Yes, we know this “lightning” pun is overused when it comes to the Ford F-150 Lightning and electric vehicles in general. It is still an apt description of the speed in which the Ford F-150 Lightning has been selling. It has happened even before the car has started being delivered to those who pre-ordered it. Forget that it sold out even before Ford began the production of the F-150 Lightning!
The demand for the 2022 Electric Pickup Truck has been such that Ford got their hands on over 200,000 reservations for the electric version of America’s favorite pick-up truck. Here are some of the reasons why the Ford F-150 Lightning is so popular.
Ford F-150 Lightning Keeps Getting Better
The Ford F-150 Lightning had the attention of everyone when it first came out. The interest in the electric pick-up truck only rose over time as Ford kept making it better. The American automaker recently said that they have been able to extract more power from the F-150 Lightning. And what makes this announcement sweeter is that this is applicable on all trim levels. The Ford F-150 Lightning will have 452 horsepower delivered from its dual permanent-magnet motors. Previously, Ford had claimed power output of 426 horsepower. It means that you will now get extra 26 ponies in the Lightning. If you choose to have this electric pick-up with the extended-range battery pack, you will have 580 horsepower, a jump of 17 horsepower. For reference, Ford had promised 563 horsepower in the extended-range battery pack models.
The F-150 Lightning gets better as it will now come with more payload capacity. Earlier, Ford had promised a 2000-pound payload capacity but has now said, that they have managed to extract a bit more. How much, you ask? Ford says that the Lightning can now tug around a 2,235-pound payload. They also say that this limit applies to properly equipped trucks.
In situations like these, if the company manages to extract more power from the electric powertrain, the range has an inverse impact. If the power output goes up, the range drops because more electricity is going to the wheels from the same battery pack. In the case of the Ford F-150 Lightning, however, Ford has managed to keep the range on offer exactly the same, despite claiming more power. The Standard trim of the Ford F-150 Lightning claims 230 miles per charge, the Platinum trim says that it will cover 300 miles per charge, and if you opt for the extended-range battery pack, then the total range you get per charge goes to a claimed 320 miles. Interestingly, these figures have also turned out to be higher than Ford had first promised.
Ford F-150 Lightning Is “Faster” Than A Tesla
The popularity of the Ford F-150 Lightning pick-up truck is matched only by the likes of the Tesla Cybertruck. But the Ford beats the Tesla Cybertruck in being faster, and we are not talking about acceleration, but also beats it in existence. You see, electric pick-up trucks or even perhaps electric vehicles, in general, are redefining how quick cars can be within their segments. Unfortunately, they are more often than not only concepts that are promised to the public. The Cybertruck is a prime example of that, as despite having bold claims and high interest, it is anybody’s guess when the production version of the pick-up truck from Tesla starts reaching its customers.
The Ford F-150 Lightning, on the other hand, has already started with its production. When it comes to the race of becoming a reality and reaching the houses of those who want to own that electric pick-up truck that everyone is excited about, the Ford F-150 Lightning has the Tesla Cybertruck beat fair and square.
It is not the first pick-up truck in the market, though, as the Rivian R1T and the GMC Hummer EV have been in production much before the F-150 Lightning. But what sets the Lightning apart is that this is the only model with a starting price of under $40,000. And when you factor in the fact that this is the electric version of America’s favorite pick-up truck, you can see why it is on its way to being a success.
A constant improvement in the product, a solid foundation from a company that is meeting its delivery targets, and looks that mix a futuristic look with the conventional muscular design make the F-150 Lightning a recipe for success. And being already sold out for the year 2022 only proves that the F-150 Lightning will set the benchmark for electric pick-up trucks in the years to come.
Source: Ford, Ford F-150 Lightning