Imagine the thrill of four electric trucks roaring through the American South and Southwest, embarked on an epic race to determine the ultimate EV champion. That’s exactly what transpired when a group of YouTubers, renowned for their passion for electric vehicles, hit the road in a competitive frenzy. Among the contenders were the Tesla Cybertruck, Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T, and the Chevy Silverado EV. While the Cybertruck leaned on Tesla’s vast Supercharger network, the F-150 Lightning flexed its adaptability by charging at both Electrify America (EA) stations and Superchargers. Meanwhile, the Rivian and Silverado EV – limited to the CCS network – were far from out of the race.
The Surprising Contenders
The Cybertruck, with its allegiance to the Supercharger, seemed the likely victor, but it faced fierce competition from the Chevy Silverado EV. With its huge battery and rapid 350 kW charging capability, the Silverado was a formidable opponent, especially when latched to the fastest EA chargers.
Interested viewers tuned in for an intense, multi-part video series, but even those short on time could get a glimpse into the action-packed journey. The Silverado EV, with an impressive 180 kWh usable battery, dual motors, and nearly 400-mile range, posed a charging challenge that required L3 station support to reach full capacity. The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning entered the fray with a 131 kWh battery, and a distinctive strategy to charge up to 80% to maintain competitive speeds. Rivian’s R1T, with a conservative estimate of 130 kWh usable capacity, lurked with its unique Rivian Adventure Network access. Lastly, Tesla’s Cybertruck boasted around 124 kWh of energy and, although restricted to Superchargers, promised rapid charge speeds.
Epic Coast-to-Coast Challenge
The battleground was set along the I-10 corridor, from Florida to California. With a measured approach, teams limited speeds to just 10 MPH over the legal threshold, ensuring a focus on strategy rather than sheer speed.
The journey began with all teams plotting their optimal paths, making use of their respective EV’s navigational tools and charging strategies. Team tactics varied, from drafting behind trailers to meticulous energy efficiency calculations. The Cybertruck aimed for an efficient energy drain, hitting chargers at the last possible moment, while the Silverado team took an early charge to outsmart a looming storm. Rivian charged ahead, but potential risks loomed with their bold strategy.
The Tight Race Through the States
As the race unfolded through Florida and beyond, the trucks jockeyed for position. The Cybertruck made an early lead by leveraging superior charging speeds, while the Silverado took advantage of rapid charging and fewer stops to climb into first place. Meanwhile, the Rivian struggled at an EA station, muddling their once-lead position.
Despite the Cybertruck’s Supercharger access, the Silverado EV’s strategic charging choices led to a surprise lead as the video came to a close. Alas, the race was long, and fans awaited further footage with bated breath, eager to see how the multi-state challenge would emerge in subsequent video installments.
Who Will Emerge Victorious?
The Silverado’s early lead raised key questions about whether Electrify America’s reliability would hinder its progress and allow the Cybertruck to swoop in and claim victory. In the past, EA’s network might have faltered, but recent improvements suggested a neck-and-neck race all the way to the finish line.
With such an intense battle among these groundbreaking electric trucks, it’s not just about the race outcome but the demonstration of EV advancements and the future of long-distance electric travel. This high-stakes, electrifying race across America underscores the rapid evolution of EV technology and the growing competitiveness of the electric vehicle market.
