Beyond Cybertruck, America’s electric truck ambitions fell apart as buyers chose gas models
Sales fall short of expectations
Detroit automakers saw an opportunity in replacing familiar full-size pickups—including the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra and Ram 1500—with electric versions. The push followed Tesla’s success with the Model 3 and Model Y in the early 2020s.
But full-size electric trucks did not gain the traction companies had anticipated. Cox Automotive data shows that the six electric pickups it tracks sold about 32,500 units through September, 53% fewer than during the same period last year.
A costly retreat for automakers
The pullback has led to substantial financial charges. Since 2025, GM has taken nearly $11 billion in write-downs as it slowed its electric-vehicle production plans, while Ford discontinued its electric pickup and recorded a $19.5 billion charge.
The Ram REV did not reach production, and Stellantis still recorded $26 billion in write-downs. The figures underscore the scale of the industry’s retreat from its original full-size electric-truck plans.
Price and range challenges
Electric pickups had to compete with cheaper, familiar gas-powered trucks, while also asking buyers to accept compromises. Large electric trucks require large, expensive batteries, and towing can sharply reduce their range.
Those limitations have made the full-size format difficult to sell. Automakers are now shifting their attention toward smaller, less expensive electric trucks that do not directly compete with full-size work vehicles.
Key points
- Six tracked electric pickups sold about 32,500 units through September, down 53% year over year.
- GM, Ford and Stellantis have recorded billions of dollars in write-downs tied to electric vehicles.
- Large batteries, high costs and reduced towing range have challenged full-size electric pickups.
- Slate Auto’s two-seat Blank Slate starts at $24,950 and is expected to enter production this month.