For Better Or Worse, Tesla Carved Its Own Electric Pickup Category

With the eagerly anticipated Cybertruck, Tesla Inc TSLA did more than just enter a lucrative segment that Ford Motor F used to dominate when it comes to the internal-combustion engine version of the pickup universe. But what happened with the Cybertruck is that the word ‘truck’ just isn’t as loud as “cyber”, representing Tesla’s new reach with EV architecture, both outer and inner as EVs are more about software compared to their hardware ICE counterparts. Simply put, the Cybertruck is unlike anything else. By the looks of the second quarter, Tesla pulled out a major win in the electric pickup segment when it comes to popularity, but for a complete triumph, it takes more than that.

For better or worse, the Cybertruck is in its own category. 

In a similar way like Ford did it with the Ford Ranchero and General Motors did with Chevrolet El Camino, Tesla created a segment of its own with this futuristic vehicle. Detroit automakers, including Ford and General Motors, have spent decades to refine their pickups to better suit the needs of consumers. Ford has been and still continues to be the leader of the ICE pickup universe with its F-150, yet it did not manage to replicate this success with the electric version of its best-seller with the F series being the best-selling truck in the U.S. for 47 years and the best-selling vehicle of any kind in the U.S. for 42 years. According to Edmunds.com, Ford F-150 Lightning is at fifth place of top vehicles being cross-shopped for the Cybertruck, with the other four places being taken by Tesla’s other four models. In addition, Motor Intelligence reported that during the second quarter of 2024, Cybertruck was the top-selling electric truck, leaving behind Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian Automotive RIVN R1T, as well as General Motor-made Hummer EV and Chevy Silverado EV.

Detroit automakers’ trucks are in for a boost. 

As it continues to aggressively expand its network that already counts more than 4,500 dealers, clean energy pickup accessory maker Worksport is growing its presence across the U.S. and Canada. This year, Worksport is planning to launch three more innovative products. The AL4 premium cover that whose launch is planned in the fourth quarter and will be joined by game-changing clean energy power duo: the solar-powered tonneau cover SOLIS and remote battery system COR. With the COR being entirely independent even of pickups and offering off-grid power on the go, Worksport announced the SOLIS will fit most major makes and models of trucks, including those of Ford and GM. This week, Worksport grew its market reach by announcing the release of as many as 19 new tonneau cover applications for various truck models, including those of General Motors, Ford, Toyota Motor TM, Nissan Motor Co Ltd NSANY, and Honda Motor Co Ltd HMC.

For better or worse, Cybertruck stands alone in its uniqueness as Tesla made its own category. Now the question of duration is an entirely different story and it is a well known fact that the Cybertruck came with a new set of challenges for the EV pioneer. Afterall, GM and Ford pulled out several decades with the appeal of their Chevy El Camino and Ford Ranchero. While traditional automakers are struggling to evolve and adapt their businesses for the EV era, no one can question their history and legacy.

On the other hand, Tesla, as mighty as it is with its EV work that made history, still needs to pass the test of time.

DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational purposes only. It is not intended as investing advice.

This article is from an unpaid external contributor. It does not represent Benzinga's reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.