Booming Big Pick-up & SUV Demand Complicates EV Integration

The already fraught transition from internal combustion engines to electric powertrains seems somewhat more complicated by the fact that big vehicles like the Ford F150 pick-up, the GMC Hummer, Chevrolet Silverado EV and the Rivian pickup and SUV are among the early wave of EV offerings.

Though it seems counter-intuitive to maximize EV power efficiency starting with the biggest heaviest vehicles, it makes perfect sense for auto manufacturers to lead with their best selling and most profitable class of products – pick-ups and large SUVs.

The investment in EV technology and production has been so staggering even for profitable well run car companies, that being able to convert strong selling high profit margin vehicles to EV early, offers a hedge against one of the riskiest bets since the beginning of the industrial revolution.

Though EV power is quite capable for heavy duty hauling there are challenges with variable rates of power consumption depending on load, speed and terrain.

From the consumer’s standpoint buying a big EV truck or SUV is really more a matter of preference and brand loyalty.

But remember high demand vehicles are always more expensive.