Ford F-150 Lightning vs. Chevy Silverado EV: Which electric truck should you buy?

Two of the most popular electric trucks in America go head-to-head. The Ford F-150 Lightning and the Chevy Silverado EV are both serious trucks. But they take different approaches, and the right choice depends on how you use your truck.

Here’s what you need to know.

Starting price

The Silverado EV has a slight edge at the entry level. The LT Standard Range starts around $60,900 before destination. The Lightning’s new STX trim, the most affordable retail option for 2026, starts at $63,345 plus a $2,195 destination charge, putting it closer to $65,500 all in.

Both trucks sit in a similar price range once you start adding features. The Silverado EV does have a Work Truck trim starting at $52,800, but that trim is aimed at commercial fleet buyers, not everyday consumers.

Range

This is where the Silverado EV pulls ahead. The Silverado EV offers between 283 and 493 miles of range, depending on the trim and battery you choose. The Lightning tops out at around 320 miles for 2026. For the 2026 model year, Ford dropped its smaller Standard Range battery entirely, so all Lightning buyers now get the larger 123 kWh pack.

If range is your top priority, the Silverado EV wins this category clearly.

Charging speed

The Silverado EV also wins on charging speed. It supports DC fast charging at up to 350 kW, which can add about 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes. The Lightning charges at up to 150 kW, adding around 54 miles in 10 minutes.

For everyday home charging, both trucks work well with a Level 2 charger. But on long trips, the Silverado EV will spend less time at charging stations.

One important note: the Silverado EV’s charge port placement makes it harder to plug in while towing a trailer. The Lightning’s port location is more practical in that situation. We’ve tested how towing affects range and charging on the Lightning, and it’s a real consideration for anyone who tows regularly.

Towing and payload

The Silverado EV can tow up to 12,500 pounds. The Lightning maxes out at 10,000 pounds. If you regularly tow heavy loads, the Silverado EV has a clear advantage.

Payload tells a different story. The Lightning can carry up to 2,000 pounds in the bed. The Silverado EV tops out around 1,440 to 1,544 pounds, depending on trim. For hauling heavy cargo in the bed, the Lightning wins.

Power

Both trucks are quick. The Lightning makes 536 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque. The Silverado EV LT makes up to 760 horsepower and 765 lb-ft of torque. The Silverado EV’s top trims are genuinely fast, but you’ll pay more for that power.

Features and interior

The Silverado EV comes with a massive 17.7-inch touchscreen, which is one of the largest in any truck. The Lightning’s interior is more traditional, which some buyers will prefer. Both trucks come well-equipped with safety tech, driver assistance features, and connectivity options.

Ford’s Lightning also offers Pro Power Onboard, which lets the truck power tools, appliances, or even your home during an outage. The Lightning’s ability to power other vehicles and equipment is one of its most practical selling points.

Off-road options

The Silverado EV adds a new Trail Boss trim for 2026, with lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, and a dedicated Terrain drive mode. The Lightning doesn’t have a direct off-road equivalent, though it handles light off-road use just fine.

If off-road capability matters to you, the Silverado EV Trail Boss is now a real option.

Which one should you buy?

The Silverado EV is the better truck on paper. It has more range, faster charging, and higher towing capacity. There are plenty of reasons to consider the Silverado EV if those numbers matter to you.

But the Lightning has its own strengths. It offers more payload capacity, a more practical charge port for towing, and a truck interior that feels familiar to longtime F-150 owners. There are just as many reasons to consider the Lightning depending on your needs.

If you tow heavy and take long trips, go with the Silverado EV. If you haul in the bed, need to charge while towing, or just want something that feels like a traditional F-150, the Lightning is a strong pick.

Test drive both before you decide. They’re more different than they look on a spec sheet.