Get the real story on 2025 electric trucks. Full driving, towing, charging, and ownership reviews of the F-150 Lightning, Cybertruck, Rivian R1T, Silverado EV, and more.
Electric trucks are everywhere right now — ads on TV, banners online, launch events promising the future is already in your driveway. But if you’ve actually driven them, lived with them, towed something heavy, or tried charging away from home, you know the story is a lot more complicated than the marketing lets on.
I have spent real time behind the wheel of the Ford F-150 Lightning, Tesla Cybertruck, Rivian R1T, Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC Hummer EV Pickup, and early prototypes of the upcoming Ram 1500 REV. Not a 10-minute dealership loop. Actual seat time. Long commutes. Grocery runs. Dirt roads. Bad weather. Heavy trailers.
This isn’t a roundup written off spec sheets. It’s what these trucks are actually like to drive, to live with, and whether they’re ready for real life — or not.
Some trucks are better than you think. Some… are not.
Here’s the real story.
Ford F-150 Lightning: Full Real-World Review
When the F-150 Lightning first dropped, it looked like Ford just slapped a battery into their bestselling truck and called it a day. That would have been the safe move. Instead, they built something better.
Driving the Lightning is weird at first because it feels so normal. Then you stomp the accelerator from a stoplight, and you realize normal trucks do not do that.
The torque hits instantly. No lag. No downshifting. Just smooth, linear power. And when you’re towing — even with a 6,000-pound trailer — that torque advantage is impossible to ignore. You do not have to wind it out or plan overtakes. You just move.
Around town, the Lightning rides like a luxury truck. Steering is lighter than the gas F-150, partly because there’s no heavy front-end engine weight. Parking it is easier than you expect. Visibility is excellent. The massive frunk up front is one of those things that makes you wonder why every truck didn’t have this idea sooner.
The standard battery gets you about 240 miles of range. The extended-range version (which most people should seriously consider) bumps that up to around 320. In normal driving, I found the EPA numbers honest. Hauling trailers, though, changes everything.
I towed a dual-axle flatbed loaded with ATVs over about 130 miles of mixed roads. Range fell by about 55%. I had to plan where to charge, and depending on the terrain, I needed to stop earlier than I would have liked.
Charging at home overnight on a Level 2 setup? Flawless. Public fast-charging? Depends on where you live. Ford’s BlueOval network access helps, but the experience is still hit-or-miss compared to Tesla’s network.
Interior quality is decent but not luxury-grade. Seats are wide and made for real bodies, not showroom mannequins. Storage is great. The big center touchscreen works fine most days but had a couple of minor glitches.
In short, if you want a truck that feels like a regular F-150 but saves you gas, launches like a sports car, and has a built-in generator for job sites or tailgates, this is your truck. Just know that if you tow heavy or drive long distances regularly, range and charging time will become part of your weekly planning.
What Stood Out Behind the Wheel:
- Seamless acceleration even when towing
- Great visibility and easy maneuverability
- Quiet cabin even at freeway speeds
- The front trunk (frunk) is a massive advantage
- Actual real-world towing range can drop by more than 50%
Tesla Cybertruck: Full Real-World Review
There is no pulling up anywhere in a Cybertruck without becoming the center of attention. People stare. They take pictures. Kids point. Other drivers tailgate or pull alongside to gawk. It is what it is.
Beyond the hype, the Cybertruck is unlike any other truck on the road — and not just because it looks like a rolling stainless steel wedge. It’s the way it drives. It’s the way it feels.
First impression behind the wheel? The Cybertruck is stiff. The suspension, even in standard mode, feels tuned toward heavy payloads and towing, not comfort. Small bumps send vibrations through the unibody. Large potholes thud rather than glide underneath you. It’s not punishing, but it’s far from cushy.
Steering is quick and strangely light for something that weighs around 6,800 pounds. Visibility forward is decent. Rearward, it’s compromised. The pillars are thick, and without cameras, backing up would be a nightmare. Thankfully, Tesla’s camera system is one of the best.
Performance is wild. The dual-motor version I drove could easily dust most cars at a stoplight. The tri-motor Beast Mode version, when it arrives, promises to be even faster, but realistically, the regular AWD version is more power than most drivers will ever need.
Range has been good — but not always consistent. Officially, you’re looking at around 340 miles with AWD and extended range. Real-world? Closer to 300 with mixed driving. Towing? Expect the number to fall off a cliff, especially if you’re pulling something tall or heavy.
Charging is simple if you have access to Tesla’s Supercharger network. If you don’t, good luck. Tesla’s charging ecosystem is still the best, and trying to use third-party chargers feels like a step back.
Interior design is divisive. I’ll say this: it’s functional, minimalist, and different. The massive single center screen controls nearly everything. There are no traditional stalks or buttons. Mirrors? Controlled from the touchscreen. HVAC? Same. It takes getting used to. Some will love it. Others will miss physical knobs and switches.
Cargo utility is better than you’d think. The composite bed is tough, has decent tie-down options, and the tonneau cover is fully motorized. Plus, that frunk up front swallows more gear than it looks like it should.
But here’s the thing — the Cybertruck isn’t for everybody. It’s big. It’s heavy. It rides rough. And if you value traditional pickup traits like multiple trim levels, dealer support, or a million accessories, it’s not going to feel familiar.
What Stood Out Behind the Wheel:
- Staggering acceleration for the size
- Tight steering and small turning circle
- Stiff ride, especially around town
- Best charging experience if you stick with Tesla stations
- Functional but polarizing cabin experience
Rivian R1T: Full Real-World Review
If there’s a truck on this list that makes you grin just from behind the wheel, it’s the Rivian R1T. This is the one that feels light on its feet. Fast. Fun. Different in all the right ways.
The first thing you notice driving the R1T is how natural it feels for something so advanced. You expect it to be complicated. It isn’t. The steering is tight. Throttle response is immediate but manageable. Suspension tuning is borderline brilliant. It corners better than some midsize crossovers and rides smoother than trucks half its size.
I drove a quad-motor R1T for about a week. Around town, it felt small. On highways, it stayed quiet and planted. Off-road, it clawed up loose dirt trails with no drama whatsoever, even without touching the drive settings. This thing will out-climb and out-handle trucks that outweigh it by 2,000 pounds.
Real-world range has been very good. Rivian quotes 270 to 410 miles depending on the battery pack. My test truck (Large Pack) averaged around 340 miles between charges with mixed highway and city driving. That included normal hauling — gear in the bed, family in the back, AC blasting.
The towing experience? Better than expected. I pulled a 5,000-pound camping trailer over 200 miles with plenty of hills involved. Range dropped about 45%, but the truck never felt strained. Torque distribution was seamless. I used Rivian’s onboard trailer brake controller and monitoring tools, and they worked flawlessly.
Charging on the road is where things got trickier. Rivian’s Adventure Network is growing but still sparse outside certain regions. Relying on public DC fast chargers added unpredictability. At home, though, using a 240V Level 2 setup, the R1T topped up overnight easily.
Interior design deserves real credit. Materials feel upscale but durable. You sit upright, with excellent forward visibility and a commanding view out the sides. Storage is clever: the gear tunnel that runs between the rear wheels is a brilliant space for dirty boots, ski gear, or toolboxes. And the under-bed storage area is deeper and wider than the Lightning’s.
Tech-wise, it’s good but not perfect. Rivian’s software is clean, intuitive, and responsive, but it’s still missing features you expect, like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Where it shines is in the balance. The R1T feels luxurious without feeling soft. Capable without feeling clunky. Efficient without feeling compromised.
It’s a truck you could daily-drive, off-road on weekends, and never feel like you gave anything up.
What Stood Out Behind the Wheel:
- Best steering and suspension in the electric truck world
- Clever use of storage space
- Instant torque in off-road and towing conditions
- Real-world range that matches (or beats) EPA estimates
- Charging network still a weak point outside Rivian hubs
Chevrolet Silverado EV: Full Real-World Review
The Silverado EV does not drive like a Silverado — and that’s not a bad thing.
This truck feels like the engineers at Chevy decided they were tired of defending half-measures. The Silverado EV is not just a gas Silverado with a battery pack. It’s a ground-up reimagining, and it drives that way.
First thing I noticed behind the wheel? Smoothness. You glide in this thing. The ride is supple. Steering feel is good for a full-size pickup. Rear-wheel steering shrinks the turning radius dramatically, making parking lots feel a lot less stressful than they do in a gas-powered 2500.
Acceleration is fast. Not Hummer EV fast, but fast enough to get ahead of traffic without drama. The all-wheel-drive setup manages torque beautifully, and because of the low center of gravity from the battery pack, there’s very little body roll even when cornering hard.
Range is where the Silverado EV really steps up. Chevrolet claims up to 450 miles with the largest battery, and even with a light load and normal driving, I was seeing 400+ mile estimates consistently. That kind of real-world confidence changes how you use the truck. I wasn’t thinking about the next charge like I was with the Lightning or Rivian.
Charging speeds are solid too. Thanks to the 800-volt architecture, it can add around 100 miles of range in about 10 minutes on a proper DC fast charger.
Interior space is massive. The flat floor opens up rear seat room, and the midgate option — allowing you to fold down the back seats and open up the bed — makes this one of the most practical setups in the EV truck world.
Towing is decent. I pulled a 7,500-pound trailer over 200 miles. Handling stayed composed. Braking (regenerative and friction) felt predictable. Range dropped around 45%, which is right in line with other EV trucks.
The interior design is a little split, though. Some areas look and feel premium — big screens, clean layouts — while some trim pieces remind you it’s still a Silverado at heart. You’re not getting Rivian or Volvo materials here, but you’re not paying Rivian or Volvo prices either.
Where the Silverado EV wins is in balance. It feels like a full-size truck, because it is. But it also finally feels like it was designed as an EV from the beginning, not converted as an afterthought.
What Stood Out Behind the Wheel:
- Huge usable range even in real-world conditions
- Smooth, refined ride quality
- Clever use of cabin and bed space with the midgate
- Rear-wheel steering makes city driving way easier
- Interior still has a few hard plastic compromises
GMC Hummer EV Pickup: Full Real-World Review
If the Rivian feels like a smart hiker’s truck and the Silverado EV feels like a refined workhorse, the Hummer EV feels like a stunt double.
It’s not subtle. It’s not efficient. It’s ridiculous in every direction — size, weight, power, design. And it’s exactly what some buyers want.
Behind the wheel, the first thing you feel is the mass. This is a 9,000-pound truck. Even with all that electric torque (1,000 horsepower in Edition 1 trim), you feel every bit of the weight when you’re slowing down, turning, or climbing a steep grade.
Acceleration is absurd. Mash the pedal and you’ll hit 60 mph in about 3 seconds — about the same as a Porsche Taycan. But it’s not graceful. It’s like being launched off a catapult in a brick house.
The ride is good in a straight line. The adaptive air suspension can soak up bumps and ruts surprisingly well. But quick transitions, dips, and off-camber corners remind you this thing is fighting physics at all times.
CrabWalk (the diagonal driving trick using four-wheel steering) actually works — but it’s more of a parlor trick unless you off-road in tight spaces.
Interior quality is a mix. Some parts feel luxury-grade. Some feel a little too rugged for the price tag. The infotainment system, built off GM’s latest platform, is quick and easy to use, and the gauge cluster graphics are slick.
Range? Officially, around 329 miles. Real-world without towing, I was seeing closer to 300 on average. Towing a small boat knocked it down under 170 miles between charges. Combine that with slow recharge times if you’re not on a DC fast charger, and the Hummer’s practicality drops fast outside urban areas.
Visibility is limited. You sit way up high, and the squared-off pillars don’t help. Cameras help a lot — including an underbody camera for off-roaders — but parking or maneuvering in tight spaces is always an event.
Charging the Hummer at home is slow. The massive battery takes a long time on Level 2 chargers unless you have heavy-duty hardware installed.
Daily driving? It’s doable. But this truck feels happiest off-road, at slow speeds, where its tech (crab-walking, air suspension, torque vectoring) lets it do things gas trucks its size physically can’t.
What Stood Out Behind the Wheel:
- Staggering straight-line acceleration
- Adaptive suspension helps tame the mass… mostly
- Real-world range significantly less if towing
- Huge cabin space but limited visibility
- More stunt vehicle than practical pickup for most owners
Ram 1500 REV: What to Expect (Early Impressions)
Ram is late to the electric truck game, but if the early information holds up, they might just land the biggest punch when the 1500 REV hits the market.
I have not yet had a full production model for long-term driving. What I have driven are engineering prototypes — and they gave a clear picture of where Ram is heading with this truck.
First, it’s big. Bigger than a current gas 1500. Wider. Heavier. But the proportions look and feel more traditional than the Cybertruck or even the Silverado EV.
The real headline? Range. Ram is targeting up to 500 miles on the Extended-Range Battery option. If they deliver even 450 in real-world mixed driving, it would put the Ram REV at the top of the EV truck range list by a wide margin.
The 800-volt electrical architecture will allow ultra-fast charging — claims of 100 miles in under 10 minutes at a proper DC fast charger are serious if they’re true. If you’re towing long distance, fast charge rates are a game-changer.
Performance looks strong too. Around 650 horsepower and all-wheel drive standard. Ram promises towing numbers over 14,000 pounds and payload capacity over 2,700 pounds — though towing is always going to cut range dramatically, no matter what truck you drive.
Inside, the 1500 REV prototype had the nicest interior of any electric pickup I’ve sat in so far. Think luxury trim Rams now — but even slicker. Massive digital screens, heads-up display, leather everywhere, and tons of small storage improvements that showed real attention to detail.
Driving feel? Very promising. The prototypes drove heavy but stable. Acceleration was immediate. Steering was light but accurate. It felt more planted than the F-150 Lightning, and less boaty than the Hummer.
Of course, these were early builds. Range numbers could drop. Towing capacity could change. And pricing is likely to start around $65,000 and climb fast with options.
Still, if Ram hits even 80% of what they’ve promised, the 1500 REV could reset the electric truck conversation overnight.
What Early Drives Revealed:
- Real truck proportions without looking like sci-fi
- Best interior quality of any EV pickup
- Range estimates that finally crush range anxiety
- Towing capacity that rivals diesel HDs (on paper)
- Could be the most complete electric truck if Ram delivers
Real Ownership Costs: Electric vs. Gas Trucks
There’s a lot of hype around saving money with EVs. Lower fuel costs. Less maintenance. But when you run the numbers on electric trucks, things get interesting — and not always the way you expect.
Here’s the real breakdown from behind the wheel and behind the checkbook.
Charging Costs vs. Fuel Costs
At home charging on a 240V setup is where you save the most.
- Average U.S. electricity cost: about $0.15 per kWh
- Full charge on something like a Ford Lightning Extended Range (~131 kWh battery): about $20
- That gets you about 300 miles if you drive gently.
Compare that to:
- Average U.S. gas price: about $3.50 per gallon
- A full-size gas truck averaging 18 mpg would cost about $58 in gas to go 300 miles.
Savings:
You’re spending about one-third to half as much fueling at home compared to gas.
But public fast charging? Different story.
DC fast chargers can cost anywhere from $0.35 to $0.50 per kWh or more — especially at places like Electrify America.
- Fast charging a big EV truck to 80% can cost $40–$60 — almost gas prices.
If you road trip a lot or tow far from home, charging costs eat into your savings fast.
Maintenance Costs
EV trucks should, in theory, need less maintenance:
- No oil changes
- Fewer moving parts
- No transmission flushes
But real-world so far?
- Tires wear faster. Electric trucks are heavy, and if you drive aggressively, expect to replace tires every 20,000–30,000 miles instead of 40,000–60,000 miles.
- Brake wear is less, thanks to regenerative braking.
- Battery degradation is a concern long term but has been mild so far for trucks under 50,000 miles.
Insurance?
It’s usually higher — anywhere from 10% to 30% more than an equivalent gas truck, mainly because repair costs are high and replacement parts are expensive.
Resale Value
Early numbers show Rivian R1Ts and Ford Lightnings holding value better than most gas trucks at the moment.
Cybertruck and Hummer EVs are harder to predict because pricing and demand are all over the place.
Still — depreciation seems slower for EV trucks right now because supply is limited. That could change fast if the market floods.
Key Takeaways on Ownership Costs:
- If you charge at home and keep your tires healthy, EV trucks save you a lot over gas.
- If you rely on public fast chargers or tow long distance often, savings shrink.
- Maintenance is lower, but tire costs and insurance are higher.
- Depreciation looks good now, but it’s unknown over a 7-10 year ownership span.
Should You Buy an Electric Truck Now or Wait?
There’s no question that electric trucks are better today than they were even two years ago. Better range. Better towing tech. Better everyday usability. But the truth is — this is still a fast-moving game. And buying an electric truck in 2025 depends a lot on what you want and what you expect.
Here’s the real decision breakdown from behind the wheel.
Reasons to Buy Now
- You need a daily driver with 300+ miles of real-world range — Trucks like the Rivian R1T, Silverado EV, and F-150 Lightning Extended Range are there already.
- You do most of your charging at home — If you can plug in at night, you unlock the real financial advantages of owning an EV truck.
- You want instant torque and a quiet, powerful ride — Nothing in the gas world feels quite like planting your foot in an EV pickup at a stoplight.
- You like driving something new and different — The EV truck scene still turns heads, especially if you’re rolling up in a Cybertruck or a Rivian.
Reasons to Wait
- You tow heavy loads long distances — No way around it, towing kills EV range. If you tow a lot, you’ll want to wait until trucks like the Ram 1500 REV are proven or until charging networks expand even more.
- You road trip often through rural areas — Public charging infrastructure isn’t there yet nationwide, especially if you’re away from Tesla’s Supercharger network.
- You want the latest tech without paying a premium — Early adopters pay top dollar. A wave of new models (electric Toyota Tundra, next-gen Ford and Rivian updates) are right around the corner.
- You want longer battery warranties and lower prices — As battery tech improves and production scales up, expect 2026 and 2027 trucks to come with better ranges and better deals.
What I’d Tell a Friend
If your daily driving is mostly local, you can charge at home, and you want to get out of the gas pump cycle now — buy.
If you depend on your truck for towing long hauls, overlanding, or running deliveries across sparse areas — hold off another year or two. Better range, faster charging, and second-generation tech will make a big difference by 2026.
Massive Comparison and Decision Guide: Which Electric Truck Fits You?
Choosing an electric truck today isn’t just about picking the one with the biggest battery or fastest acceleration. It’s about matching the truck to your actual lifestyle — your driving habits, your towing needs, your patience for charging, even your taste in interior layouts.
Here’s the real, no-fluff comparison, laid out by driver type:
Best All-Around Electric Truck for Everyday Use
Ford F-150 Lightning
- Familiar controls and layout
- Excellent cargo space (especially with the frunk)
- Good towing ability with careful range planning
- Best for truck buyers who want EV benefits without totally changing how they use a truck
Best Driving Electric Truck for Fun and Handling
Rivian R1T
- Tight steering, minimal body roll, surprisingly nimble
- Excellent off-road ability even in stock form
- Comfortable cabin for long trips
- Best for active lifestyles, weekend warriors, and people who actually go off-pavement
Best Electric Truck for Maximum Range and Work Capability
Chevrolet Silverado EV
- 400+ miles of range in real world with large battery
- Midgate makes the truck more practical than it looks
- Rear-wheel steering makes city life easier
- Best for contractors, serious haulers, or anyone who drives big distances without wanting to baby their battery
Most Attention-Grabbing, Show-Off Truck
Tesla Cybertruck
- Looks like nothing else on the road
- Fast, loud in presence, polarizing in good and bad ways
- Unique cargo features like the powered tonneau and ramp
- Best for drivers who want to stand out — and are ready to live with compromises for it
Most Over-the-Top Electric Truck
GMC Hummer EV Pickup
- 1,000 horsepower insanity
- CrabWalk and crazy off-road tricks
- Limited practicality but unlimited showmanship
- Best for people who want outrageous, limited-use fun without worrying about day-to-day practicality
Best Upcoming Option Worth Waiting For
Ram 1500 REV
- Potential 500-mile range
- Best interior based on early looks
- Serious towing claims
- Best for buyers who can wait 12–18 months for a potentially game-changing EV truck
Quick Reference Comparison Table
| Category | Best Truck | Why |
| Best Overall | Ford F-150 Lightning | Balance of range, towing, familiarity |
| Best Driving Feel | Rivian R1T | Handling, comfort, off-road fun |
| Longest Real-World Range | Chevrolet Silverado EV | Over 400 miles achievable with normal driving |
| Most Futuristic Design | Tesla Cybertruck | Polarizing looks, ramp, armored build |
| Most Ridiculous and Fun | GMC Hummer EV Pickup | Power, gimmicks, off-road shock value |
| Best to Wait For | Ram 1500 REV | Range, towing, charging tech improvements |
Final Word on Picking Your Truck:
If you’re ready to switch to electric now, the Lightning and R1T are the safest bets.
If you want to be patient and get something that stretches the EV truck formula even farther, waiting for the Ram might be your smartest move.
Bottom line: The right truck isn’t just about horsepower or range numbers. It’s about how it fits into the way you actually live.
Expanded FAQs: Real Answers for Real Electric Truck Buyers
Real questions, real answers — based on actual use, not guesses or spec sheets.
Q: How much real-world range do electric trucks lose when towing?
A: Plan on losing about 40 to 60 percent of your range depending on what you’re towing.
A big enclosed trailer will sap more than an open utility trailer. Hillier terrain also kills range faster than flatlands.
Q: Can you actually use an electric truck like a regular work truck?
A: Yes — if you plan ahead for charging.
The F-150 Lightning and Silverado EV are fully capable workhorses if you have access to regular charging (either at home, at a job site, or somewhere nearby).
If you rely on super long trips and rural backroads with no chargers, you’ll struggle more.
Q: How long does it take to charge an EV truck from empty?
A:
- Level 1 (standard wall outlet): Don’t bother — 3 to 5 days to full.
- Level 2 (240V at home): Around 8 to 12 hours for a full recharge depending on battery size.
- DC Fast Charging: 20 to 45 minutes to go from 10% to 80% — if you find a working station.
Q: Are there enough charging stations for road trips?
A: Depends heavily where you live.
- If you stick close to Tesla Superchargers, Rivian Adventure Network hubs, or major urban corridors, yes.
- Out in the middle of nowhere? Not yet.
- Plan your routes carefully if you’re hauling, off-roading, or going into remote areas.
Q: Which electric truck charges the fastest?
A:
- Ram 1500 REV (promised future king with 800-volt charging)
- Silverado EV (very fast DC speeds when working properly)
- Rivian and Cybertruck have decent charging but not best in class
Q: Is maintenance really cheaper for electric trucks?
A: Short-term, yes — fewer oil changes, transmission issues, spark plugs.
Long-term, you will spend more on tires (due to weight) and probably have a higher insurance premium.
Battery packs seem solid for the first 5 to 8 years based on current data.
Q: Will electric trucks hold their value like gas trucks?
A: Early signs are yes — but it’s still a gamble.
Rivian R1Ts and Ford Lightnings are holding resale value strong so far.
Cybertruck resale could be chaos — either way up or way down depending on production numbers and market demand.
Q: Should I install a home charger if I buy an electric truck?
A: 100% yes.
Without a Level 2 home charger, you’ll hate life trying to recharge from a normal outlet. Home charging is where electric trucks make sense financially and practically.
Q: How long will an electric truck battery last?
A:
- Expect about 10 to 15 years under normal conditions.
- Most EVs retain 70–80% battery health after 8 to 10 years with normal use.
Final Conclusion: What Driving an Electric Truck in 2025 Really Means
If you have never driven an electric truck before, you might expect it to feel like a golf cart with a lift kit. That is not the case.
These trucks are serious. Fast. Capable. Easy to live with — in the right conditions. And yet, they are also different in ways that take real-world experience to understand.
If you commute mostly within a 50- to 100-mile bubble and can charge at home, an electric truck today will make you wonder why anyone still deals with gas stations.
If you haul heavy trailers across state lines every week, or live in a rural area where public charging is rare, you will fight frustrations that gas truck owners never think about.
Driving these trucks shows you both the potential and the current limits of the EV revolution.
The Ford Lightning is still the best “first EV truck” because it feels familiar and works as a true pickup.
The Rivian R1T is the best for drivers who want something nimble, fun, and outdoorsy.
The Silverado EV quietly delivers real range and real towing capability for people who want to put a truck to work.
The Cybertruck and Hummer are spectacles — fun but flawed, better suited to certain lifestyles than to average truck ownership.
The Ram 1500 REV? If it delivers on the early promises, it could become the new bar for the entire segment.
Bottom line?
The trucks are here.
They work.
They’re getting better every year.
But they’re not perfect — and they’re not for everybody yet.
Know what you need.
Know how you’ll use it.
And pick the one that fits your life — not just the one that looks best on Instagram.
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