This guide is continuously updated for relevance, accuracy, and the most recent information; it was first posted in April 2022 and updated in March 2024.
For good reasons, it’s safe to say the Cybertruck and Ford F-150 Lightning are the two most sought-after EV pickup trucks. They both offer good power, excellent drive range, high-tech features, top safety ratings, autonomous driving, and so much more. Since both are highly capable, you would obviously want a Cybertruck vs F150 Lightning comparison to decide which EV truck suits you better.
Let’s discuss and compare these pickup trucks in detail. Before we start, please note that, unlike Ford, Tesla still hasn’t made all the variants of Cybertruck available.
Power: Cybertruck’s Tri-Motor is Tough to Compete With
The F-150 Lightning’s standard-range battery delivers 452 horsepower. The extended-range battery model aims for 580 horsepower and 775 pound-feet of torque. Tesla’s most potent Cyberbeast, with its tri-motor, provides 845 horsepower. However, it would be unfair to compare it with Ford’s EV truck because it doesn’t offer a tri-motor model.
| Spec | Cybertruck | F-150 Lightning |
|---|---|---|
| Max. Power | 845 horsepower | 580 horsepower |
| Torque | 10,296 lb. ft. (Cyberbeast) | 775 lb. ft. |
| Towing | 11,000 lb / 5,000 kg (Cyberbeast) | 10,000 lb |
| Payload | 2,500 lb | 2,235 lb |
Cybertruck 0-60 in under 3 seconds
Regarding zero to 60 mph acceleration, the Cybertruck can zoom to this speed in 2.6 seconds with a tri-motor, 4.1 seconds with a dual-motor, and 6.5 seconds with a single-motor model. There is no quad-motor model, which Tesla promised at the start. Here’s our story on the Cybertruck towing capacity.
The base model of the Lightning can dash to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, while the most potent variant can do the same in less than 4.0 seconds. The Ford EV pickup is fast for a full-size truck, but the Cybertruck outshines it in power and acceleration.
Battery & Range: The Lightning is Good But Not Cybertruck Good
Undoubtedly, Tesla offers one of the highest driving ranges and easily beats its electric truck rival. Against the standard-range F-150 Lightning (240-300 miles) and the extended-range model with 320 miles, the standard Cybertruck delivers an estimated 250 miles of range. The maximum range for the dual-motor and tri-motor models stands at 470 and over 440 miles, respectively. So, the Cybertruck wins the range battle and triumphs again in the charging times.
The Cybertruck, with up to 250 kW charging speed capability, can juice up 128 miles in only 15 minutes. Alternatively, the F-150 Lightning, with up to 150 kW charging support, can replenish 54 miles in around 10 minutes. This tells the Cybertruck to charge faster and go further than the Lightning.
Design Differences: Futuristic Vs. Traditional
The F-150 Lightning resembles its gas-powered Ford F-150 sibling sans the grille, which is unnecessary for an EV. America’s best-selling passenger vehicle has kept its winning formula for good reasons. Plus, it’s got a frunk for extra storage.
On the other hand, the Cybertruck is a new design, apparently made for a sci-fi movie. The wedge-shaped truck is made with scratch—and dent-resistant cold-rolled stainless steel, making it one of the most durable vehicles on the market. Musk said the Cybertruck body can survive shots from a 9mm handgun, and of course, somebody tested it for themselves. Here’s a quick video on that from LaterClips.
Which EV truck design is the best depends on your individual liking. If you seek an electric pickup truck that looks like a mainstream gasoline-powered truck, the F-150 Lightning should be a clear choice. However, if you want something peculiar with all the functionalities you expect from a truck, Cybertruck won’t let you down. We’re digging this Cybertruck concept by UK-based designer Khyzyl Saleem.
Release Date & Price
The most economical RWD Cybertruck variant won’t be available until 2025, priced at $60,990, while the base Ford F-150 Lightning could surpass its current $49,990 MSRP by then.
The dual-motor AWD Cybertruck is priced at $79,990, and the tri-motor Cyberbeast at $99,990. Opting for the more potent Lightning with the extended-range battery could set you back around $70k, but Ford lacks a counterpart to the formidable Cyberbeast, even with the Lightning Platinum priced over $90k.
Takeaway
Presently, the F-150 Lightning offers greater value at a lower cost and boasts more user-friendly controls. However, those embracing Tesla’s futuristic tech and the spotlight it brings will find themselves behind the wheel of something much more thrilling. Tesla’s offering is also faster, offers more range, superior towing capacity, and a higher payload. Initial reports indicate that the steer-by-wire system lends the Tesla a notably agile feel compared to other pickups, confirming that the Cybertruck isn’t merely style over substance.
