The electric vehicle (EV) market is constantly evolving, and one of the most closely watched segments is electric pickup trucks. Recent registration data indicates a significant shift in the landscape. The Tesla Cybertruck, which previously held the title of best-selling electric pickup, has been overtaken by the Ford F-150 Lightning in the first quarter of 2025. This change highlights the increasing competition and evolving consumer preferences within the EV truck market. It’s a segment where major automakers are investing heavily, hoping to capture a piece of what has traditionally been a very lucrative market dominated by gasoline-powered trucks.
The Ford F-150 Lightning’s rise to the top signifies more than just a change in sales figures. It represents a potential shift in consumer preference towards more conventional designs and established brands within the truck segment. While the Cybertruck’s futuristic and polarizing design garnered significant attention, the F-150 Lightning leverages the well-established reputation and customer base of the traditional F-150, making it a familiar and trusted option for many truck buyers.
A closer look at the sales figures reveals the specifics of this market shift. According to data from S&P Global Mobility, the Ford F-150 Lightning registered 7,913 units in the first quarter of 2025, surpassing the Tesla Cybertruck’s 7,126 registrations. The Chevrolet Silverado EV followed in third place, with the GMC Sierra EV, Rivian R1T, and GMC Hummer EV also vying for market share. These numbers are particularly noteworthy because Tesla does not release individual model sales data, making registration data the primary source for comparing sales performance. The table below summarizes these figures for a clear comparison:
| Electric Pickup Model | Q1 2025 Registrations |
|---|---|
| Ford F-150 Lightning | 7,913 |
| Tesla Cybertruck | 7,126 |
| Chevrolet Silverado EV | Data Not Available |
| GMC Sierra EV | Data Not Available |
| Rivian R1T | Data Not Available |
| GMC Hummer EV | Data Not Available |
While the Cybertruck’s Q1 2025 numbers represent an improvement over the same period last year (due to the initial launch occurring in late November 2023), the data also reveals a concerning trend: declining sales. After three quarters of increasing sales, the Cybertruck experienced a drop in the last quarter of 2024, and this decline continued into the first quarter of 2025. According to Cox Automotive, Cybertruck sales were 16,692 units in Q3 2024, falling to 12,991 in Q4 2024, and further down to 6,404 in Q1 2025. This contrasts with Ford’s reported 7,187 F-150 Lightning sales in Q1 2025.
Despite the initial hype and significant investments from automakers, the electric truck market faces considerable challenges. While the Ford F-150 Lightning has regained the top spot, the overall sales numbers for electric trucks remain relatively modest. The fact that even the best-selling EV truck in the U.S. struggles to exceed 7,000 units in three months raises questions about the current demand and market viability.
Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, has openly acknowledged the economic challenges associated with large electric trucks and SUVs, stating that “the economics are unresolvable.” The primary issue stems from the need for large batteries to provide adequate driving range, which increases vehicle weight and cost. Furthermore, pickup truck customers have demanding requirements, including towing, off-roading, and long-distance travel, all of which necessitate even larger and more expensive batteries due to the vehicles’ poor aerodynamics and heavy weight. These factors contribute to the high price point of electric trucks, potentially limiting their appeal to a broader customer base.
Other indicators also suggest a cautious outlook for the electric truck market. Ram recently delayed the launch of its all-electric 1500 REV and range-extended 1500 Ramcharger for the second time, and Rivian’s deliveries in Q1 experienced both year-over-year and quarter-over-quarter declines. While the overall EV market is showing signs of growth, with an 11.4% sales increase in Q1 compared to the previous year, the electric truck segment is facing unique hurdles that need to be addressed for sustained success.
