The electric truck hype hit hard a few years ago. Big unveilings, bold claims, six-figure price tags. But if you waited patiently, 2025 is finally the year they become affordable — at least, if you’re looking at the used market.
We’re now seeing legit electric pickups dropping below $35,000 — not vaporware, not stripped-down prototypes, but real used trucks with real range and real capability.
But here’s the truth most dealers won’t tell you: a lot of these trucks weren’t built for actual work. Some lose half their range when towing. Some freeze up in winter. Some take an hour to charge from 20% to 80%. Others just can’t be trusted beyond the suburbs.
That’s why this guide exists. We’re cutting through the hype to rank the best used electric pickup trucks you can buy under $35K in 2025 — based on towing, range, cold-weather durability, and long-term reliability.
What Makes a Used EV Truck Worth Owning?
Before we get to the trucks, let’s clarify what matters — especially in the under-$35K range:
1. Battery health
EV batteries aren’t all created equal. If you’re buying used, check the State of Health (SOH). Anything below 80% is a red flag. You want 85% or higher if you’re planning on keeping the truck more than a year or two.
2. Range that holds in winter
A truck that claims 250 miles on paper might do 160 on the freeway in freezing temps. Thermal battery management, heat pumps, and pack design matter way more than brochure stats.
3. Charging speed
40–45 minutes from 10% to 80% is acceptable. Anything slower will drive you crazy on long trips or job sites.
4. Towing reality vs. marketing
Every truckmaker brags about towing capacity. But most EVs lose 40–60% of their range when you actually tow. Look at what owners say, not just what’s on the spec sheet.
5. Ground clearance and traction
It’s still a truck. If it can’t handle snow, gravel, or a muddy driveway, it’s just a tall electric car with a bed.
The 5 Best Used Electric Pickup Trucks Under $35,000 in 2025
These trucks are hitting the sweet spot: usable power, reliable range, cold-weather performance, and price tags that finally make sense.
1. 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Pro (Standard Range)
This is the real deal — an actual work truck with electric guts and a Blue Oval badge.
- EPA Range: 230 miles
- Real Range (Unloaded, Highway): 210–240 miles
- Battery SOH (Avg in 2025): 85–90% on well-maintained units
- Towing Capacity: Rated 5,000 lbs — realistically usable up to 3,500 lbs without killing range
- Charging: ~44 minutes from 10–80% on DC fast chargers
- Heat Pump: No — uses resistive heating (plan range accordingly in winter)
- Used Price in 2025: $32,000–$35,000
What We Think:
Don’t let the “Pro” name fool you. It’s the base trim, yes, but it gets the job done. Vinyl seats, steel wheels, and not much tech — but that’s the charm. You get solid range, big torque, and access to Ford’s growing charging network. For a real contractor or hauler, this is the smart bet under $35K.
2. 2023 Canoo Lifestyle Pickup (Fleet Return)
The weirdest-looking truck in the game — and one of the most maneuverable.
- EPA Range: ~200 miles
- Real Range: 180–190 miles in mixed conditions
- Battery Health: Most fleet returns show under 10% degradation
- Towing: 1,800–2,000 lbs — not for trailers but fine for light hauls
- Charging: 36–40 minutes to 80% (CCS port)
- Clearance: Low — best for cities or light off-road only
- Used Price in 2025: $28,000–$32,000
What We Think:
If you’re running property maintenance, landscaping, or just hauling gear across town, the Canoo might surprise you. Compact footprint, responsive steering, easy to park, and plenty of torque. You’re not towing boats, but for daily small-load work, it’s a very useful tool — and one you won’t lose in a parking lot.
3. 2021–2022 Rivian R1T (High Mileage)
Yes, Rivians are dropping — and if you don’t mind miles, this is your way into the premium EV truck segment.
- EPA Range: 314 miles (Large pack)
- Real-World Highway Range (Unloaded): 250–270 miles
- Battery Health on High-Mileage Units: Around 80–87%
- Charging Time: ~35 minutes to 80% on DC fast charging
- Towing Capacity: 7,700 lbs rated — realistically 3,000–4,000 lbs if you want to keep range above 120 miles
- Used Price in 2025: $33,000–$35,000 (60K+ miles)
What We Think:
This is the only “luxury” electric truck you’ll find near this price point, and even then, it’s usually a high-mile fleet vehicle or former press truck. Still, Rivians are rugged, overbuilt, and genuinely great to drive. Just make sure you check for service records and battery degradation before buying. Bargain of the year if you get a clean one.
4. 2023 Alpha Wolf (Early Test Models or Demos)
This one’s a rare find — but real. A few test vehicles and early demos have slipped into private hands or small-fleet auctions.
- Range: Claimed 250, real-world closer to 200–210
- Charging: 38–42 minutes (CCS)
- Battery Chemistry: Early lithium-iron phosphate cells with excellent durability
- Towing: Not rated formally — expect ~2,000 lbs safely
- Cabin & Tech: Spartan. Think 90s Toyota pickup with touchscreen.
- Used Price in 2025: $27K–$31K
What We Think:
It’s not refined, but it feels honest. This is a back-to-basics EV for people who want something they can fix and actually use. Off-road performance is decent. Range is consistent. It’s the kind of truck you grow into, not brag about.
5. 2023 Lordstown Endurance (Liquidation & Repo Market)
It failed as a business, but the trucks exist — and some are showing up in repossessed inventory or liquidation sales under $30K.
- EPA Range: 200 miles
- Real Range: 170–190 miles
- Towing: 6,000 lbs rated — but battery drains fast
- Battery Health: Mixed — verify SOH before buying
- Charging: Slow. 50–60 minutes to 80%
- Used Price in 2025: $25K–$30K
What We Think:
High risk, high reward. If you need a short-range utility EV and can handle some DIY repairs, the Endurance could work. But don’t expect much support or parts availability. Use it, flip it, or run it hard until the wheels fall off.
What to Avoid Under $35K
Some trucks look tempting, but just don’t make sense at this budget — either too new to drop in price or too limited in what they can do.
- Tesla Cybertruck: Not under $50K. If it is, it’s totaled.
- Chevy Silverado EV WT: Great spec, but won’t hit $35K for at least two more years.
- F-150 Lightning Extended Range: Still $40K–$45K used, minimum.
- Any RWD-only “EV Truck”: You need AWD or 4WD for winter and dirt roads.
- Homebrew or DIY Conversions: Cool but risky. Battery history is too hard to verify.
What We Think
We’re finally at a turning point. You can now get a legit electric pickup under $35,000 — and not just something experimental.
The Ford Lightning Pro remains the safest and most usable option, even with its modest range. The Rivian R1T, if you’re okay with high miles, gives you wild capability for cheap. And oddballs like Canoo, Alpha, and even the Endurance can fill very real work roles for the right buyer.
But here’s the golden rule: do your homework. Always ask for the battery report. Test charge it if you can. Drive it with weight in the bed. And check your state’s EV tax credit rules — some used trucks qualify for incentives, pushing your effective cost even lower.
More real-world EV buying guides are coming soon at BidForAutos.com.
Let us know what you want next:
- Best Used EV SUVs for Hauling
- Electric Trucks That Handle Snow
- EV Battery Brands Ranked by Longevity
Drop us a message — or catch us on Twitter and Instagram @BidForAutos.
