The Tesla Cybertruck has been dethroned as the top-selling electric pickup truck in the United States, according to recent registration data. In the first quarter of 2025, the Ford F-150 Lightning surpassed the Cybertruck in terms of registrations, marking a shift in the market.
In the first three months of the year, the Ford F-150 Lightning garnered 7,913 registrations, edging out the Cybertruck’s 7,126 registrations. This data comes from S&P Global Mobility and highlights the growing competition in the electric pickup truck segment. The Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC Sierra EV, Rivian R1T, and GMC Hummer EV rounded out the top five in registrations for the quarter.
Tesla does not publicly disclose sales figures for individual models, making registration data the primary method for comparing sales numbers within the industry. While the Cybertruck saw a significant improvement in registrations compared to the previous year, its sales trend took a hit in the last quarter of 2024.
The Cybertruck’s sales performance in Q1 2025 marked the second consecutive quarter of declining sales for the model. From a high of 16,692 units sold in Q3 2023, the numbers dropped to 12,991 in the following quarter and further to 7,126 in the first quarter of this year. In contrast, Ford reported 7,187 sales of the F-150 Lightning in Q1, reclaiming its position as the top electric pickup truck in the market.
Despite the competition between Tesla and Ford, the overall sales figures for electric trucks indicate challenges in the market. Carmakers face hurdles in balancing the need for large batteries to achieve adequate driving range with the weight and cost implications of such batteries. Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, acknowledged the economic challenges of producing large electric trucks and SUVs, highlighting the demanding use cases and requirements for these vehicles.
Other players in the electric truck market, such as Ram and Rivian, have faced delays and declining delivery numbers, reflecting the broader challenges in the segment. While overall EV sales have seen an increase in Q1, the electric truck market poses unique obstacles due to the specific demands of truck customers.
In conclusion, the shift in the electric pickup truck market reflects the evolving landscape of the automotive industry. As competition intensifies and challenges arise, manufacturers will need to navigate the complexities of producing electric trucks that meet consumer expectations while addressing economic and technological constraints.