Could A One Two Punch From Tesla And Rivian Topple The F-150 From It's Lofty Perch?

The mighty Ford F-150 might see a legitimate challenge in the near future, if the veteran automaker neglects to prepare adequately for the arrival of two all-electric pickup trucks on the market — the Tesla Truck and the Rivian R1T.  

The disruption of battery-powered pickup trucks was highlighted in a note from Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas on Thursday. Addressing the firm’s investors, the analyst stated that an electric pickup successfully launched by a new player like Tesla or Rivian “could be a serious problem for the Detroit-based traditional automakers.” With the arrival of compelling vehicles, Jonas noted that experienced carmakers like Ford could lose the opportunity to gain a “first mover advantage” in the electric pickup market.

MDarringer - 2/18/2019 3:13:52 PM

+10 Boost

In a word: NO

Tiberius1701A - 2/18/2019 3:29:03 PM

+8 Boost

009, I think you need your meds adjusted. That being said, the F-Series might be toppled from within, if the Ranger continues to sell like it has up to this point. To most of America Truck means Ford.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 2/18/2019 3:32:20 PM

+1 Boost

I don't think there is any first mover advantage to the niche electric full size truck market. Much better to wait and see if it finds any customers.

malba2367 - 2/18/2019 3:57:48 PM

+10 Boost

The F150 is the toughest vehicle in the market to steal sales from. Tesla/Rivian have no chance...especially since Ford is developing an electric F150. Newcomers do have a chance to make an inroads into the compact pickup market.

SanJoseDriver - 2/18/2019 4:48:49 PM

-8 Boost

If Ford does not come up with a COMPELLING electric F150, then Yes but eventually. I think the first trucks from Rivian and Tesla are easily going to be $80,000+, so most of the F150 market will be safe. I'm sure they will go after high-end buyers that want the best truck possible or worker where the improved maintenance/running costs and utility will make a difference. You'll be able to power your tools by plugging into the truck versus needing generators, another perk of an electric truck.

We'll have to wait and see since this market does not exist right now. I hope Ford is aggressively working on something. They are more with the program than Toyota, so we'll see.

Truthy - 2/18/2019 6:03:57 PM

+3 Boost

Hell no! The Tesla or Rivian trucks will be north of $100,000. Look at the Model X for reference. Most full-sized pickups are work trucks and range anxiety is not acceptable. Most tesla purchases are ego driven, not rational decisions. Working trucks need to have the costs in line.

ricks0me - 2/18/2019 8:03:03 PM

0 Boost

The headline must be true. The spark plugs just got choked up in my F150

skytop - 2/18/2019 8:42:35 PM

+3 Boost

In America, there is strong truck brand loyalty. Few folks are going to purchase some unknown 'truck' brand with ZERO history and ZERO experience designing and building trucks.

MDarringer - 2/18/2019 9:26:44 PM

+2 Boost

Socialists don't understand that.

bmw7er - 2/19/2019 12:21:27 AM

+3 Boost

So, I'm going to pull my trailer loaded down and know I have 320 miles before I have to find a charger. Nope.

Section_31_JTK - 2/19/2019 3:42:05 AM

+5 Boost

I drive a SuperDuty. A'int no way am I going to bother with a battery powered truck. When I'm towing my fifth wheel, I'm not about to look for a charging station, btw which would likely mean I'd have to unhitch first. We take the fifth wheel to some pretty out of the way places. It's not likely that there will ever be superchargers in those areas.

BTW, I drove by our local Tesla dealer the other day. Guess what the Tesla dealer uses to transport/haul Teslas with? Ford Superduty F350! They had several of them for that purpose lol.

Truthy - 2/19/2019 12:25:00 PM

+2 Boost

320 miles range unless it is cold out. it then drops dramtically. The nearly 400 mile range on my ICE is consistent.