Ford and Tesla confront US electric truck market hurdles

Electric pickup trucks have struggled in the United States, with Tesla’s Cybertruck failing to achieve significant sales and Ford’s F‑150 Lightning seeing demand collapse after federal tax credits expired. General Motors’ EV plant in Detroit has been idle, and consumers have signaled they will not pay a premium for electric trucks that cannot match the towing and long‑distance capabilities of gasoline models. In response, Ford plans a second‑generation Lightning that will include a gasoline‑backed range extender and is developing a midsize electric pickup priced around $30,000, targeting lighter‑load use cases.

Tesla recently offered a limited stock of used Cybertrucks on its inventory website, and the entire supply sold out within hours. Prices ranged from $66,200 for a Foundation Series dual‑motor model with 2,566 miles to $94,800 for a used Cyberbeast tri‑motor version. Rapid sales were driven by discounted pricing, immediate delivery options, and limited free Full Self‑Driving or Supercharging perks. The swift clearance highlighted persistent demand for more affordable electric trucks despite broader market challenges.