- The cheapest Cybertruck now costs nearly $100,000.
- In 2019, Elon Musk touted a $39,900 model that never appeared.
- From Rivian to Ford, here are five electric pickups that offer an alternative to the Cybertruck.
Tesla's Cybertruck is looking a lot more expensive.
After Tesla quietly hiked the price of the all-wheel-drive Cybertruck and removed the option to preorder a cheaper version, the most affordable variant of the futuristic pickup now costs nearly $100,000.
That's a blow for Tesla fans who saw Elon Musk tout the Cybertruck as starting at $39,900 in 2019 — and it's a blow for would-be EV buyers, who are seeking more affordable vehicles.
Many of the Cybertruck's rivals aren't much cheaper, given electric pickups are one of the most expensive classes of EVs.
But with the Cybertruck now having less range and a larger price tag than Musk predicted in 2019, here are some of the alternatives:
1. Ford F-150 Lightning
The electric version of America's best-selling truck is the vehicle the Cybertruck gets compared to the most, and right now, it's a more affordable option.
The cheapest electric F-150 starts at $62,995 and has a range of around 240 miles.
Drivers also have the option to include Ford's Bluecruise driver assistance tech, its answer to Tesla's Autopilot.
2. Rivian R1T
EV startup Rivian recently overhauled its R1T electric truck and R1S SUV, meaning that some versions of the R1T now boast faster acceleration and superior range to Tesla's Cybertruck.
The R1T dual max, which comes with Rivian's updated Max battery, has an advertised range of 420 miles, well above the Cybertruck's 318-mile range. It starts from $83,900, with the more affordable R1T duel standard starting at $69,900 for 270 miles.
3. Chevy Silverado
After a long wait, Chevy's first all-electric Silverado pickup hit the market this year.
Starting at $96,495, the Silverado has an estimated 440 miles of range and is — according to Chevy — capable of out-towing an F-150 Lightning.
Business Insider's Nora Naughton got the chance to try one out earlier this year and found the EV fun to drive but a little bulky.
4. GMC electric Sierra
The 2024 GMC Sierra is another pricy electric truck that packs a good amount of range.
Starting at $99,495, the premium Denali version of the Sierra promises to travel 440 miles on a single charge.
It also comes with a "crabwalk" feature that allows it to turn all four wheels to move diagonally — a feature the Cybertruck's design team experimented with but ultimately ditched.
5. Ram 1500
If you are prepared to wait before splashing out on an electric truck, the Ram 1500 REV could be your option.
RAM has finally joined the electric truck wars with its first EV, which is expected to begin selling in late 2024.
The standard version comes with 350 miles of range, but RAM says drivers will be able to buy a 1500 REV with a larger battery pack that will bump the pickup's range up to 500 miles. RAM has not yet said how much the 1500 REV will cost.
The company plans to follow up the 1500 REV with an electric Ramcharger in 2025, with a range-extending gasoline generator.