Ford Lightning Strikes: Overtakes Cybertruck as America’s EV Truck King

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The electric pickup truck landscape has a new leader! The Ford F-150 Lightning has surged ahead of the Tesla Cybertruck in the race for the best-selling EV truck in America.

According to recent registration data, the Ford F-150 Lightning recorded 7,913 registrations in the first quarter of 2025, surpassing the Cybertruck’s 7,126. This shift marks a significant change in the EV truck market, where the Cybertruck previously held the top spot after its debut in late 2023.

Other contenders in the electric truck segment include the Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC Sierra EV, Rivian R1T, and GMC Hummer EV, all vying for a piece of the growing market.

Cybertruck’s Sales Slide: A Deeper Dive

While the Cybertruck enjoyed initial success, its sales numbers have been declining. After a strong Q3 2024 with 16,692 units sold (according to Cox Automotive), sales dipped to 12,991 in Q4 2024 and further to 7,126 registrations in Q1 2025 (S&P Global Mobility data). Cox Automotive even reported a lower sales figure of 6,404 Cybertrucks sold from January to March.

Tesla’s practice of not breaking down sales by individual models makes registration data crucial for comparing performance against competitors.

Ford’s Electric Comeback: A Win Amidst Challenges

The Ford F-150 Lightning’s resurgence is a win for Ford, but it also highlights the challenges facing the electric truck market. While the F-150 Lightning has reclaimed its title, sales of even the leading EV truck remain relatively modest.

Ford CEO Jim Farley has acknowledged the economic hurdles associated with large electric trucks and SUVs, citing the need for large, expensive batteries to meet customer demands for towing, off-roading, and long-distance travel.

Despite an overall increase in EV sales, the electric truck segment faces unique challenges.

The Road Ahead for Electric Trucks

The electric truck market is still evolving, with automakers facing challenges related to battery technology, vehicle weight, and customer expectations. As the market matures, it will be interesting to see how these factors influence the future of electric pickups.

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