s billing itself as an “adventurer’s dream” with ranges up to 644 kilometres and ample storage – over 68 cubic feet – to keep all your camping or kayak gear loaded safely. There’s also a panoramic rooftop window to enjoy the scenic views as you drive to the mountains. And did we mention the vegan leather seats? You get the nature-loving idea. The Launch Edition of the R1T is sold out, but orders are being taken for the Adventure Edition to be delivered in January 2022 for a $1,500 reservation deposit. 

Ford F-150 Lightning

Price: $68,000 – $110,000 (approx. $86,000 CAD – $139,000 CAD)

Range: 370 to 480 kilometres 

Towing Capacity: Up to 4,535 kilograms

Release Date: Production begins spring 2022; for sale 2023

Considering Ford’s F-Series trucks have been the best-selling pick-up in Canada for over a decade, it’s no surprise the auto-giant is preparing to storm the nascent E-truck market with the F-150 Lightning. Unlike Tesla and other electric truck manufacturers, the F-150 Lightning’s design doesn’t wildly diverge from today’s conventional design of the popular pick-up. And for those concerned about torque, and “getting the job done,” as they say, the Lightning will feature two motors powering the front and back wheels to provide 775 lb.-ft of torque and 563 units of high-performance horsepower. The battery range (480 km) is enough to drive from Edmonton to Calgary on a single charge, which should be more than sufficient for a day’s work. Reservations for the F-150 Lightning are currently being accepted for a $100 fee. 

GMC Hummer EV

Price: US$79,995 – US$112,595 (approx. $101,000 CAD – $142,000 CAD )

Range: Up to 350 miles 

Towing Capacity: Not yet available (1,000 Horsepower)

Release Date: Late 2021; subsequent models in 2022, 2023, and 2024

The Hummer is being revived by GMC in an all-electric format with models that should dip more into the luxury demographic. The Hummer is unlikely to be the first choice for those needing an everyday work pick-up. With features like “Crab mode,” an ability to move sideways, and “Extract mode,” which can raise the vehicle 6” in order to traverse obstacles or water, the EV Hummer will appeal to those willing to pay more for these unique design elements. Speed and power also feature prominently, with 11,500 lb.-ft of torque and 0 to 60 in three seconds. The EV Hummer will be available in both a pick-up version and an SUV. Reservations for the first model are full, but for a $100 fee you can put your name down for the subsequent model to be released in late 2022 – with a US$99,995 price tag.

Bollinger B2

Price: Starting from US$125,000 (approx. $158,000 CAD)

Range: 320 kilometres 

Towing Capacity: Up to 3,402 kilograms (614 horsepower)  

Release Date: Production starts late 2021

The most expensive truck on our list is being produced by a little-known company called Bollinger Motors. Design-wise, the all-electric B2 pick-up model is unlike anything else coming to the market. It is extremely boxy, with a large flat-bed trunk area that can accommodate 16-foot cargo when the pass-through is open. It also features a “frunk” – trunk in the front – for even more storage capacity. And what it lacks in battery range (320 kilometres), it makes up for with its interior design. The cab is basically a "greenhouse" with clear sightlines in every direction for the driver and passengers. For a $1,000 deposit, you can reserve the B2 now with production scheduled for later this year, though a delivery date has yet to be announced.

Shopping for an EV or truck?

While it’s exciting to preview these upcoming electric trucks set to hit the market, the fact is most won’t be widely available until next year or even 2023. That’s a long time to wait if you have immediate transportation needs. Canada Drives can help you find your next vehicle online, buy (or finance) it online, and get it delivered to your door as soon as today! 

Start shopping now.