Why You Should Consider Ford and Chevy’s Electric Work Trucks
Electric trucks are hot. More than 200,000 people have reserved a new Ford F-150 Lightning EV, and more than 140,000 have put down a deposit on a Chevy Silverado EV. But manufacturers know that people who do work buy trucks so they can haul, tow, and generally do truck stuff. For years some of the most popular trucks have been work trucks, and it only makes sense that Ford and Chevy are now pushing new $40,000 EV work trucks: the Ford F-150 Lightning Pro and the Chevy Silverado EV Work Truck.
What’s different about a work truck?
We all love to see the leather interiors, fancy wheels, and supersized screens of luxury trucks. But for a lot of us, a white truck that carries the crew and their gear to and from the worksite is the best choice. Work trucks are often bought by fleets and people who use trucks to carry drywall, cinderblocks, and materials to the job site. They’re generally the least-luxurious trucks, with boring steel wheels, vinyl seats, and monotone paint, but they are also the kind of truck you’re most likely to see on the road.
The Chevy Silverado Work Truck promises a lot
A lot has been made about the 2024 Silverado EV’s four-wheel steering and its expected massive horsepower. But that’s not what a contractor needs. The WT gets fast-charging capability through the Ultium Charge 360 Fleet Service and a 400-mile range so you can get to the job site. The five-seat truck also has customizable storage in the front and easy-to-clean upholstery.
The WT specs have not been released, but Chevy says it will tow 8,000 pounds and carry 1,200 in back. The WT will have 510 horsepower and 615 lb.-ft. of torque. An upcoming fleet model will be able to up to 20,000 pounds.
The Ford F-150 Lightning Pro comes in two versions
Ford trucks can be ordered with 48- and 80-amp fast chargers for overnight charging. The F-150 Lightning Pro has “always on” 4×4, and has a 230-mile range with the standard battery pack that makes 426 horsepower and a diesel-rivaling 775 lb.-ft. of torque for about $40,000. It can carry 2,000 pounds of payload and tow up to 7,700 pounds with a trailering package. Ford is also offering an extended range version with a 300-mile range and 563 horsepower.
The frunk of the F-150 Lightning Pro has four 120-volt AC outlets and two USB ports. Every Lightning Pro is a five-passenger SuperCrew truck, with vinyl seats and a 12-inch LCD touch screen. Pro Power Onboard is optional. With the fleet options, you can add telematics and vehicle data-logging instrumentation.
How much do electric work trucks cost?
Both electric work trucks are priced the same. The Ford F-150 Lightning Pro starts at $39,974 with the standard range battery and a dual-motor 4×4 drivetrain if you can find one. The extended range version, which has more power, has a 300-mile range at an MSRP of $49,974. The Chevy Silverado EV WT should start at $39,900 and Chevy is taking $100 reservations now for the WT. The RST starts at about $50,000. Both companies charge a destination fee.
But, of course, that’s a lot more than a basic gas-powered work truck you can buy today. A basic 2022 Chevy Silverado WT work truck starts at $30,400. The Ford F-150 starts at $30,870.
