Ford F-150 Lightning vs. Rivian R1T: running cost
A Rivian R1T is cheaper to run: about $1,118 a year versus $1,216 for a Ford F-150 Lightning at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $97 difference.
| Ford F-150 Lightning | Rivian R1T | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 7,200 W | 11,500 W |
| Watt range | 1,440–19,200 W | 1,440–11,500 W |
| Typical use | 37 miles a day | 37 miles a day |
| Energy per year | 6,757 kWh | 6,217 kWh |
| Cost per hour | $1.30 | $2.07 |
| Cost per day | $3.33 | $3.06 |
| Cost per month | $101 | $93.20 |
| Cost per year | $1,216 | $1,118 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $2,940 | $2,705 |
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What drives the difference
- Ford F-150 Lightning: The F-150 Lightning uses about 0.45-0.48 kWh per mile from the battery, about 0.50 at the wall; towing can double that.
- Rivian R1T: The R1T uses about 0.41-0.44 kWh per mile from the battery, about 0.46 at the wall.
Ways to cut either cost
Level 2 EV charger
Overnight Level 2 charging at off-peak rates.
See options on Amazon Level 2 EV charger
Charges a large truck battery overnight.
See options on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. It never changes the numbers we show. Disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a Ford F-150 Lightning or a Rivian R1T?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a Ford F-150 Lightning costs about $1,216 a year versus $1,118 for a Rivian R1T. That's $97 more.
How many watts do Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T use?
A Ford F-150 Lightning typically draws 7,200 W (range 1,440–19,200 W). A Rivian R1T draws 11,500 W (range 1,440–11,500 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.