The Ford F-150 is undoubtedly the most successful car model in U.S. history, seeing an enormous and consistent amount of sales every single year. After selling well north of 700,000 F-Series units in 2021 alone - amid pandemic-derived supply shortages, Ford now looks to evolve the model even further with the fully-electric F-150 Lightning.
The 2022 F-150 Lightning comes as an all-new EV Truck that has plenty in common with the outgoing petrol-powered F-150, but instead of a rowdy V8, it boasts two electric motors that make it fit to compete convincingly against the likes of the Rivian R1T and the GMC Hummer EV.
Starting at $41,769, the Ford F-150 Lightning has a significantly lower starting price than rivals, and when you add in the impressive resume that it carries over from the regular F-150, it begins to look like the best EV utility option in the entire industry. Here’s why the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning is perfect for heavy-duty use.
The Ford F-150 Lightning’s Power Train Can Handle Heavy Loads
The Ford F-150 Lightning comes standard with all-wheel drive and a 98.0-kWh dual-battery setup that makes 452 horsepower and 775 pound-feet of torque which should be more than enough for most uses. However, there’s an optional extended-range 131.0-kWh battery pack that increases power to a total of 580 horsepower, allowing the EV truck to blast from 0-60 mph in just 4.0 seconds. Just a reminder, the F-150 Lightning has a curb weight of nearly 7,000 pounds, which makes its head-rearing acceleration even more impressive.
The regular F-150 Lightning offers a maximum tow rating of 7,700 pounds along with a payload rating of 2000 pounds, while the extended-range version bumps up its tow rating to 10,000 while showcasing a mildly reduced payload rating of 1,800 pounds. No matter which version you opt for, the F-150 Lightning has you covered in most heavy-duty situations. However, it's worth keeping in mind that towing or hauling with your F-150 will impact its driving range significantly, so it might not be the best option for long-distance towing.
The F-150 Lightning Is More Spacious Than The Regular F-150
Ford only offers the F-150 Lightning in a crew-cab configuration, meaning it has a full second row of seats that’s suitable for large adults, and a 5.5-foot bed. Just like its gas-powered brother, the F-150 Lightning also provides plenty of interior storage areas such as large door cubbies, a deep bin underneath the central armrest, and you can even clear up plenty of extra space by raising the rear seats. There’s also a foldable toolbox-style compartment that can be set up to store more specific items, located directly beneath the back row.
Furthermore, the 2022 F-150 Lightning takes its practicality to another level with the implementation of a spacious front trunk or ‘frunk’. Since there’s no need for an engine, Ford makes the most of the free space up front by allocating a 14 cubic-foot cargo bay with a 400-pound payload max and an automatic hatch.
Range And Efficiency Of The 2022 F-150 Lightning
The 98.0-kWh battery pack that comes as standard on the F-150 Lightning is good for 230 miles of driving range per charge, whereas upgrading to the Extended Range 131.0-kWh battery translates to a total of 320 miles of range. You can comfortably charge your truck at home, or make use of DC public charging stations where you can expect to charge around 65% of its battery in less than 45 minutes. The F-150 Lightning also features a two-way charging system, meaning it can also provide power instead of just receiving it, and Ford says it can power up an entire household or work site for up to 3 days on a full charge.
EPA estimates suggest that the standard Ford F-150 Lightning delivers a return of 76 MPGe in the city and 61 MPGe on the highway, while the extended range version does slightly better with a return of 78 MPGe in the city and 63 MPGe on the highway.
The Ford F-150 Lightning Handles Impressively Well
Trucks and good handling are rarely ever associated, and even though the F-150 is notorious for providing a decent driving experience despite its weight and size, that’s simply because it’s better than rivals - or more specifically, just not as bad. Things are different for the F-150 Lightning, and it makes great use of its EV pedigree to provide the best possible driving dynamics. With the absence of a front motor, the F-150 Lightning has a better weight distribution, and the low-sitting batteries help lower the vehicle’s center of gravity for reduced body roll. Ford also opted to equip their EV truck with an independent rear suspension instead of a regular leaf spring.
All in all, the F-150 Lightning somehow manages to one-up the normal F-150 upon which its based, providing immense utility and practicality along with impressive performance specs. It might be more expensive than many petrol-powered alternatives, but it’s definitely worth the investment in the long run.