Whether it's for the job or personal use, the compelling question for those in the market for a new pickup truck in 2021 will be: "To electrify or not to electrify?"
Companies such as Rivian and Lordstown Motors will finally release their battery-electric pickups that offer new levels of performance while generating zero emissions at the tailpipe. Both employ four motors to give driver's ultimate control, with the Rivian R1T able to spin in place like its on a giant turntable. The Plymouth, Mich.-based Rivian calls it a tank turn. Or fleets could opt for the new Ford F-150 with a hybrid powertrain that boasts a 700-mile range per fueling and also offers up to 7.2 kW of outboard power for the jobsite. Next year, the automaker plans on a fully electric F-150.
General Motors also added some trailering technology to make hauling large loads on the Silverado and GMC Sierra easier and safer.
On the cargo van front, electrification is also on the menu, thanks to the Workhorse C-Series, with more being prepped. Ford, which modernized the Transit last year with an array of tech features, aims to provide fleets an electric version in 2022. The Mercedes-Benz eSprinter isn't quite ready for the North American market quite yet, but the conventional Sprinter now can be spec'd with a 4-cylinder diesel engine.
The battery-electric market is still quite new with a lot of questions around charging and total cost of ownership still unanswered. Check out the whole list of 2021 light-duty models by flipping through the slideshow.
