Yes, it's probably necessary if they wanna get near-400 miles on extended range. Even the F150E with extended range only has a 300 mile EPA with estimates of 170kwh[0], and the r1t doesn't look to be insanely more aerodynamic. It's indeed going to be a disaster, but Amazon wants a foot in the door regardless of how much it costs.
200Kwh * 40K = 8Gwh?!
that's unrealistic, battery production is the single most limiting factor for all EV's.
big batteries = low volumes