Best Electric Truck Isn’t a Ford, Tesla, or Chevy: It’s an EV Startup!
The race to be the best electric pickup truck is heating up, with major American automakers vying for the top spot. This includes the Ford F-150 Lightning, Chevy Silverado EV, Ram 1500 REV, GMC Hummer EV Pickup, and GMC Sierra EV. There’s also the upcoming Tesla Cybertruck. However, the best electric truck isn’t any of these models. It’s from EV startup Rivian with the 2023 Rivian R1T. Multiple automotive experts rate the R1T as the best, including Car and Driver and U.S. News & World Report.
2023 Rivian R1T is the best electric pickup truck
The phrase “EV startup” elicits mixed reactions. On the one hand, a startup often generates excitement. People are curious about a new entity and the promise it holds. On the other hand, most startups fail, especially in the automotive industry.
So far, Rivian is the former. In its short existence, the EV startup has made major strides, with it earning praise from consumers and critics alike. It generates the kind of positive buzz that Tesla had in its early days.
Also, the 2023 Rivian R1T is a design and engineering marvel. Furthermore, it beat other electric trucks as the first one sold in the United States, including the Ford F-150 Lightning and GMC Hummer EV Pickup. We’re still waiting for the arrival of the Chevy Silverado EV, Ram 1500 REV, GMC Sierra EV, and Tesla Cybertuck.
Multiple automotive experts rank the Rivian R1T as the top EV truck
The praise for the 2023 Rivian R1T isn’t all hot air, for respected automotive experts rate it as the best electric truck. This includes Car and Driver and U.S. News. Both publications have the R1T at the top spot, followed by the 2023 Ford F-150 and the 2023 GMC Hummer EV.
Since the Tesla Cybertruck, Ram 1500 REV, Chevy Silverado EV, and GMC Sierra EV haven’t yet been released, they didn’t make the best electric truck lists for Car and Driver and U.S. News. However, none of these trucks match the all-around capabilities and quality of the R1T. This includes off-road prowess, sports sedan-like performance, a stylish design, unique utility features, generous benefits, and environmental credentials.
R1T is impressive for both off-road and on-road use
The specs of the 2023 Rivian R1T are jaw-dropping. It features an electric powertrain with four motors, which generates an incredible output of 835 horsepower and 908 lb-ft of torque. This enables the EV truck to go from zero to 60 mph in only three seconds. For driving range, it can travel up to 328 miles on a full charge. Also, despite its large size, the R1T is maneuverable, with it driving through curves and around corners with ease.
The area where the R1T especially stands out over the Ford F-150 Lightning, Tesla Cybertruck, Chevrolet Silverado EV, and other electric trucks is its off-road capabilities. The only EV truck that comes close to matching the off-road prowess is the GMC Hummer EV Pickup.
One of the reasons for the superb off-road capabilities of the R1T is its quad-motor system, with a motor for each wheel. It provides smooth and instantaneous torque delivery to each wheel for optimal traction on rugged terrain. Also, the EV truck features an adjustable air suspension that can raise its ground clearance to a height of 14.9 inches for effective driving over obstacles.
Excellent membership program
Another strength of the R1T is its generous membership program. It includes many great benefits, such as free unlimited charging and unlimited 4G LTE connectivity. There’s also Charge Assurance and Off-Road Assistance, in which Rivian will send a recovery vehicle if the R1T runs out of battery power or gets stranded in the wilderness.
For the membership program, Rivian also provides mile-matching with renewable energy resources, such as solar and wind power. Additionally, it offers Rivian-led experiences, such as stewardship meet-ups, gatherings and outdoor adventures with other members, educational programs, and children’s activities.
Major automakers have the resources to produce high-quality electric pickup trucks, but the best one is from an EV startup: the 2023 Rivian R1T. It tops all other models in the segment, including the Ford F-150 Lightning, Tesla Cybertruck, Chevy Silverado EV, Ram 1500 REV, GMC Hummer EV Pickup, and GMC Sierra EV.
