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A group of popular EV enthusiasts recently embarked on a road trip across the United States in four electric trucks to determine which truck could traverse the South and Southwest the fastest. The Cybertruck relied on Tesla’s Superchargers, while the F-150 Lightning could charge at either Electrify America or Superchargers with an adapter. The Rivian and Chevy Silverado EV were limited to CCS networks only during the race.
While many assumed the Cybertruck would dominate, the Chevy Silverado’s massive battery pack and 350 kW peak charging capabilities proved to be a strong competitor. With the Silverado maximizing speeds at EA stations, the race outcome was unpredictable from the start.
In a lengthy video highlighting the race’s Part 1, viewers get introduced to each truck’s specs. The Hertz-rented Silverado boasts a substantial 180 kWh battery pack, dual motors, AWD, nearly 400 miles of range, and a flat charging curve. The Ford F-150 Lightning, without a heat pump in its 2023 iteration, offers 131 kWh of usable energy storage with a flat charging curve up to 80%.
The Rivian R1T, unable to utilize Superchargers, has 135 kWh of usable capacity and access to the Rivian Adventure Network. The Tesla Cybertruck, with 123-124 kWh of storage, relies solely on Superchargers as it lacks support for CCS charging adapters.
The cross-country race from Florida to California along the I-10 corridor follows regulated speeds slightly above posted limits. As the trucks optimize routes and speeds, the Silverado briefly falls behind due to traffic. The Cybertruck gains an early lead with faster charging, and the Rivian’s strategy of drafting a trailer initially puts it ahead.
Throughout Florida, charging stops and weather challenges influence the rankings. Despite some setbacks, the Silverado emerges as the frontrunner by utilizing fast charging and minimizing stops. The video ends, promising more detailed output from the extensive journey.
As the race progresses, the Silverado team’s strategic advantage becomes apparent, though the reliability of Electrify America stations could shift the leaderboard. Stay tuned to CleanTechnica for updates on the remaining race segments and outcomes.