2021 is about to see a whole array of premium fully electric trucks hit the roads as they start rolling off the assembly lines. The upcoming Tesla Cybertruck and Rivian's R1T are not only set to compete directly with each other, but they are throwing down the gauntlet to the established Big Three's F-150, Dodge Ram, and Silverado pickup trucks. They are challenging them with the question, are you going to adapt to the electric revolution unfolding or are you going to become dinosaurs and fade into history?
The Cybertruck and the R1T are each other's equals in many ways. The Cybertruck offers a greater range of abilities with its selection of the single motor, the dual motor, and the tri-motor variants. Both of these vehicles rival their gasoline cousins and both are excellent electric pickup trucks. Here are 5 reasons why the Cybertruck is the best EV truck and 5 reasons why the R1T is actually better.
10 Cybertruck Range - 500 Miles
Tesla's Cybertruck Tri-Motor edition edges out the Rivian R1T with a range of up to 500 miles. This compares to a maximum range of 450 miles for the premium Rivian R1T.
When you're busy off-roading and far from civilization those extra 50 miles could make all the difference between getting to the power grid and getting haplessly stuck off-road in the mountains with a dead battery.
9 Rivian R1T - Minimum 300 Miles
While the Cybertruck takes the lead with the maximum range of its premium model Tri-Motor edition, the Rivian R1T takes the lead when it comes to the base models. All Rivian R1T trucks have a minimum range of more than 300 miles.
This compares to the base Cybertruck model of 250 miles for the single motor model. So while the Cybertruck beats the Rivian in the top model, Rivian bests it in the base models.
8 Cybertruck - Exoskeleton
No more fear of fender benders or kids on bikes bumping into your truck and denting and scratching your prized possession up. As dramatically displayed with its unveiling with Elon Musk, and it withstood being walloped with a sledgehammer.
The CyberTruck's super tough exoskeleton will mean you can park your truck in the parking lot without the worry of some guy parking too close and scratching it down the side panel as he opens his car door.
7 Rivian R1T - Level 3 Autonomous
The Rivian R1T models are all semi-autonomous - with all models being classified as level 3 autonomous. Now it will be very easy to enjoy your coffee and burger while driving to work every morning.
Rivian R1T models are all at the cutting edge of technology and provide a comfortable and relaxing ride. Of course, you still retain the ability to take full control as you go off-road.
6 Cybertruck - Towing Capacity Maximum 14,000 Lbs
The CyberTruck's maximum towing capacity of its premium Tri Motor version gets up to 14,000 lbs. That is considerably more than the Rivian R1T's maximum of 11,000 lbs.
Still, it remains to be seen what towing a 14,000 lb trailer will do to your theoretical range of up to 500 miles. You can certainly count on making a few more charging stops along the way.
5 Rivian R1T - Towing Capacity Minimum 11 000 lbs
Like the range on a single charge, the CyberTruck's top model the Tri Motor beats the Rivian. But at the same time, the Rivian R1T's base model beats the CyberTruck's base model the Single Motor.
All Rivian R1T trucks have a towing capacity of 11,000 lbs, while the CyberTruck's Single Motor languishes with 7,500 lbs. The R1T even beats the Dual Motor with its 10,000 lb towing capacity.
4 Cybertruck - Cool Sleek Shape
Space-agey and futuristic, the Cybertruck is like nothing else on the market. One thing is for sure, there is no confusing the Cybertruck with any other vehicle. Of all unique designs, this would have to be one of the most distinctive.
With the Cybertruck's cool and sleek shape you can really feel how Tesla and their unorthodox thinking is taking the automobile industry into a new era.
3 Rivian R1T - Conventional And Familiar Shape
Of course, not everyone will like the futuristic and strange design of the Cybertruck. And for those not wanting to break with the past and who want a more seamless transition from combustion engine pickup trucks to electric trucks, the R1T offers just that.
Familiar and friendly, the R1T continues the established tradition of what a pickup truck should look like.
2 Cybertruck - 0-60 Mph In 2.9 Seconds
Tesla's Tri Motor Cybertruck just edges out the R1T when it comes to acceleration. It will throw you back in the seat as it roars up to 60mph in a mere 2.9 seconds - not bad for a pickup truck!
In fact, the Cybertruck will be the fastest accelerating pickup truck on the market in the whole world.
1 Rivian R1T - 0-60 Mph In 3.0 Seconds
While the Cybertruck's Tri Motor just edges out the R1Ts, Rivian R1T's all leave Tesla's Single and Dual Motor editions eating its dust.
The R1Ts all have a breakneck acceleration of 0-60mph of 3.0 seconds, contrasting with the Single Motors comparatively sluggish 6.5 seconds and the Dual Motor's 4.5 seconds.
In conclusion, both the Cybertruck and Rivian R1T sit and the cutting edge of technology, and it largely comes down to taste and which model you buy.