Ford F-150 Lightning Outpaces Tesla Cybertruck in Q1 2025 EV Pickup Race

En Ford F-150 Lightning has reclaimed the top spot in the U.S. electric pickup market, surpassing the Tesla Cybertruck in registrations for March and the first quarter of 2025, according to S&P Global Mobility. With 2,598 registrations in March compared to the Cybertruck’s 2,170, and 7,913 for Q1 against 7,126, Ford’s workhorse is gaining traction among buyers seeking practical, emissions-free pickups, reports Noticias de Automoción.

Steady Performance Meets Market Demand

The F-150 Lightning, launched in May 2022, offers a compelling blend of familiarity and innovation. Starting at $65,190 for a well-equipped all-wheel-drive model, it undercuts the Cybertruck’s base rear-wheel-drive version at $71,985. Ford’s truck delivers up to 320 miles of range, while the Cybertruck’s current models reach 350 miles, falling short of the 500 miles promised by Tesla CEO Elon Musk in 2019. “The F-150 Lightning continues to reward EV buyers who desire a pickup truck with emissions-less practicality and durability,” said Robby DeGraff, an analyst at AutoPacific, highlighting its appeal over Tesla’s flashier design.

Ford’s success reflects its alignment with traditional pickup buyers. The F-Series, including gas and diesel models, logged 64,210 registrations in March, dwarfing both EVs. The Lightning’s conventional styling and lower price point resonate with buyers wary of the Cybertruck’s angular aesthetics and higher costs, especially after Tesla’s base model only became available in April 2025 at $71,985, down from $81,985.

Cybertruck Faces Headwinds

The Cybertruck, introduced in 2023, has struggled to maintain momentum. Despite 39,442 registrations in 2024 compared to the Lightning’s 32,893, its Q1 2025 performance lagged. Tesla’s Austin plant can produce 125,000 Cybertrucks annually, but demand appears softer than Musk’s earlier 250,000–500,000-unit projections. A March recall of 46,096 Cybertrucks for a detachable exterior panel, one of eight listed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, has compounded challenges.

The Cybertruck’s polarizing design and Musk’s political activities have also hurt its appeal. “The Cybertruck is an easy target, caught in the chaos of Elon Musk’s childish, irrational, and reckless political behavior,” DeGraff noted. Some owners, however, remain enthusiastic. “There’s nothing else like it and so many positives. It’s like buying the future,” said a San Francisco Bay Area owner, FuturePrimitive, on the Cybertruck Owners Club forum.

Industry Trends and Buyer Implications

The EV pickup segment remains niche but competitive, with the Cybertruck ranking second behind the Lightning in March and Q1, ahead of models like the Rivian R1T and Chevrolet Silverado EV. The Lightning’s edge lies in its affordability and brand trust, critical for buyers prioritizing reliability over novelty. For fleet operators and small businesses, the Lightning’s $6,795 price advantage and established service network make it a safer bet.

Regulatory pressures, including stricter emissions standards, continue to drive EV adoption, but high upfront costs and infrastructure gaps slow progress. The Lightning’s success suggests buyers favor practical EVs that mirror traditional trucks, potentially shaping future designs from competitors like GM and Rivian.

De cara al futuro

Ford’s lead in the EV pickup race underscores the value of balancing innovation with accessibility. As Tesla refines Cybertruck production and pricing, Ford’s steady approach positions the Lightning as the go-to choice for EV pickup buyers in 2025, blending proven capability with electric efficiency.