Chevy Silverado EV vs Ford F-150

The Chevy Silverado EV and the Ford F-150 Lightning are two of the most popular electric pickup trucks in America. But they are built very differently. The Ford F-150 Lightning is a traditional gas truck chassis converted into an EV. The Chevy Silverado EV is built from the ground up on GM’s dedicated Ultium electric architecture. This means the Chevy was designed as an electric truck from the start, while the Ford started as a normal petrol truck. The Chevy vastly outperforms the Ford in driving range, towing capacity, and charging speed. The Ford wins on payload capacity, familiar truck usability, and cabin comfort.

The Chevy Silverado EV has a massive battery. The maximum battery size is about 205 kWh, compared to the Ford’s 131 kWh. This gives the Chevy a maximum driving range of up to 493 miles. The Ford maxes out at 320 miles. The Chevy goes much farther on a single charge. This makes it far more practical for long highway road trips. It also counteracts the severe range loss that occurs when you are towing a heavy trailer. The Chevy also supports ultra-fast 350 kW DC charging. It can add 100 miles of range in roughly 10 minutes. The Ford is limited to a slower 150 kW architecture, which requires much longer charging stops on highways.

The Chevy Silverado EV also leads in towing capacity. It can tow up to 12,500 pounds on select trims like the LT. The Ford can only tow up to 10,000 pounds. The Chevy also has an innovative feature called the Multi-Flex Midgate. The wall separating the cabin and the bed can fold completely flat. This allows you to pass long items through the cab and expand the floor length to over 9 feet. The Ford relies on a standard, fixed 5.5-foot truck bed.

However, the Chevy has a major weakness. Its enormous battery pushes the vehicle weight to nearly 9,000 pounds. This means its payload capacity is heavily compromised at only 1,300 pounds. The lighter Ford F-150 Lightning can haul 2,000 pounds in its bed. So if you need to carry heavy loads in the bed, the Ford is much better. The Ford also has a deeper, easily accessible, power-actuated front trunk called the Mega Power Frunk. This doubles as a highly practical weather-sealed tool compartment.

The Ford F-150 Lightning keeps a familiar, traditional truck interior layout. It features physical buttons, cushier seats, and standard integration for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Chevy Silverado EV features a massive 17.7-inch display with Google built-in, but it completely omits Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. If you like using your phone’s apps on the car screen, the Ford is better. The Chevy also uses 4-wheel steering to achieve an impressively tight turning radius for its massive size. This makes it easier to park and manoeuvre in tight spaces. The Ford offers a more predictable, traditional ride and better towing stability. Reviewers note that the ultra-heavy Chevy can suffer from body roll and minor trailer feedback when towing.

If you are trying to decide between these two electric trucks, you should buy the Chevy Silverado EV if you want the longest driving range and fastest charging for long highway trips. You need to tow very heavy loads up to 12,500 pounds. You want the innovative Multi-Flex Midgate to carry extra-long items. You do not mind the lower payload capacity. You are okay with not having Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

You should buy the Ford F-150 Lightning if you need to haul heavy items in the bed, with a payload capacity of 2,000 pounds. You prefer a traditional truck interior with physical buttons and cushier seats. You want Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You prefer a more predictable and stable towing experience. You are okay with lower range and slower charging.