The transition from internal combustion engine vehicles to electric ones is seemingly inevitable and has also reached high-capability vehicles. Traditional pickup trucks like the Chevy Silverado and Ford F-150 have added electric versions to their lineups in the past few years, which rival gas-powered ones in terms of power and capability but are much more economical and eco-friendly. Let’s compare their 2026 versions in key categories.
Battery Technology, Range, and Charging
The main point of concern for drivers thinking about making the switch from gas to electric is how long they can drive on a full charge and how much time it takes to charge it. This goes double for pickup truck owners, as you definitely don’t want your truck to run out of juice on the way to McKinley Park. While both the 2026 Chevy Silverado EV and the 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning are capable workhorses, numbers clearly favor one of them in this category.
The 2026 Silverado EV comes with two electric motors and standard all-wheel drive. Its range and power depend on which version you choose. Your options are:
- LT Standard Range: The entry-level version has the smallest battery pack but still delivers impressive numbers. It can produce up to 510 horsepower and has 283 miles of electric range.
- LT Extended Range: The first optional pack boosts both power and range. It delivers up to 645 horsepower and 410 miles of range.
- LT Max Range: If you need the biggest battery pack you can find, the Max Range version will surely deliver. It has an impressive 760 horsepower and still delivers 478 miles of range.
- Trail Boss Extended Range and Max Range: If you’re also looking to take your Silverado EV on off-road adventures, the Trail Boss trim will give you all the tools you need. Its output is similar to the LT Extended Range and Max Range, respectively, with slightly less horsepower but the same electric range.
The 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning has a simpler choice of configurations when it comes to its range and battery pack. The standard version provides up to 230 miles of electric range, while the upgraded versions boost that number to 320 miles. While they’re both respectable outputs, they can’t match the Silverado’s. Both are capable of being charged at public DC fast-charging stations, with the Chevy replenishing 100 miles of range in only 10 minutes, which can easily get you to Debbie Dolittle’s Petting Zoo and back.
Technology and Features Comparison
Pickup trucks are no longer just work companions, as drivers tend to also use them as personal vehicles. They also come with modern infotainment features and useful driver aids.
Infotainment Features
The 2026 Chevy Silverado’s list of standard tech features resembles that of a luxury SUV. You can control all its features via the huge 17.7-inch touch screen interface, which also comes with the new Google built-in feature to help you access all Google apps and the vehicle’s infotainment system. It also comes with a crisp-sounding six-speaker audio system that can be upgraded to a seven-speaker Bose system.
The 2026 F-150 Lighting is also well-equipped from an infotainment standpoint. It comes with a standard 12-inch touch screen interface, which can be upgraded to a 15.5-inch one. It also has standard satellite radio and navigation. As with the Silverado, it has a standard six-speaker sound system that can be upgraded to a premium version.
Safety Features
The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV comes with all active safety systems you’d expect in its standard version. Some of them are the forward collision mitigation system, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot intervention system, rear cross-traffic alert with braking, front and rear parking sensors, lane-keeping assistance, reverse automatic braking, and a surround-view camera.
While the Ford can also come with these systems, only the automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping system, rear parking sensors, and blind-spot warning system are available in the standard version. The rest come as options or as part of more expensive trim levels.
Work Capabilities
Infotainment features are nice, and safety features are essential, but a pickup truck is ultimately judged by its ability to get the job done. Based on the configuration you choose, the 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning can tow between 5,000 and 10,000 pounds, which is a respectable output. It can also carry up to 2,235 pounds in its bed.
While these are good numbers, the 2026 Chevy Silverado EV delivers slightly better ones. While the 2,350-pound hauling capacity is similar to the F-150’s, it can tow much more than the Ford. Its 12,500-pound towing capacity is the best in its class, while even the basic Silverado EV version can tow up to 10,000 pounds, which is more than enough to haul your camper to Riverbend Campground for the weekend.
Interior Comfort and Build Quality
The Silverado EV’s cabin is a comfortable place to be. The seats’ cooling and heating functions are integrated into the automatic climate control feature, and you can control them via physical knobs instead of touchscreen buttons. The suspension does a great job in keeping things smooth inside the cabin, even on slightly bumpy roads, but traveling at highway speeds on I-5 reveals some wind and road noise.
The 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning also comes with a comfortable and well-built cabin. Its independent rear suspension helps provide a smooth ride, and the noise insulation does a slightly better job than on the Silverado. The cabin’s interior layout makes everything easy to find and use. Both have plenty of small storage spaces throughout their cabins.
Schedule Your 2026 Silverado EV Test Drive Today
Both the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV and the 2026 Ford F-150 EV are great choices for those who want to transition from a regular pickup truck to an electric one. The Silverado arguably has an edge due to its superior range, towing capacity, and standard safety features. However, the best way to determine whether it’s right for your particular needs and taste is by trying it out. You can test-drive it by visiting us at Titus-Will Chevrolet, and we’ll be here to answer any other questions you may have. Contact us today to schedule your test drive.
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