The Rise of Extended-Range Electric Pickups: A Practical Pivot
I’ve been following truck trends for years, and honestly, the pure EV pickup experiment felt like it hit a wall faster than expected. Sales of models like the early electric F-150 were solid in some circles but nowhere near the dominance of traditional gas trucks. Now the industry seems to have listened closely to what actual buyers want: that electric driving feel without the nagging worry about range dropping off a cliff when you hook up a trailer.
Enter the extended-range electric vehicle (often shortened to EREV). This isn’t your grandpa’s hybrid. In an EREV, the wheels are driven purely by electric motors, giving you that instant torque and smooth, quiet ride. But there’s a gasoline engine onboard that acts solely as a generator to recharge the battery when needed. No mechanical link to the drivetrain—just pure electric propulsion with a safety net.
Why does this matter so much for pickups? Because trucks aren’t sedans. People load them up, tow boats, haul equipment, head off-road, or drive cross-country with the family. Studies have shown that heavy payloads can cut EV range by a quarter, and towing might halve it. That’s a deal-breaker for many who rely on their truck every day.
Why Pure EVs Struggled in the Truck Segment
Let’s be real—pure battery-electric pickups had a tough sell. The best-selling one barely cracked a tiny fraction of overall truck sales. To get decent range, you need massive batteries, which add weight, hurt efficiency, and drive up the price. Aerodynamics aren’t great on a tall, boxy truck either. Add real-world use like towing, and suddenly that advertised 300+ mile range feels optimistic at best.
I’ve talked to plenty of truck owners over the years, and the common thread is practicality. They love the idea of electric torque for acceleration and low-end power, but they can’t afford to be stranded or spend hours charging during a workday. That’s where the EREV concept shines—it keeps the electric perks while adding a generator for peace of mind.
Truck buyers are different—they work hard and play hard.
Industry strategist
Exactly. Their needs go beyond commuting. An EREV lets them enjoy mostly electric driving for everyday stuff (where they might get 140-150 miles purely on battery) but extend far beyond when the gas kicks in.
Ford’s Bold Move: From Lightning to Extended-Range Future
Ford made headlines by essentially retiring the current all-electric F-150 Lightning setup. It was a pioneer, no doubt, but the numbers showed limits. Now the plan is to evolve it into an EREV version promising over 700 miles of total range. That’s not a typo—700 miles between refills, combining battery and gas generator.
The electric drive stays, so you still get that exhilarating launch feel and quiet cabin. But the generator eliminates range anxiety for long hauls or heavy loads. Towing “like a locomotive,” as some describe it, becomes realistic again. I think this could bring back a lot of buyers who were intrigued by electric trucks but held back by practical concerns.
- Instant electric torque for quick acceleration
- Quiet, smooth daily driving
- Generator backup for extended trips and towing
- Potential for home power export during outages
- Less dependency on sparse fast-charging networks
Perhaps the most interesting part is how this bridges the gap. It’s not abandoning electrification—it’s making it work for the American truck buyer.
Ram’s REEV Approach: Leading the Charge
Ram went all-in early on this idea, canceling full EV plans for their big pickup and focusing on what they call a Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV). Their upcoming model boasts around 145 miles of pure EV range—way more than typical plug-in hybrids—and a combined total nearing 690 miles with the gas tank topped off.
Power figures are impressive too: over 600 horsepower and massive torque. Towing capacity hits class-leading levels, something pure EVs struggle with when batteries drain fast under load. The engine is a V6 that runs only to generate electricity, so the driving experience remains fully electric until you need the extender.
In my view, this feels like a sweet spot. You get to use electric mode for most trips—maybe 80-90% of driving for many owners—while having the freedom to go farther without planning around chargers. It’s especially appealing in rural areas or for tradespeople who can’t risk downtime.
Scout Motors Joins the Party with Harvester Tech
Not to be outdone, the revived Scout brand is launching both full EV and EREV versions of their rugged pickup and SUV. Interestingly, reservations heavily favor the EREV “Harvester” model—over 80% in some reports. They promise similar electric-only range (around 150 miles) and total range exceeding 500 miles.
These trucks are built for off-road and work, so the extender makes perfect sense. Towing capacity might differ between EV and EREV variants, but the overall package appeals to buyers who want capability without compromises. Starting prices look competitive too, with some models under $60,000.
What stands out is the psychology here. Truck owners often see pure EVs as not quite ready for their lifestyle. An EREV lets them dip into electrification without going all-in, which could accelerate adoption.
Global Trends and Buyer Interest
This isn’t just an American story. In places like China, EREVs have exploded in popularity because charging infrastructure lags and range concerns loom large. Globally, the number of these models jumped dramatically in recent years. Surveys in the U.S., UK, and Germany show solid interest—up to 18% of buyers here would consider an EREV over pure gas, hybrid, or full EV options.
People cite faster effective “refueling” (gas is quick), longer overall range, and less charging stress. For someone testing the waters of electric driving, it’s a low-risk entry point. You still plug in for daily use, but you’re not stranded if plans change.
These vehicles offer faster charging, longer driving range, and electric driving without full dependency on plugs.
Auto industry analyst
That sums it up nicely. It’s about reducing friction in the ownership experience.
Potential Drawbacks and Criticisms
Nothing’s perfect, of course. EREVs are more complex than pure EVs—more parts mean potentially higher maintenance, like oil changes for the generator engine. Some environmental groups argue they can still pollute similarly to gas vehicles if owners never plug in. Manufacturing complexity might keep costs higher initially too.
Yet manufacturers seem confident they’ll iron out efficiencies. The upside—peace of mind, better towing performance, and higher real-world usability—appears to outweigh the cons for many. And unlike traditional hybrids, the large battery allows meaningful electric-only driving, which cuts emissions for short trips.
- Plug in regularly for max efficiency and lower costs
- Use gas extender only when necessary for long hauls
- Enjoy electric benefits most of the time
- Maintain like a gas vehicle for the engine part
It’s a compromise, but one that feels pragmatic rather than half-hearted.
What This Means for the Future of Trucks
Looking ahead, this pivot could redefine what “electric truck” means. If these models deliver on promises—long range, strong towing, electric feel—adoption might surge. Other makers are watching closely; some are considering similar paths while pure EV holdouts stick to their guns.
For buyers, the choice just got more interesting. Want full electric? Options remain. Prefer no compromises? EREVs offer a compelling middle ground. I’ve always believed the path to widespread electrification isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s about meeting people where they are. Right now, that seems to mean giving truck owners the best of both worlds.
As deliveries start rolling out in the coming years, it’ll be fascinating to see real-world feedback. Will the 700-mile claims hold up under heavy use? Will owners actually plug in often enough to maximize benefits? Time will tell, but one thing’s clear: the truck game just got a lot more practical—and exciting.
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