Tractor pulls are about as old-school and truck-centric as one can get. Then again, electrical vans are nonetheless within the technique of gaining widespread approval from the neighborhood. To seek out out simply how succesful the Rivian R1T and Ford F-150 Lightning actually are when put to the take a look at, Edmunds determined to take their very own to ol’original tractor pull. The outcomes would possibly shock you.

It’s value noting that Edmunds really owns every of those vans for long-term testing. To that finish, they didn’t want both automaker’s approval for the occasion. Evidently, Ford particularly stated it couldn’t give Edmunds its blessing for this take a look at. With that in thoughts, let’s get to a few of the vital statistics surrounding this head-to-head.

The R1T makes use of a motor at every wheel to generate 835 hp (622 kW) and 908 lb-ft (1,229 Nm) of torque. It suggestions the scales at 7,150 kilos and has a most towing capability of 11,000 kilos. The F-150 Lighting can tow as much as 10,000 kilos, weighs in at 6,745 kilos, and makes use of two motors in whole. Mixed, they generate 580 hp (432 kW) and 775 ft-lbs (1,049 Nm) of torque.

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Anyone aware of tractor pulls would possibly already know that these specs imply that the Rivian has a number of benefits. Past the plain energy and torque will increase, extra weight really improves the truck’s capability to combat in opposition to the sled it’ll be towing. The truth is, these vans each weigh a lot that there isn’t technically a category for them on this planet of tractor-pulls.

To that finish, the Rivian does a greater job each single time down the lane. It outpulls the Ford in three separate runs, two dry follow runs throughout mid-day testing after which another time throughout the precise tractor pull present. Whereas it’s exhausting to match them to any of the opposite vans within the competitors because of weight and modification laws, they appear aggressive.

The Ford pulled the sled 231 ft (70 m) whereas the R1T went 246 ft (74.9 m). Furthermore, neither truck skilled any type of malfunction or failure and neither one had vital battery loss or vary drop. That’s particularly vital contemplating that the sled weighs some 300 p.c greater than these vans’ most towing capability.