The Chevrolet Silverado EV and Ford F-150 Lightning are going head-to-head in the full-size electric pickup truck market. Each offers advanced tech features, roomy 5-seat cabins, front trunks, and versatile rear cargo beds, along with standard all-wheel drive.
New for the 2024 model year, the Chevy Silverado EV looks to unseat its Ford rival by serving up greater driving range, quicker acceleration, and especially versatile cargo-hauling solutions. This includes a foldable midgate that drops down and extends the cargo bed into the cabin. For a workhorse truck, it’s also a bit of a head-turner, especially when fitted with optional 24-inch alloy wheels.
Now entering its third model year, the Ford F-150 Lightning is tough to beat. Among electric pickup trucks, it’s our reigning KBB Best Buy Award winner. With a maximum 320 miles of range, the Lightning has quickly established itself as the benchmark in the small but growing field of electric trucks. We’re impressed by its performance and refinement, not to mention its towing and hauling capability.
Let’s take a look at the Ford F-150 Lightning and the Chevrolet Silverado EV:
2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV
The Silverado EV makes its debut with a sleek design and potent electric powertrains. Initially, it will be offered in entry-level WT trim and as a range-topping RST First Edition model. While fleet sales have already begun, consumer sales aren’t scheduled to kick off until mid-2024. Chevrolet has promised a number of other mid-range trims to broaden the lineup. In the meantime, for consumers the 2024 Silverado EV has a starting price of $77,905, excluding destination charges.
Chevrolet Silverado EV Highlights
Driving range: In driving range, the Silverado EV scores an early uppercut punch. In WT trim, it’s rated by the EPA at 450 miles, out-distancing most electric vehicles currently on sale. This matters a lot, especially for truck buyers who need to spend more time working and less time recharging. When extra electrons are needed, Chevy’s DC fast-charging tech allows for 100 miles of added range in only 10 minutes – when utilizing its full 350-kilowatt charge speed.
Foldable midgate: This is an especially slick feature, one borrowed from Chevrolet’s long-discontinued Avalanche pickup truck. When it’s time to haul cargo that exceeds the limits of the 5-foot-11-inch cargo bed, the rear seats can be flipped forward and the wall between the cabin and cargo bed folded flat. The rear window and its surrounding aperture can also be removed if needed.
Performance: The standard Silverado EV has 510 horsepower. While that’s hardly insignificant, the upscale RST trim boasts 754 horsepower when using its Wide Open Watts launch-control system. According to Chevrolet’s stopwatch, the Silverado RST hits 60 mph in less than 4 seconds.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price. See Silverado EV models for sale near you.
2024 Ford F-150 Lightning
The Ford F-150 Lightning is a pioneer among electric trucks, and it impresses on several levels. Starting at approximately $50,000 (based on the 2023 model year; Ford has not yet announced 2024 pricing), the F-150 Lightning has a dual-motor electric powertrain and an available extended-range battery pack. Like its new Chevy rival, it boasts a max towing capacity of 10,000 pounds and standard all-wheel drive (AWD).
Ford F-150 Lightning Highlights
Tech features: The F-150 Lightning comes with a 12-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. Running on Ford’s Sync 4A software, the infotainment system has sharp graphics and is simple to operate. A larger 15.5-inch screen is optional.
Cabin space and cargo volume: Adults have plenty of headroom and legroom wherever they’re seated. Standard dual-zone climate control and heated front seats add to this Ford’s comfort level. Behind the cabin is a 5-foot-5-inch cargo bed with multiple tie-down points.
Where you’d normally find an engine up front, the F-150 Lightning has a front storage area. It holds 14.7 cubic feet of cargo and features Pro Power Onboard 120V outlets. There are even drain plugs that allow it to serve as an impromptu cooler for camping or tailgating adventures.
Strong acceleration: The most potent Lightning, a dual-motor model with 580 horsepower, 775 lb-ft of torque, and an extended-range battery pack, zips to 60 mph in about 4 seconds.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price. See F-150 Lightning models for sale near you.
Similarities
The Silverado EV and F-150 Lightning are remarkably similar in most categories. This includes cabin space and cargo hauling versatility, along with their impressive driving range and scorching straight-line performance.
Conclusion
This much is apparent: The Ford versus Chevrolet pickup truck battle has officially entered the age of the electric vehicle. Working to the advantage of the Silverado EV are its greater driving range, the exceedingly clever mid-gate cargo system, and its horsepower advantage in RST trim.
Fighting back, the F-150 Lightning is similarly quick, has a larger front trunk, and delivers a respectable range. Also significant: The starting price for the F-150 Lightning is approximately $25,000 less than the base version of the Silverado EV. This alone could make the decision between these two electric trucks a no-brainer for many truck shoppers.
| 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV | 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning | |
| Starting Price | $77,905 | $50,000 (estimated) |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Dual electric motors | Dual electric motors |
| Horsepower | 510 hp | 452 hp |
| Torque | 615 lb-ft | 775 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 1-speed | 1-speed |
| Fuel Economy | 67 MPGe city/59 MPGe highway/63 MPGe combined | 78 MPGe city/63 MPGe highway/70 MPGe combined |
| Also Available | Wide Open Watts drive mode | Extended range battery |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | TBD | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | TBD | 8 years/100,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | TBD | 5 stars (2022 MY) |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 145.7 inches | 145.0 inches |
| Overall Length | 233.1 inches | 231.7 inches |
| Width | 93.9 inches | 79.9 inches |
| Height | 78.0 inches | 77.2 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 42.6 feet | 47.8 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 41.9 inches | 40.8 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.7 inches | 40.4 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 44.8 inches | 43.9 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 44.3 inches | 43.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 64.9 inches | 66.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 63.8 inches | 66.0 inches |
| Cargo Volume (Front Trunk) | 10.7 cubic feet | 14.1 cubic feet |
