Legacy Automakers Gain Ground in EV Truck Race on Strong Q3 Sales
Ford's F-150 Lightning and GM's Silverado EV post significant sales growth, challenging early market leaders like Tesla and Rivian.
The electric truck market is witnessing a significant shift as legacy automakers Ford and General Motors reported robust sales growth in the third quarter of 2025, challenging the dominance of early entrants like Tesla and Rivian. Ford's F-150 Lightning, the electric version of the best-selling vehicle in the U.S., saw a nearly 40% year-over-year increase in sales, with 10,005 units sold. General Motors' Chevrolet Silverado EV experienced even more dramatic growth, with sales surging 97% year-over-year to 3,940 units.
This surge in sales from traditional automakers comes at a time when the overall EV market is at a crossroads. The third quarter saw record EV sales in the U.S., with 438,487 units sold, a 29.6% year-over-year increase. However, this growth was largely fueled by consumers rushing to take advantage of the expiring $7,500 federal EV tax credit. The expiration of this incentive is expected to create a for the EV sector.
In contrast to the strong performance of legacy automakers, Tesla's Cybertruck has faced a challenging quarter. at a significant year-over-year decline of 62.6%. The polarizing design and increased competition are cited as contributing factors to its fading popularity. Rivian, another key player in the EV truck market, reported strong overall vehicle deliveries, but due to concerns about softening demand.
The strong Q3 performance of Ford and GM in the EV truck segment suggests a successful pivot to electrification for these legacy manufacturers. As the market navigates the post-tax credit landscape, the ability of these established automakers to leverage their brand recognition, manufacturing scale, and dealer networks will be critical in the intensifying competition for EV market share.