Ford showcased its first all-electric pick-up truck — the F-150 Lightning in early 2021 and it has been a huge hit with orders flowing in. Now Chevrolet is having a go at the same but with quite a different approach. The 2024 Silverado EV looks stunning and packs some cool features. Details may be limited about the two trucks as they go into production. So we compare the preliminary numbers to find out who has the upper hand, Ford or Chevrolet.
F-150 Lightning Vs Silverado EV: Specs
Both the Silverado EV and the F-150 Lightning are crew-cab trucks with mid-size beds. Both of them measure the same in length, while the Chevy is just 2 inches taller. So for size comparison, both the trucks are evenly matched.
Both trucks offer all-wheel-drive with front and rear axle-mounted electric motors. They also feature fully independent suspension setups. However, it is the Silverado EV that offers all-wheel-steering as well.
For the Lightning, Ford has modified the existing platform of the combustion-powered F-150 and transformed it into a battery-electric version. However, General Motors decided against that and use the specifically designed Ultium battery electric vehicle platform that is also used by the new GMC Hummer EV.
F-150 Lightning Vs Silverado EV: Performance
While low power versions, single motor options, and various battery capacities will be available for both the Silverado EV and the F-150 Lightning. Official performance figures are to be revealed in due time for an apples-to-apples comparison. However, GM claims the Silverado EV will be capable of delivering up to a maximum of 664hp and 780 lb-ft of peak torque. That means that the F-150 would be nearly 101hp down at 563hp, but torque would be comparable at 775 lb-ft.
More importantly, GM claims the Silverado EV would offer up to 400 miles of range, against the F-150 Lightning’s 300-mile range. However, both trucks are to be EPA certified for real-world driving range figures. Additionally, while the F-150 supports up to 150 kW of charging power, GM claims its truck, the Silverado EV, would be capable of up to 350 kW fast charging.
F-150 Lightning Vs Silverado EV: Utility
Both trucks offer up to 10 outlets to off-board power. However, the Silverado EV can power up to 10.2 kW, while the F-150 Lightning is limited to 9.6 kW. Either way, both trucks can help charge up other electric vehicles with compatible charging cables.
The payload for the Ford F-150 Lightning’s truck-bed is rated at 1,800 lbs, while the Chevy tops out at just 1,300 lbs. But when it comes to towing capacity, both are evenly matched at 10,000 lbs. Since both these trucks have no engine under the hood, Ford and GM have used that space for additional and secure cargo space. The Ford’s Mega Power Frunk offers up to 14.1 cu ft with a 120-volt power outlet, tie-down hooks, and a drainable floor. GM says they are still refining the design and utility of the “eTrunk”. We expect both the trucks to be quite comparable as well.
By default, the Silverado EV has a 5-foot, 11-inch long bed. The Ford offers a bed that is shorter at 5-feet, 5-inches. While the Silverado already has an advantage over the Ford, there are more quirks in the bed of the Silverado. The foldable 60:40 split mid-gate on the Silverado increases the bed length to 9 feet to the closed tailgate. But the Multi-Flex Tailgate on the Silverado helps add another 22 inches of length to a maximum of 10-feet, 10-inches.
F-150 Lightning Vs Silverado EV: Final Word
It is safe to say that both the F-150 Lightning and Silverado EV are very evenly matched pick-up trucks. Sure some specs and numbers are yet to be revealed officially and verified for real-world conditions, so it all must be taken with a pinch of salt for the moment.
When it comes to price, however, GM is asking for a staggering $105,000 (before destination) for the Silverado EV First Edition RST model. Plus, you could have one no sooner than late 2023. Seeing both these trucks in volume is still some time away. However, once production ramps up and all-trims and variant line-ups arrive, both trucks will be evenly competitive, technically and on a price point. While the F-150 Lightning would start from around $41,700, GM is looking to undercut that by a smidge at around $41,600 for the standard base Silverado EV.
We will just have to wait and see which of the two trucks fares better in the real world once we have them both on the road.