Why some are saying Tesla’s pickup truck will topple Ford F-150, and why I’m not convinced

Telsa seems to be taking over the world of cars – in the media view at least.

The Tesla Model S is a strong seller and the Model X is fast becoming one of the best selling luxury SUVs. We all know that the Tesla Roadster is coming soon with an insane 0 to 60 time of fewer than 2 seconds (if that is even feasible with today’s tire technology). Now, some Tesla fans are predicting that the Tesla pick-up could topple the Ford F-150 as the King of the Pick-Ups. I am not convinced. Here’s why.

Tesla’s Quality Issues Are a Continuing Problem
Recently, Consumer Reports has pulled their recommendation for the Tesla Model 3 because of quality issues. It seems apparent that Tesla is having a problem building quality vehicles at scale. Right now, Tesla will not be able to build a million pick-up truck with its current quality issues.

The Ford F-150 Has Decades of Brand Reputation
The Ford F-150 is like the Mike Tyson of the pick-up world. It just destroys everyone that tries to compete against it. The F-150 has been the best selling vehicle, in the United States, for well over a decade. Yes, that means the F-150 outsells the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord. Tesla has yet to encounter such a competitor. Elon Musk will have to sell millions of Tesla pick-up trucks in order to topple the F-150 and that’s not going to happen any time soon.

Tesla is Not As Popular In Pick-Up Truck Country
The Tesla brand is super strong in California and other coastal cities. However, in the middle of America, the company is considered more of a granola, elitists brand. Let’s face it: People in pick-up truck country think Telsa drivers are a bunch of snobs. Let’s consider the fact that a bunch of pick-up truck drivers recently blocked a number of Tesla super-charging stations. A Tesla pick-up truck is going to be a hard sell in places like Texas and Wyoming. Even if the Tesla pick-up is superior, pick-up truck owners are more brand loyal than any other vehicle owners.

Personally, I am looking forward to anything Tesla makes. And the idea of an electric pick-up truck that can blow the doors off a Ford Raptor would be fun. However, it’s a pipe dream to think that F-150 drivers will jump to the Tesla fan. But hey, it’ll be fun to see what Elon Musk comes up with next.