Skip to main content

Tesla Cybertruck vs. Rivian R1T electric pickup comparison — shocking lead from Tesla

Tesla has unveiled its Cybertruck, and whatever you think about its design, you have to be impressed by the specs. The electric pickup truck blows gas-powered pickup trucks out of the water and compares shockingly well to the Rivian R1T, the only other electric pickup with official specs.

The design is polarizing and will get some getting used to for some people.

It might take some convincing for truck buyers to go electric with the Cybertruck, but when they get to the specs, it’s going to make their choice a lot easier.

As promised by CEO Elon Musk, Tesla Cybertruck beats the Ford F150 on all the specs, including the price if you take into account gas savings, which would be major for most people.

However, Ford is making an all-electric version of the F150.

We don’t have the specs for that truck yet, but Ford invested in Rivian, which is expected to help them build their electric pickup truck.

Rivian unveiled the R1T electric pickup truck last year and plans to bring it to market late next year.

Tesla Cybertruck vs. Rivian R1T

A comparison between the two trucks is not perfect because there are a few pieces of information missing.

In my opinion, the fairest comparison is between the mid-range versions of each electric pickup truck:

Rivian R1T w/ 135 kWh pack Tesla Cybertruck w/ Dual Motor
Price More than $70,000 (expected $80,000)* $49,900
Range 300+ miles 300+ miles
Charging: 160 kW 250 kW
Seats 5 6
Bed size 4.5′ 6.5′
Towing capacity 11,000 lbs* 10,000 lbs
Max ground clearance 14.1 in 16 in
Approach/Departing angles 34° / 30° 35° / 28°

It’s not perfect here, and there are two asterisks on the comparison because Rivian only disclosed the starting price of the R1T, $69,000.

Therefore, the price of the 135 kWh version of the R1T is not known and expected to cost more than $70,000 — likely closer to $80,000.

Also, aside from range, Rivian has only released the top specs, so some ratings, like towing capacity, could be lower for the other versions of the Rivian R1T.

If you compare the top specs from each vehicle, Tesla also comes easily on top with 100 more miles of range, 3,000 more pounds of towing capacity, and slightly fast acceleration.

On top of the powertrain related performance specs, Tesla has also some big advantages on the form factor — mainly a larger bed, which is important for a lot of pickup owners.

As for the base versions, Tesla Cybertruck beats the Rivian R1T in range by 20 miles and it’s almost $30,000 less expensive.

Electrek’s Take

That’s the biggest difference in my opinion: Tesla appears to have a massive lead in cost with the Cybertruck.

I think Tesla has made some major cost improvements with batteries, and maybe also this new exoskeleton body concept.

The company is showing a massive lead on that front.

I don’t think it means that Rivian is done.

Again, the design of the Tesla Cybertruck is extremely polarizing, and many people won’t buy it just based on that. Some people will simply prefer the R1T.

But based on specs and price, Tesla has unveiled a very important product in my opinion. If people can get behind the design, I think the Cybertruck is going to be a game-changer.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Black Friday
Stay up to date with the latest content by subscribing to Electrek on Google News. You’re reading Electrek— experts who break news about Tesla, electric vehicles, and green energy, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow Electrek on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our YouTube channel for the latest reviews.

Comments

Author

Avatar for Fred Lambert Fred Lambert

Fred is the Editor in Chief and Main Writer at Electrek.

You can send tips on Twitter (DMs open) or via email: fred@9to5mac.com

Through Zalkon.com, you can check out Fred’s portfolio and get monthly green stock investment ideas.


Manage push notifications

notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications
notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications