Type 07 · Car type

Electric pickup: the complete guide

An electric pickup is 5.3 to 5.9 m long, weighs 2,600–3,500 kg and carries 90–130 kWh. It tows 3–4.5 tonnes and hauls 500–1,000 kg, but consumes 24–32 kWh/100 km: it is the least efficient electric vehicle on the market.

The essentials

24–32 kWh — per 100 km, the highest consumption on the market.

An electric pickup is a tool first. On a building site, a farm or towing a horsebox, electric drive brings silence, instant torque and no idling consumption — a real gain in stationary use. Some models can even power tools through a vehicle-to-load socket.

The downside is severe: mass, brick-like aerodynamics and off-road tyres send consumption soaring. Towing a 2.5 t trailer can cut range by 50–60 %. And batteries above 100 kWh lengthen charging even on fast chargers. It is a task vehicle, not an everyday all-rounder.

Key characteristics and figures

Typical length 5.30 m to 5.90 m
Battery 90 to 130 kWh usable
WLTP range 350 to 550 km
New price (France) €45,000 to €95,000
Consumption 24 to 32 kWh/100 km
Towing capacity 2,500 to 4,500 kg

Strengths and limitations

Strengths
  • High torque and excellent off-road traction
  • V2L socket to power tools and equipment
  • Low running cost in intensive use
  • Silence and comfort in restricted urban zones
Watch-outs
  • Very high consumption, range collapses when towing
  • Size and weight rule out some car parks
  • Long charging despite high DC power
  • High price and a limited European offering

Who is this type of car for?

  • Construction sites, civil engineering and farms
  • Towing trailers and equipment
  • Low-emission zones (cities, protected sites)
  • Outdoor leisure with onboard power

Representative models

A selection of recent models that define the segment, for guidance only: the market moves fast and ranges are renewed regularly.

How to choose in this segment

  1. Size the battery to your real use, not to the exceptional trip: 10 kWh more costs €3,000–6,000 and 50–80 kg.
  2. Check the charging curve before the peak power: the curve determines your motorway stops.
  3. Compare boot volume below the parcel shelf and the loading sill height, both more meaningful than the total figure.
  4. Check the battery warranty and after-sales coverage near you.
  5. Calculate the four-year total cost: energy, insurance, tyres and depreciation.

Frequently asked questions about electric pickups

Can an electric pickup tow a trailer?

Yes, 2.5–4.5 t depending on the model. But expect 40–60 % less range: a pickup rated at 450 km covers about 180–220 km with a 2.5 t trailer.

What is the point of an electric pickup on a building site?

Silence, no idling consumption, low-speed torque and an onboard power socket (V2L) for tools and machines. On a remote site it replaces a generator.

Is an electric pickup road-legal in Europe?

Yes, several models are sold (Ford F-150 Lightning through importers, Rivian, Maxus eTerron 9, Tesla Cybertruck in limited numbers). Check European type approval, gross vehicle weight and the licence required (B or C1 depending on mass).

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