Electric pickup trucks, once poised for rapid growth, are experiencing a significant slowdown in consumer adoption across the United States. Despite the inherent advantages of electric vehicles, such as the ability to power job sites or homes from their batteries and quiet operation, the segment has failed to meet manufacturer expectations.
Sales Lag for Electric Pickups in 2025
The anticipated surge in demand for electric pickup trucks did not materialize in 2025. Consumer preference continues to lean towards traditional gasoline-powered trucks, with battery-powered alternatives struggling to gain substantial traction. Factors such as the higher cost, range anxiety, and the discontinuation of the $7,500 federal tax credit have contributed to this trend.
Ford F-150 Lightning Leads, But Faces Discontinuation
The Ford F-150 Lightning emerged as the best-selling electric pickup in 2025, however, its sales figures fell short of expectations. The model sold 27,307 units, marking an 18.5% decrease from the previous year. This lackluster performance, coupled with chronic unprofitability, led Ford to discontinue the F-150 Lightning late last year, leaving a significant gap in the market.
Tesla Cybertruck Sees Sharp Sales Decline
The highly anticipated Tesla Cybertruck, which was once projected to be a sales success, experienced the most significant sales drop among its peers. In 2025, it sold 20,237 units, a substantial 48.1% decrease compared to 2024. This figure is considerably lower than the ambitious targets previously set by Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
Rivian R1T Sales Plummet, SUV Dominates Brand
Rivian’s R1T pickup truck saw a concerning performance in 2025, ultimately placing it at the bottom of the sales list. The model sold just 7,416 units, a 33.1% decline from the prior year. Rivian’s sales are significantly stronger for its R1S SUV, indicating a clearer consumer preference within the brand.
General Motors Shows Growth Amidst Overall Decline
General Motors was the only manufacturer to record sales increases in the electric pickup segment in 2025, although the overall volumes remain modest. The GMC Hummer EV pickup and SUV combined for nearly 16,000 sales, an increase of 12.8% from the previous year. The Chevrolet Silverado EV saw a notable 51.8% rise, reaching 11,275 units, while the GMC Sierra EV sold 7,996 units, an improvement from its 1,788 sales in 2024.
Industry Shifts Towards Extended-Range EVs
The challenges faced by the all-electric pickup market have prompted automakers to explore alternative solutions. Stellantis previously cancelled the electric Ram 1500, and Ford’s decision to discontinue the F-150 Lightning signals a potential shift. Manufacturers are now focusing on extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) platforms, which aim to combine the benefits of electric powertrains with the range assurance of gasoline generators.
Companies like Scout Motors and Ram are developing vehicles that integrate a gasoline generator with an electric drivetrain. The long-term success of these EREV models in achieving high sales volumes remains to be seen.
Expert Outlook on Electric Vehicle Market
Despite the current challenges in the electric pickup segment, industry experts remain optimistic about the broader electric vehicle market. Cox Automotive predicts a gradual increase in U.S. EV sales over the next decade, driven by ongoing product innovation and improvements in charging infrastructure.
America’s Best-Selling Electric Pickup Trucks in 2025 (Data from Cox Automotive)
- Ford F-150 Lightning: 27,307 (-18.5%)
- Tesla Cybertruck: 20,237 (-48.1%)
- GMC Hummer EV Pickup & SUV: 15,788 (+12.8%)
- Chevrolet Silverado EV: 11,275 (+51.8%)
- GMC Sierra EV: 7,996 (vs. 1,788 in 2024)
- Rivian R1T: 7,416 (-33.1%)
Total Sales for All Electric Pickups: 90,019 (-15.6%)