Automakers in China and South Korea are selling more pickup trucks than ever, thanks to new electric vehicle options. Meanwhile, the United States, known for its love of large trucks and SUVs, shows the opposite trend.

Demand for electric pickup trucks is surging across Asia, with significant growth in both South Korea and China. This rise is largely attributed to the introduction of new electric models and modern technology, which are transforming these vehicles into practical options for daily use.

In South Korea, nearly 23,500 pickup trucks were registered by november, marking a 68% increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to data from the Carisyou Data Research Institute. KG Mobility's (KGM) Musso EV electric pickup led this growth with 14,313 registrations, up from 12,231 in the first 11 months of 2024.

KGM Musso EV electric pickup truck in South Korea. *Jaehwan Cho*

Kia's first pickup model, the Tasman, has also had a strong start, despite not being electric. Kia exported more than 15,000 Tasman units to overseas markets, including Australia and New Zealand. An electric version of the Tasman is currently under development, a fact confirmed by Christo Valentyn, head of marketing for Kia in South Africa, in 2024.

China has also witnessed record-high pickup truck sales, as reported by the China Automobile Dealers Association (CADA). By november, 537,000 vehicles had been sold in China, a 12% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Chinese automakers are experiencing a surge in demand, both domestically and internationally.

Great Wall Motors leads the Chinese market, while Changan, SAIC Maxus, JAC, and Radar New Energy Vehicles (a Geely brand) are driving export growth. New energy vehicles (NEVs), which include battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), are spearheading this expansion. In the first 11 months of 2025, NEV pickup sales soared by 335% compared to the same period in 2024, with 67,000 units sold.

In november, BYD sold over 3,500 pickup trucks overseas, and Geely's Radar sold over 2,000 units. Radar introduced the RD6, the first all-electric pickup designed for the Chinese market. Over the past two years, the RD6 has been the best-selling electric pickup in China and is now exported to overseas markets such as eastern Europe, the Middle East, central Asia, and central and South America.

Chinese electric pickup truck Radar RD6. *Cesar*

Conversely, in the United States, major automakers are shifting away from fully electric pickup trucks. Ford recently confirmed it would cease production of the electric F-150 Lightning. The next-generation Lightning will be an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV), which Ford promises will be "no less revolutionary" than the current electric pickup.

Stellantis is also reallocating resources, with workers from its Rouge electric vehicle Center being transferred to Ford's Dearborn truck plant. This move supports the Dearborn plant's increased production of gasoline-powered and hybrid trucks. Furthermore, Stellantis announced it no longer plans to launch the fully electric Ram 1500 REV pickup, with this model also slated to be sold as an EREV.

My Anh (according to Electrek)