Cybertruck Savings vs Ford F-150 Unless You Drive 20,000 Miles a Month

Beyond the flashy designs and electric powertrains, the Tesla Cybertruck and Ford F-150 Lightning present a complex economic and performance comparison. Let’s break down the details.

The electric pickup truck market is heating up, and two titans, Tesla’s Cybertruck and Ford’s F-150 Lightning, are at the forefront of this revolution. While both vehicles represent a significant departure from traditional gasoline-powered trucks, a closer examination reveals distinct advantages and disadvantages for each.  

"Now let’s talk about how many F-150s could buy for the cost of one cyber truck and how the insurance is more than double. Unless you are driving 20,000 miles a month, you’re likely not saving anything. Especially when you consider the battery replacement cost," wrote Michael Sullivan, a Torque News reader, under one of our relevant discussions on Facebook.

Michael Sullivan's assertion that Cybertruck owners would need to drive 20,000 miles a month to justify its cost over an F-150 is a bold claim. While it's true that the Cybertruck carries a higher price tag, especially for the top-tier models, a closer examination of the total cost of ownership (TCO) reveals a more nuanced picture.

The 20,000 Mile Myth

To claim that one needs to drive 20,000 miles a month to justify the Cybertruck's cost is an oversimplification. Even with moderate driving, the cumulative savings on fuel and maintenance can offset the higher initial cost over time. Additionally, the environmental benefits of electric vehicles and potential incentives or rebates can further tip the scales in favor of the Cybertruck.

One of the most contentious points of comparison is cost. While the base model Cybertruck is positioned to compete directly with the F-150 in terms of pricing, the top-of-the-line Cybertruck carries a significantly higher price tag. This raises questions about the economic viability of the Cybertruck for the average consumer. However, Tesla's impressive battery warranty, covering eight years or 100,000 miles with free replacements, significantly mitigates concerns about long-term ownership costs.

Beyond price, performance is a key factor. The Cybertruck’s standard all-wheel drive system offers a clear advantage over the primarily rear-wheel-drive F-150 lineup, particularly in terms of traction and off-road capability. While specific towing and payload capacities will ultimately determine which truck is best suited for particular needs, the Cybertruck’s unique design and electric powertrain promise to deliver impressive performance figures.

However, the F-150 Lightning shouldn't be underestimated. As a familiar name in the truck market, Ford has a strong foothold and a loyal customer base. The Lightning offers a more traditional truck design, which may appeal to consumers who prefer a conventional look. Additionally, Ford's extensive dealer network provides a level of convenience and support that Tesla is still working to establish.  

While the Cybertruck and F-150 represent different approaches to the electric pickup truck segment, both vehicles offer compelling propositions. The ultimate choice will depend on individual priorities, such as budget, desired features, and driving needs. As the electric vehicle market continues to evolve, it’s likely that both Tesla and Ford will introduce new models and updates, further intensifying the competition.

Ultimately, the battle between the Cybertruck and the F-150 is more than just a comparison of two vehicles. It represents a broader shift towards electric transportation and the potential for significant changes in the automotive industry. As consumers become increasingly aware of the environmental benefits and potential cost savings of electric vehicles, the demand for electric pickups is expected to grow, driving innovation and competition among manufacturers.

Would you like to focus on specific features or capabilities of these two vehicles? We could compare factors like towing capacity, payload, range, or interior amenities.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.