The long-awaited release of the Tesla Cybertruck has commenced, albeit with relatively few units shipped presently. Anticipations suggest a substantial surge in production over the upcoming year. As of this moment, Tesla indicates that orders for the all-wheel drive or “Cyberbeast” version would likely be fulfilled in 2024.

However, is it the right choice? While the electric truck market isn’t overly saturated, alternative options do exist. With Tesla now delivering Cybertrucks to customers, it presents an opportune moment to assess how the competition has evolved since its initial announcement. Here’s a swift overview of the present landscape in electric trucks and how the Cybertruck stacks up against some currently accessible competitors. It’s essential to note the emphasis on comparing the truck to those models presently available, not those that are yet to be released.

First, a swift overview of the Cybertruck. As evident, Tesla’s concept for a truck stands out with its distinctive design. The vehicle boasts a metallic exterior featuring sharp edges and an angular roof, likely to evoke either admiration or criticism.

The truck’s interior isn’t as distinctive, bearing resemblance to other Tesla vehicles. Notably, it features a sizable infotainment screen upfront, managing climate control, speed display, and more. The Cybertruck offers a range spanning 250 to 340 miles, contingent on the chosen model, and boasts a towing capacity of up to 11,000 pounds. Acceleration rates range from 0 to 60 in 6.5 seconds for the base model and a swift 2.6 seconds for the high-performance “Cyberbeast” model.

At the rear, there’s a covered bed extending six feet in length and measuring 51 inches in width.

Pricing for the Cybertruck begins at $60,990 for the rear-wheel drive model, but deliveries for this model aren’t slated until 2025. The all-wheel drive model starts at $79,990, while the “Cyberbeast” begins at $99,990.

Now, how does the current competition compare?

Ford F-150 Lightning

The Ford F-150 Lightning stands out as one of the more conventional electric trucks on this roster — in essence, it closely resembles a typical F-150. Without spotting the “Lightning” badge, one might overlook any differences. For some, the more conventional F-150 design might be preferable over the distinctive Cybertruck’s aesthetics.

Regarding performance, there are some distinctions. With a range spanning from 240 to 320 miles, it falls slightly below the Tesla, albeit not significantly. According to Motor Trend, the truck can accelerate to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and has a towing capacity of up to 10,000 pounds, though this substantially impacts its range. The truck bed measures approximately 67 inches in length and 50.6 inches in width, slightly smaller than the Cybertruck.

Pricing for the Ford F-150 Lightning begins at $49,995 for the base model, escalating to a starting price of $91,995 for the Platinum variant.

Hummer EV Pickup

The Hummer EV Pickup differs notably in design from the F-150 Lightning. It exudes a more robust and bulky appearance, boasting a wider body and lower center of gravity than the F-150 Lightning.

Performance-wise, it’s a formidable contender: achieving zero to 60 mph in a swift three seconds. The Hummer EV Pickup offers two trims—the Hummer EV2X Pickup with 311 miles of range and the EV3X Pickup with 381 miles, both commendable figures. With a towing capacity of up to 8,500 pounds and a 5-foot bed, it delivers decent utility.

Regrettably, the Hummer EV Pickup comes at a steeper price compared to its rivals, starting at a substantial $96,550 for the base EV 2X Pickup, with prices escalating from there.

Rivian R1T

Lastly, we have the Rivian R1T, marking the inaugural model from a new automotive player. Though the R1T has been available for a few years, Rivian, in general, has garnered significant attention over the past year, and rightfully so.

While its appearance might not be as unconventional as the Cybertruck, the Rivian boasts distinctive elements that set it apart from the F-150. Particularly, its signature oval-shaped headlights are accompanied by a light bar spanning the front of the truck. The overall design remains relatively minimalist, resembling the general shape of trucks like the F-150 Lightning.

Underneath, the Rivian R1T boasts impressive specifications. Standard in all models is an all-wheel-drive setup—available in either a dual-motor or quad-motor configuration. There are three drive systems offered, ranging from a 270-mile range in the lowest-range model to an exceptional 410-mile range in the highest-range variant, making it the truck with the most extensive range on this list. Accelerating to 60 miles per hour can be achieved in as little as 3.0 seconds, and the truck boasts a towing capacity of up to 11,000 lbs.

Despite its uniqueness, the Rivian R1T comes with a hefty price tag. Pricing begins at $73,000, escalating to $94,000 for the quad-motor model with the larger battery pack.

Conclusions

While the electric truck market isn’t crowded, there are commendable choices available. If extensive range is your top priority, the Rivian R1T stands out. For those valuing swift acceleration, the Cybertruck might be the ideal choice. And if affordability is your key concern, the F-150 could be the preferred option.