Is It All Over For EV Trucks? 

Holy crap! That's one heck of a compliment. Thank you very much! It means a lot for my tiny channel. Thank you for watching!

Glad you liked it!

Exactly. Having the right tool for the right job. Thank you so much for your insightful comment!

Excellent comment. For the most part, the FUD is more a problem than the trucks. Firstly, they all come with huge battery warranties, and also offer extended warranty packages. Mine is covered for 220,000km (136,000 miles), along with the two electric motors. Gas vehicles are 8 times more likely to catch fire than evs (which no media outlet ever mentions), and many EVs, including my truck, have modular battery packs, which means if any part of the battery tray malfunctions, only a portion of the batteries need replacing. EV Trucks do great at regular light-duty truck things, which this channel will be featuring a lot in upcoming episodes, but yes, you are so correct when the going gets tough. For the 20% of truck owners who actually use their vehicle for long-haul towing or hauling very heavy loads over great distances, ev trucks are a bad idea - currently. As you say, competition will improve that, as long as we have some. Thank you for joining in the conversation!

This is an excellent point. Until mid 2023 when all hell broke loose for all vehicle sales - gas, diesel, hybrid and electric - used electric vehicle prices were robust. Even 2016 Nissan Leafs were selling at a premium. For the past 12 months, however, especially after Tesla dropped prices multiple times all over the place, this has really hurt current owner trying to sell their evs. My truck, however, a standard range XLT Lightning is still holding its own both 2022 and 2023 models. The higher trims, however, are getting pummelled. What type of hybrid do your own? What are your thoughts on hybrid trucks?

@@truckedupevs I started with a Prius in 2004 here in Sweden. 3 years and around 30000 miles per year. Was running a Landrover privately back then. Had a biogas VW Passat for 3 years later on and then a Passat GTE plug in hybrid. Would do the 50km to the office summertime on EV mode. Great gas mileage on long trips. Unfortunately totaled after someone hit me from the rear potentially damaging the battery. Now driving a BMW 330d 4wd with a mild hybrid solution. Great performance and diesel mileage is between 40 and 50 us mpg. On trucks- I share a drive with a friend who has our sleddeck on his stacked up Silverado and we have a GMC Vandura from 1987 but that's the closest I've come other than Ford Kuga hybrid (medium sized European Suv) which I rented and once again great gas mileage...

Thanks for this! It looks like you've had good, extensive experience with hybrids and that they've worked out well for you (other than the crash!). I have heard so much concern about range with 100% EVs and people wanting the choice fo hybrid to be able to go the range, if necessary. My wife was one of them, but then took the risk and bought a 4-year-old Chevy Bolt with a newly replace battery pack from the government battery recall. Prior to that, we had a C-Max hybrid. That anxiety has vanished, and she's driven some pretty large trips in it. I think it is more the factor of the unknown and the poor, horror-story clickbait 'reporting' by the media that does the most to undermine EV adoption. With trucks, at least in Canada, we need charging companies to better think through the application of chargers. I think that if this happened, and truck users pulling trailers were able to simply pull through and not have to unhook the trailer to charge, there would be more adoption. If not, I think people will keep leaning toward hybrids. @@richardbutler4654

@@truckedupevs Agree with this regarding hybrids. Sad to admit, but I do have range anxiety. I pull varying loads regularly and with the lack of charging infrastructure, as well as pull-in chargers where they exist, it would make trip planning and the trips very difficult. I also commute a stupid distance, which until recent larger packs, was just out of comfort zone for EV range.

It's their biggest hang-up. I think we'll ge there, and for most it seriously isn;t a problem because they don't tow. But in your scenario, I'd have range anxiety too. Thanks a gain for the great comment! @@phurious_george

Glad you liked it! Exactly. EVs make a lot of sense for a majority of people, and those citing what it can't do have 1) likely never owned or used one, 2) feel it's a threat to their current vehicle and don't want change, or 3) have not taken a hard look at how they use their current vehicle on a regular basis. I really appreciate your comments!

Most people? You're sheltered

@@Mike-jf5ip No, I can read. Strong majority of people live in close in cities and close in burbs in the US. 90% of people don't haul regularly. Sounds like EV pickups fit most people use cases for a pickup better than an ICE pickup. Do you own an EV? Have you used one for any length of time. I want to see something...

I wish people would buy based on need, but I think we both know that isn't going to happen, so I would much rather have an EV of any style on the road instead of its gas counterpart. But I get why people do what they do, and worry about the new tech. All great points, David!

I don't think you'll have to wait long. The rate of c hange is astounding. It's like Moore's law with computing power or the cost reductions with solar. Do you drive great distances regularly? One thing that worries many is not being able to charge at home and having to rely on charging stations all the time. I've only charged at DC fast chargers on four trips since October. Otherwise I plug in at home. What's the biggest issue where EVs fail for your application. Mainly range? Thank you so much for the comment! Love to hear back on your thoughts!

Sort of. But that's what many said about personal computers and smartphones. Give it time and we'll see this tech mature. I own one of these things and for me, it makes perfect sense. But I can also see firsthand why it's a long way off for real-world hardcore truck applications. Thanks for joining in the discussion!

@@truckedupevs Absolutely no one of any importance said that about computers and smartphones. Computers and smartphone never started out with deficiency from what they replaced and they weren't critical modes of transportation for people and they didn't need a $1000+ a month 4 to 6 yr loan.

Thank you for your comment and feedback. What EV do you have?

@@truckedupevs Tesla Model 3.

Nice. We considered one also, but my wife went with the Bolt. And on that note, she's owned it for over six months and used a fast charger once. I think EVs are ready for primetime IF they are purchased for the application they fit. For +80%​ of the western world, no one will ever use up their range in a day. However, your point on infrastructure is critical. I'm spoiled. I can charge at home. For those who can't, then the charging holds owning an ev back.The right car for the right job, I guees. @@Avalanche2

Thank you for your great comment! This is a good topic. I think the reason is that most truck owners are using trucks as daily commuters and vehicles for errands. They park their truck at home and use it under 100 miles per day. So, for that category (87% of all owners of truck in the US and Canada) EV trucks make perfect sense. it takes them down from burning gas to use a truck for non-truck applications to using an EV truck for non-truck applications. The big point here is that anyone using a truck actually as a truck on a regular basis likely will need more towing and hauling range than these things can provide. In that scenario, you're bang on, 100%. The Big Three know what most of their consumers are using these things for, and it isn't as a truck. I think hybrids will fill the void, not BEVs.

@@truckedupevs I believe that 87% figure, but it does seem kinda crazy to me. What I did was buy an ICE truck and a commuter EV (Chevy Bolt EUV). The commuter car is way better at being a commuter car than a full size truck is, and the truck is way better at being a truck than an EV truck would be. Together, they cost less than a Rivian too. IMO that is the way to go.

We're similar (my wife has a Bolt) but because my day job, which requires a work truck, never goes more than 200 miles in a day, the Lightning was a perfect fit. Also, I've done four road trips now that each were over 600 miles and never had a problem with the truck at chargers, but if I had been towing a trailer, it would have been a nightmare. I live in the Kootenay mountains and both in winter and summer this thing spends time on forestry service roads, and does great off-road, but if long distances on such roads with no means of charging were a reality, this wouldn't work. Until someone actually uses their corporate brains and designs a pull-through charger network like gas stations figured out a century ago, EV trucks will never fill that segment. Thanks for the awesome comments! @@Chops00

By the way, the 87% number came form this article and survey. The numbers are kind of shocking. I think more people should consider your formula if they're not into buying just an EV truck www.powernationtv.com/post/most-pickup-truck-owners-use-them @@Chops00

@@truckedupevs My use case for the truck is as an overland rig. I have a truck bed camper, lifted, and heavy AT tires. All which would hurt EV range. I’m driving it in extreme cold in Colorado mountains in the winter, and remote roads in the summer. Occasional 1,000+ mile road trips too.

Well said. A carrot always works better than a stick.

@@truckedupevs This is happening already. The postal service is in the process of testing out EV's. here in DC, there are more Lightning municipal trucks than guys who own them as daily drivers like me. Funny thing is that every time I see one of the city workers in one, they have a big grin on their face. They know.

Great post. Thank you for asking this question Actually, over 80% of US and Canadian truck owners never tow with their trucks. In fact, the most recent in-depth research by Axios found that 87% of owners most frequently use them for shopping and errands, and only 7% said they use their trucks frequently for towing. They DID do their research, and they can tow and haul just fine, but not for any great distance. I tow and haul with my EV truck all the time, but never have to go more then 150 miles, which means I never have to charge up. Anyone who plans to do a lot of towing should stay away from BEV trucks for the time being, until the battery density improves and, more importantly, someone actually uses their brains in designing actually pull-through charging stations for trucks! Some hybrids, even plug in ones, are gaining in popularity. Always appreciate the feedback!

@@truckedupevs 99% of of travel trailers/fifth wheels recreational trailers are towed with pickup trucks - can't be done with an EV truck because a 9000 - 12000 lb load will drain the battery in 100 miles. Those who work with their trucks will experience range issues also especially in colder climates. For those who drive PU's just for image , they can drive any vehicle they want because it's just to get around. IMO EV trucks in their present form will disappear within a year. Ford GM Stellantis can't sell the EV trucks they have produced so they are in the process of withdrawing from this market segment. Better battery technology will eventually make EV's the vehicle of preference ... just not yet.

Thanks for the reply! Yes, for that crowd that tows recreational trailers and fifth wheels, EV trucks today can't do it for any distance. However, all three Lightnings in my community are work trucks, including my own, and we're in Canada and dealing with the cold. I have the standard range, and I get 240 km (149 miles) out of a full charge at -30 Celsius (-22 Fahrenheit). The other two trucks are extended range and they are doing around 320 km (200 miles), so no, not 100 miles in super cold. Like I said, about +80% of current truck owners could easily use today's EV trucks without issue. The 20% you're talking about certainly could not. @@nrich5127

I didn't touch on your main point because your claim is not entirely accurate, in my view. It mixes one piece of information with another. EVs came about because one company started making them in a manner that directly competed against ICE cars and people bought them and loved them, long before there were any incentives. In fact, at the time, governments were doling out cash and multi-billion dollar subsidies to oil and gas and giving tax breaks to any one who bought a vehicle over 10,000lbs. Waste was the name of the game, and consumers liked the idea of not paying for high gas prices at the time - and also going really fast. This scared the crap out of Legacy Auto, and the moment Tesla went after the Corolla, the Accord, and mid-size luxury - and started outselling them, the Big Three started taking EVs seriously, especially when Rivian and Tesla set their sights on their lucrative truck division. I think its funny that a government using coercion to make vehicles less efficient and force people to burn more gas was okay, but not the other way around. And regarding 2035, horse and buggies are no allowed on highways or in downtown Chicago or New York without a special permit, even though a century ago that was the only means of 'driving'. Times change. Locomotion changes. But 2035 won't ever happen if the infrastructure and the vehicles can't step up, and they haven't come even close, so I wouldn't worry too much about that unless EV trucks truly advance at the vertical rate of development required, which I don't see happening. Thanks for your comment!

Those who want to tow long distances - absolutely. They are brilliant at towing, but short-haul. After that, they're crap. Mine can tow 7,700lbs (standard range). The Extended range can tow 10,000lbs. But based on data from Bureau of Transportation, well over 80% of truck people never tow, so there's that. Thank you so much for joining in the chat and raising this point!

​@@truckedupevs 7,000 lbs that's cute all you did was prove you and every other EV truck owner doesn't need a truck out all. Nobody who buys a half ton truck is buying them for towing. You people are buying them commute in and go get a 2x4 from home depot once in a blur moon. Auto manufacturers are backing out because they realize the people buying the majority of their trucks aren't buying EVs.

My truck bed was full today from a job site. It was full yesterday at a job site, and a utility trailer was hooked to it twice last week. It hauls and tows up a mountain pass in the Canadian Kootenays every day of the week, through all four season, just like any other short-haul work truck, gas, diesel, hybrid, or electric. My truck is used as a work truck daily, but you're correct that many gas truck owners use them as SUVs. So what's better: 80% of gas truck being used as SUVs or 80% EV trucks being used as SUVs? And if you watched the video, EV truck sales are increasing, not decreasing. Not sure what your point is @@thetrutha2177

Thank you for joining in the chat! They have some issues, but I wouldn't go so far as to say they suck. I own one and love a lot of things about it while really wishing other things weren't so bad. I am certainly not a 'fanboy', especially if you've watched my other videos, but I think that for many people they do exactly what they need. Have you owned one and found they suck? Always appreciate the feedback.

Thank you for your comment! I think you're right on most fronts, but EV trucks DO work for those who have a charger at home, and are not doing long trips every single week. I own one, and will never go back. I'm just saving so much money since I switched. The number that is similar to me is about 80% of N. American truck owners, according to the stats, rarely used in the manner use need to use yours. And due to that, the moment a truck has to tow and haul for any great distance - and has to do it often - then a hybrid is the way to go, absolutely. Let me add that it's not so much the EV truck that causes many of the issues; its the chargers not having pull-through bays like gas stations. Nobody thought this through, and for some inexplicable reason, never bothered to ask why gas stations are designed the way they are. Go figure. Awesome feedback. Which hybrid are you considering? Maybe I'll do a special video just on hybrid trucks.

This is a great comment. Thank you for sharing it! Yes, my Lightning spends almost its entire work week actually working but, for the most part, it never exceeds 100 km (60 miles) in a day. I charge at home and on only four trips since picking it up in October '23 have I need to used DC fast chargers at all. So no, range has never been a problem, and that applies to just about everyone who currently owns a pickup truck. We all hear the arguments made that EV trucks are not capable of doing all these 'truck things' but most people never do truck things- about 80% of truck owners. Based on statistics alone, most trucks are used as a daily commuter and, for the most part, have no one in them but the driver.

Bingo. 90% of us use pickups like this.

This comment won't age well. I'll leave it up for entertainment value.

Really? What's the biggest problem you find with them? Thanks for joining in the conversation!

okay one you have to them to a specials facility just to do routine maintenance second the electronic parts in the EV wears out 8 to 10 times faster than a gasoline powered vehicles to replacement of a battery pack or partial battery pack is more than the car is overall worth and there are 100's of parks that fail i have seen these with my on eyes that is why EV's are JUNK.YOU NEED TO LOOK IN TO THAT.@@truckedupevs