The Ford F150 Lightning is changing attitudes across America about what an electric vehicle can do. In fact, Ford declared that this was his best truck yet – not the best EV, but the best truck, period.

Electric SUVs are available now and pickups will follow soon. This development has been anticipated for years. Electric vehicle (EV) sales are about 24 times higher than 10 years ago, with several factors driving demand:

• The instantaneous torque of electric motors amplifies acceleration.
• The low center of gravity improves handling and reduces the risk of rollover.
• The superior traction control of electric motors can increase cross-country ability and safety in winter.
• The upfront cost of purchasing an electric vehicle is now more competitive than similar internal combustion engine models, and most electric vehicles are eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500.
• The cheaper operating costs per mile for electricity compared to petrol or diesel are another attractive feature for motorists.

Ford’s electric F150 Lightning is due to arrive in the spring and will start under $40,000 for the commercial trim level (230-mile range model). A 300-plus-mile battery is an option, and all models are 4X4s with respectable towing and payload capacities. The Lightning is also equipped to provide 9.6kW of backup power at home or portable power for a construction site.

Tesla has more than a million pre-orders for its Cybertruck, which could arrive in 2023. The 2WD model with a 250-mile range starts under $40,000 and goes up to $50,000 for the 4WD model with a 300-mile range. Tesla plans to offer a $70,000 500+ mile range version that can tow more than 14,000 pounds.

GMC recently released an electric Hummer with 1,000 horsepower and additional features for off-road performance.

Rivian, a startup backed by billions of dollars from Ford and Amazon, has started shipping its R1T electric pickup truck.

Crossover SUVs (CUVs) are among the most popular vehicle types, and a number of manufacturers say they will soon be launching electric models. Ford’s Mustang Mach-E is available now with a range of up to 305 miles, starting at $45,000. Volkswagen’s ID4 CUV starts at $40,000 and is available with AWD options. More electric SUVs are coming, including Nissan’s Ariya in the summer.

And it’s not just vehicles that are going electric. Electric snow machines and jet skis are coming soon. Even large construction machines like excavators, backhoe loaders and heavy trucks will have electric powered models.

A remaining hurdle to increased EV adoption in rural areas is fast, sufficient charging for longer journeys. Most EV owners charge at home, but more fast charging stations on rural roads are helpful.

Collaborative Efficiency’s Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen write on energy efficiency issues for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing more than 900 local electric cooperatives.

This story previously appeared in Alabama Living magazine.