The year 2020 has been a real stinker for all of us. Not for many decades have so many people looked forward so fervently to the coming of a new year. It’s time to look ahead and take pleasure in the many great things in store for us, one of which is a new lineup of fantastic pickup trucks.
There’s perhaps nothing more classically American than a pickup truck, and 2021 is promising some very exciting additions to what is currently quite a competitive sector. The difference in 2021? We’ll be seeing a boat-load of all-electric models finally making their way to production. As the world continues its transition to electric, it seems that the pickup truck is getting in on the action early, and 2021 will see the return of the return of truly iconic American truck brand.
The new decade didn’t get off to a good start, but it’s no reason to deny yourself the most amazing automotive upgrade in 2021. In today’s article, we’ll be exploring the most exciting new all-electric pickups that are entering the marketplace in the new year.
1. Tesla Cybertruck
Since its first unveiling back in November 2019, the Cybertruck has divided the truck-loving community over its appearance and incredible claims of functionality. Words like “brutalist” have perhaps never been used before when it comes to pickup design, but the Cybertruck is forcing us all to change the way we think about trucks. Production is set to begin in a new facility outside of Austin, Texas, and this vehicle is set to disrupt the entire marketplace.
First of all, one has to comment on the Cybertruck’s appearance. It’s seriously unique. Every corner is something new, and that’s why it has been hard for some to accept. Most of us can handle it when BMW puts a new kidney grille on their M3 and M4 models because it’s just one component. Cybertruck takes the entire concept of truck and reinvents it. From the futuristic angular wedge shape — not a curve in sight — to the enormous wheels with what look like manhole covers where the alloy rims ought to be, it’s certainly fresh.
At first glance, you might wonder why they call it a truck at all — there’s no bed! — but you’re wrong. The rear of the Cybertruck features a “vault” with a roll-up door reminiscent of your home garage. This opens up the rear space and transforms the Cybertruck from looking like a huge SUV to a proper truck.
Finally, if you’re looking forward to the Cybertruck, one reason is likely the promised power rating. The truck will come in three variants: 1 motor, 2 motors, or 3 motors (tri-motor). The top-end tri-motor is reported to get from 0 to 60 in an eye-watering 2.9 seconds. That’s not a typo. This truck will have a 0-to-60 time akin to a German or Italian supercar. In addition, at full strength and with the proper additions, the tri-motor Cybertruck will have a staggering towing capacity of 14,000 pounds. That’s a lot of gear, right there. Starting prices for the Cybertruck are a surprising $39,900, but will be higher ($70,000+) for the tri-motor model with further upgrades.
Whatever you think of the Cybertruck’s design, it’s creating quite the stir and is setting a standard for all-electric trucks to come.
2. Ford F-150 Electric
Tesla may be the new kid on the block with their disruptive designs, but that doesn’t mean there’s no room for the blue-chip brands to get in on the action. The Ford F-150 has long been among the best-selling pickup trucks in the country, and in 2021 they’re unveiling their all-electric model, the Ford F-150 Electric.
OK, we have to admit, the F-150 Electric isn’t exactly “arriving” in 2021, but it will be in 2021 when we have all the confirmed details. According to Ford’s recent announcements, the new facility for manufacturing the F-150 Electric has been confirmed at the historic Ford Rouge Center in Dearborn, Michigan. On the $700 million site is now being built the all-new Rouge Electric Vehicle Center. Upon completion, it will begin rolling out the new F-150 electric by mid-2022.
Currently, details on the new F-150 are rather scant. In fact, we don’t even know the confirmed name that they’re going to designate to it. All we’ve seen so far are either prototype images or darkened teaser shots. Considering the investment that they have put into the production facilities; it seems reasonable to assume that Ford will do everything possible to make the pricing of their new truck as competitive as possible. Even Tesla are achieving a starting price under $40,000 for their dynamic Cybertruck. Ford will have to keep up, and can do so if they use the aluminum construction and same basic shape of the existing F-150 as a starting point.
These are truly exciting times for Ford fans. We look forward to seeing more that will be revealed about the F-150 in the new year.
3. Lordstown Motors Endurance
Lordstown are an exciting electric vehicle startup operating out of Lordstown, Ohio — imaginative name, right? — and are promising a fantastic electric truck addition especially targeted at the construction, agriculture and fleet markets. They call it the Endurance.
The Endurance is expected to arrive by late summer in 2021 with a starting price of $52,500, placing it slightly higher on the price spectrum, at least on the surface. In fact, the Endurance is set to be a real game-changer and innovator in the market. For instance, the company have confirmed that instead of the traditional design featuring a total of two electric motors with one mounted on each wheel axle, the Endurance will feature 4 electric motors, each mounted on a wheel hub. The company claim that this innovation will ensure much better traction while also lowering the cost of overall maintenance.
It has been marketed heavily to those in the construction, agriculture and fleet sectors by revealing things like its pleasing 250-mile or more range, impressive performance with 600hp in support, and even great details like bed-mounted 120V power outlets for tools. This is quite clearly an electric truck for those on the go.
Lordstown have been blessed with a turnkey production solution (well, almost) in the form of an old closed-down Chevrolet plant they are taking over. With a few small changes here and there, it will be ready for EV manufacture. Just think what some companies would give to be able to move into a new facility that quickly!
4. 2021 Rivian R1T
If you attended the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show, or at least read about it, you may have heard of this startup’s new electric truck, the Rivian R1T. The unveiling started quite the buzz in the industry, and it seems to be gaining momentum as more is revealed about this amazing truck’s features.
First, the R1T takes the term “all-terrain” to amazing levels. Nothing can stop this truck, it would seem. Its quad-motor system, similar to the Endurance, delivers up to 750hp and 829lb-ft of torque, which can take it from 0 to 60 in an amazing 3 seconds. Furthermore, if you have gear to tow, you can equip the R1T to take a total of 11,000lbs, making it the perfect professional pickup truck suiting a wide range of industries.
Storage is another key USP on the R1T. The company has endeavored to make the R1T the bona fide pickup truck of the future. The bed offers a great storage space with three 110V outlets for charging your tools and other gear. Besides the ample rear bed, there’s also a spare tire stored underneath the bed — handy if you get in trouble — as well as an 11-cubic-foot trunk at the front under the hood. It just goes to show that not having to load in a massive V8 engine has its advantages. Arguably the coolest feature of all, however, is the “gear tunnel” located behind the cabin and spanning the width of the truck. In total, it gives you about another 12 cubic feet of lockable storage for your additional gear. You’ll see the openings to the gear tunnel on the side of the car, accessible from the outside.
Another great feature of the of the R1T is 42.7 inches of wading depth. So, even many rivers can’t stand in the way of this impressive electric truck. In terms of battery life, the R1T is promising range of something like 400 or more miles, placing it in a very competitive position in the sector. It’s expected to enter production in summer 2021, but Rivian are already accepting preorders.
5. Hummer EV
Did we save the best for last? Well, that would depend on what your overall view of the Hummer brand is. After a long hiatus, Hummer is back with this exciting new all-electric “supertruck” starting production in fall 2021. It should be ready for delivery by 2022, meaning we’ll have to continue being patient until we learn more about what to expect.
GMC have already released some quite spicy information regarding the Hummer EV. First of all, we know that the Hummer is going to be released both as an SUV version and a pickup truck version. Both will have an impressive electric drivetrain boasting a phenomenal 1,000hp, and a 0 to 60 time of 3 seconds on the top model. We can’t confirm this until the company officially unveils the new Hummer in late October, 2020.
In their teaser material so far, GMC have made a big point of highlighting some of the most innovative drive mode features. Most notable of all of these is the highly anticipated “Crab Mode.” Using an advanced form of 4-wheel steering, the new Hummer EV appears to be able to drive from a stand-still into a diagonal line. Just imagine the applications of this technology both in off-road adventuring and even in tricky city parking.
In late October, GMC is set to officially unveil the Hummer EV in preparation for the start of production next year. Whether you’re looking forward to the SUV or the pickup model, it’s exciting to see the return of this iconic marque. Welcome back, Hummer.
2021 is the Year of the Electric Truck
After a rocky start to the new decade, it seems that we are now finally able to look forward to great new additions to the all-electric landscape. These electric pickup trucks should bring some much-needed diversity and innovation to the somewhat predictable and muscular world that the pickup truck market has become over the years. With acceleration speeds and the potential range and horsepower apparently on offer, it’s hard to imagine any truck enthusiast being able to resist such an upgrade.
