Electric vehicles have exploded in popularity in recent years as gas prices have soared and more models offering appealing designs, instant torque, and high-tech features have hit the market. However, the pickup truck market has lagged behind when it comes to electrification, with few options available so far for buyers who want to go green but don‘t want to sacrifice hauling and towing capability.
That is now changing in a major way as we are seeing a crop of new electric trucks coming to market over the next year that promise to deliver sports car-like acceleration along with ample utility. In this in-depth guide, we‘ll look at the 6 fastest electric pickup trucks that you can buy today or will be able to very soon.
Why Fast Electric Trucks Matter
While electric sedans and SUVs are becoming commonplace, finding an electric pickup that can rival gas trucks for speed and power has been difficult. Many truck owners value strong acceleration for responsive driving and safe passing ability when towing and hauling heavy loads. Electric vehicles are lightning quick off the line thanks to instant torque from their motors, but truck makers have only recently begun tapping into that potential.
Now, we are on the cusp of a new generation of electric trucks that can finally go toe-to-toe with the quickest gas-powered trucks in a zero-emissions package. As you‘ll see from the specs below, these fast EV trucks accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3-4 seconds on average. That‘s as quick as many sports cars. Crucially though, they don‘t give up hauling and towing capability to achieve that speed. Payload and towing ratings match or exceed comparable gas models.
For truck owners who want guilt-free high-performance driving along with serious work capability, these new speedy electric trucks are a game changer. Let‘s take a closer look at each one and what they bring to the table:
1. GMC Hummer EV Truck
The GMC Hummer EV Edition 1 is the quickest full-size pickup you can get right now. GM pulled out all the stops for the revived electric Hummer, equipping it with three motors producing a staggering 1,000 horsepower and 1,200 lb-ft of torque. According to GMC‘s testing, this allows the hulking Hummer EV to accelerate from 0-60 mph in approximately 3.0 seconds – a figure that puts it in rarefied supercar territory!
Several reviewers have validated GMC‘s claims, with Car & Driver timing a 3.3 second 0-60 run and Motor Trend achieving 2.9 seconds. For comparison, that‘s quicker than the acceleration times for the latest Corvette Z06 or Porsche 911 GT3. The Hummer EV is limited to a top speed of 106 mph.
Despite being incredibly quick in a straight line, the Hummer EV also touts legitimate off-roading capabilities thanks to technical feats like 4-wheel steering with Crab Walk mode. A short 5-foot bed harks back to the original H2, but it‘s configurable and removable roof panels bring open-air driving into the mix. Make no mistake though – this is a big, heavy vehicle weighing in at over 9,000 lb.
GMC began deliveries of the $112,595 Edition 1 model in late 2022, with lower-priced trims to follow. Given sky-high demand, getting your hands on a 2023 Hummer EV may prove difficult. But if you want the undisputed quickest electric truck right now, this is it.
- 0-60 mph: 3.0 sec (estimate)
- Top Speed: 106 mph
- Bed Length: 5 feet
- Towing Capacity: 7,500 lbs
- Range (est.): 329+ miles
2. Rivian R1T
Close on the heels of the Hummer EV is the Rivian R1T pickup. The electric truck startup garnered huge buzz when it debuted the sharp-looking R1T in 2018 as one of the first entries in the EV truck space. Now after production delays, Rivian is ramping up deliveries to eager customers.
The R1T employs four separate motors, one at each wheel, to put down a staggering 835 horsepower. That massive output catapults this 5,886 lb truck from 0-60 mph in as little as 3.0 seconds based on Rivian‘s estimates. Reviewers like Car & Driver have recorded 3.5 second times, which still places the R1T among the fastest accelerating pickups. Top speed is limited to 110 mph.
Beyond its straight line speed, the R1T excels at going off-road thanks to its sophisticated quad-motor AWD system. The R1T provides some unique touches like a Gear Tunnel storage compartment that runs the width of the vehicle. Max towing sits at an impressive 11,000 lb for the large-battery model.
Rivian is now working through an order backlog of over 90,000 preorders for the R1T after production stumbles in 2022 resulted in only 7,000 trucks built. The truck starts at $73,000 and rises to $93,000 for the quad-motor AWD setup. If you want an electric truck that can hold its own with the Hummer EV for acceleration but in a more compact, adventurous package, the R1T is a top choice.
- 0-60 mph: 3.0-3.5 sec
- Top Speed: 110 mph
- Bed Length: 4.5 feet
- Towing Capacity: 11,000 lbs
- Range: 260-400+ miles
3. Tesla Cybertruck Tri-Motor
Tesla‘s Cybertruck has been shrouded in mystery since its unveiling in 2019. But if Tesla can deliver on its performance promises, the range-topping Tri Motor model will give the Hummer EV and R1T a run for their money in the speed department.
Tesla states that the Cybertruck will boast over 800 horsepower from its three-motor powertrain. That enormous power combined with the funky truck‘s angular stainless steel body could enable 0-60 mph acceleration in under 3 seconds based on CEO Elon Musk‘s comments. Musk also hinted at a top speed over 130 mph and towing capacity exceeding 14,000 pounds for the Tri Motor model.
The biggest question is when this futuristic electric truck will actually get into production. Tesla just pushed back the Cybertruck release timeline again, now saying production will kick off in mid-2023. Whenever it arrives, the Cybertruck looks primed to lay claim to the "quickest electric truck" title given its combination of vault-like body, huge single-piece rear wheel, and copious electric power.
- 0-60 mph: <3 sec (est.)
- Top Speed: 130+ mph (est.)
- Bed Length: 6.5 feet
- Towing Capacity: 14,000+ lbs
- Range: 250+ miles (est.)
4. Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat
The Ford F-150 Lightning is one of the first electric pickups from a major manufacturer to hit the mass market. The dual-motor Lightning produces a brawny 563 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque in the extended range battery model. That‘s enough muscle for the Lightning to challenge more exotic EVs.
Car & Driver recorded a 0-60 run of just 4.1 seconds for the F-150 Lightning Lariat model, which is Ford‘s quickest version. That makes it faster in a straight line than the combustion-powered F-150 Raptor sport truck. The Lightning‘s top speed is limited to 111 mph.
In addition to its brisk acceleration, the Lightning offers clever features like a front Mega Power Frunk cargo area and the ability to power tools and electronic devices. Its max tow rating of 10,000 pounds matches most gas F-150 models. With a starting price around $70,000, the Lightning brings real speed and utility in America‘s best-selling pickup nameplate.
- 0-60 mph: ~4.5 sec
- Top Speed: 110 mph
- Bed Length: 5.5 feet
- Towing Capacity: 10,000 lbs
- Range: 230-320 miles
5. EdisonFuture EF1-T Super
The California-based startup EdisonFuture made waves last year when it debuted its electric EF1-T pickup concept. While still at least a year away from production, the top Super model aims to deliver scintillating acceleration on par with Tesla‘s claims for the Cybertruck Tri Motor.
EdisonFuture states that the EF1-T Super will hit 60 mph in under 4 seconds thanks to an advanced quad motor AWD setup outputting 600 kW (over 800 horsepower). The company also boasts a driving range approaching 450 miles from its 150 kWh battery pack. Towing capacity is pegged at over 11,000 pounds.
In addition to performance, the curvaceous EF1-T Super will feature niceties like a solar charging roof, retractable lidar sensors, and a striking interior with pillar-to-pillar displays.
If EdisonFuture can match its ambitious targets for speed, range, and capability, the EF1-T Super could rank among the elite electric trucks. But its futuristic looks and sky-high tech will likely command a premium price.
- 0-60 mph: <4 sec (est.)
- Top Speed: TBD
- Bed Length: 6.5 feet
- Towing Capacity: 11,000+ lbs
- Range: 450 miles (est.)
6. Chevrolet Silverado EV RST
General Motors is planning to release an all-electric version of America‘s second top-selling pickup, the Chevy Silverado, in early 2023. The first model out of the gate will be the RST First Edition, which Chevy says will hit 60 mph in under 4.5 seconds.
The Silverado EV RST derives its performance from dual-motor AWD producing up to 664 horsepower and 780 lb-ft of torque. Power is routed through GM‘s new Ultium battery system. The RST will offer up to 400 miles of range.
As a Silverado, the EV will stay true to the nameplate‘s strengths like generous cargo room, a multi-functional tailgate, and excellent trailering features. The RST First Edition is primed to deliver speed, luxury, and advanced technology when it arrives next year carrying an MSRP over $100,000.
- 0-60 mph: <4.5 sec
- Top Speed: 110 mph
- Bed Length: 5 foot 11 inches
- Towing Capacity: 10,000 lbs
- Range: 400 miles
How Do They Compare on Specs?
| Truck | Bed Length | Towing Capacity | Range | 0-60 mph | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hummer EV | 5-6 feet | 7,500 lbs | 329+ mi | 3.0 sec | 106 mph |
| Rivian R1T | 4.5 feet | 11,000 lbs | 260-400 mi | 3.0-3.5 sec | 110 mph |
| Tesla Cybertruck | 6.5 feet | 14,000+ lbs | 250+ mi | <3 sec | 130+ mph |
| Ford F-150 Lightning | 5.5 feet | 10,000 lbs | 230-320 mi | ~4.5 sec | 110 mph |
| EdisonFuture EF1-T | 6.5-8 feet | 11,000+ lbs | 450 mi (est.) | <4 sec | TBD |
| Chevy Silverado EV | 5‘11" | 10,000 lbs | 400 mi | <4.5 sec | 110 mph |
Looking at the specs, a few things stand out:
- The Tesla Cybertruck and Hummer EV are potentially the quickest, but both remain somewhat speculative.
- The Rivian R1T, Ford Lightning, and upcoming Chevy Silverado all impress with sub-5 second 0-60 times.
- The Tesla and Rivian models boast the highest max tow ratings.
- Range varies widely from 250 to 450 miles. The Lightning and Silverado offer robust real-world range.
- Beds follow conventional full-size dimensions of 4.5 to 6.5 feet for practical cargo hauling.
So in summary, buyers have some compelling options to get speed, utility, and range without the traditional downsides of gas trucks.
Get Ready: Electric Horsepower Wars Have Arrived
After years of minimal selection for electric truck buyers who wanted both zero emissions and lightening-fast acceleration, numerous intriguing options are now lined up for launch within the next 12-18 months.
Across the board, ranges are improving dramatically and production barriers are being ironed out. The horsepower wars seen in high-end gas pickups over the past decade are set to play out all over again with electrics.
Looking ahead, we should expect 500+ mile ranges, under 3 second 0-60 sprints, and new levels of torque from electric motors to become common among EV trucks. Exciting startups will push legacy brands to innovate faster.
While gas and diesel-powered pickups still dominate sales for now, choices like the outlandish Hummer EV and the shockingly quick Tesla Cybertruck are proving that electric trucks can offer sports car-beating performance while still meeting drivers‘ hauling and towing needs.
For truck owners ready to go electric without compromises, the future looks bright. The power and torque of EVs unlocks game-changing acceleration, and trucks are taking full advantage. If you are looking for an insanely fast truck that can still haul a trailer with ease, get ready, as exciting new EV options are arriving at dealers very soon.