What’s Driving Farmers’ Opinions on Electric Trucks?
Ford recently unveiled its electric truck, the F-150 Lightning. What do farmers think? Farm Journal asked, “How interested are you in an electric truck?”
Here’s how 831 readers responded:
I want one! 10%
I might consider one 25%
I’m not interested 58%
I don’t have an opinion 7%
In the “yes” camp, respondents said electric trucks were exciting, modern, and the way of the future. These farmers said:
“We have been partnering with [The] Nature [Conservancy] for three decades to sequester carbon in our farm’s soils … In 2019 we signed a lease contract with a local solar company to provide the area for a community solar garden that will provide enough electricity to meet a third the needs of our local substation. Going to an electric truck for our business is just the next step in being environmentally responsible in our mind.”
“I can go anywhere that I use a truck for in this range. It would be ideal for my usage.”
“I like to try new things.”
“We have to kick the fossil fuel habit. It is no longer an option.”
The “no” voters were concerned about hauling power, range, a lack of charging stations and concerns about how these trucks would handle farm work. They had this to say:
“Batteries fair pretty poorly where I live (North Dakota). During the winter they can freeze outright, and if they don't do that their capacity is severely reduced by the cold.”
“When new technology comes out local dealers are not up to speed on correcting deficiencies. And I hesitate to pay for research activities. Likewise general infrastructure is not complete on supporting a new way of providing energy sources.”
“I live in a high-altitude cold area. I’m not certain a battery-powered vehicle will have much range while providing heat, lights, etc. in our cold and snowy weather. If I drive to elk camp and run short of battery power, what then?”
“I need to be able to drive a pickup pulling a stock trailer at least 300 miles with the air conditioning or heater on, also headlights and radio, over mountain passes. I don’t think the range of electric trucks can handle what I have to do on my ranch.”
For those who said they might be interested, they cited these reasons.
“[I’m] only interested if there’s no loss of performance levels and if cost of ownership makes sense. I would not pay more for a less capable vehicle.”
“It'll take a year or two to prove its worth. Battery life, charge time, plug into my shop 110 current. Brutal winter cold. Lot of ifs ... I'm sold on flex fuel!”
“Battery life for miles being able to drive in a trip before recharging. And live in the north where it does get cold in winter. Will the battery or other functions freeze up easy in below zero conditions” [I] do not want to be stranded in cold. Also, there are not enough recharge stations available. Can the truck haul a load? The company does not show that.”
What do you think? Share your opinion in the comments below!
