It's no surprise that the world's best-selling pickup truck had to get in on the EV action. Considered by some as the 'iPhone' of cars, the Ford F-150 lightning is a noteworthy addition to a lineup of in-demand vehicles from Ford.
Besides being a powerful battery pack on wheels, the Lightning does almost everything the regular F-150 does in a nearly identical package. Inside and out, the Lightning resembles other F-150s, though it's completely different underneath.
All models include two electric motors that run off one of two battery packs. According to Ford, the powertrain produces 580 horsepower with the larger Extended-Range battery. When it comes to speed, the Lightning hits 60 mph in 4.0 seconds.
The EPA-estimated driving range varies between 230 and 320 miles with the base battery, but towing a trailer quickly depletes the battery and necessitates frequent stops to charge.
This is a common issue with EV pickup trucks, and competitors like the Electric RAM and the Electric Toyota Tundra fare no better. However, if you own a truck that only tows occasionally or for short distances, the F-150 Lightning will suffice.
The Lightning is an excellent, fully electrified F-150, and it appeals directly to current F-150 owners looking for a modern take on their favorite truck. The interior is more modern, and aside from the absence of an internal combustion engine, the F-150 Lightning feels, drives, and can be taken for any other F-150.
Ford’s Struggle With F-150 Lightning Orders Explained
Ford received approximately 200,000 reservations and had to stop accepting them because they represented more than three years of planned production, and that's why the company can't keep up with the orders. Buyers were unhappy with the news, but with the high demand caused by the love for this electric truck and its lucrative price, it comes as no surprise. Ford stated on their website that they would inform customers how and when they’ll receive their cars, albeit in waves.
The high demand has forced Ford to take drastic measures to increase the number of Lightning trucks it can produce. Darren Palmer, the head of EV production at Ford, spoke with Insider, a news outlet, stating that Ford is building a factory almost the same size as the one currently producing the vehicle to make room for more output.
Despite Ford's recent $50 billion commitment to its EV program over the next four years, the success of the electric F-150 was not guaranteed. But, the results are in, and the F-150 is an EV to rival the Rivian R1T with its high demand.
The move to include an all-electric truck has helped the company gain customers who have never owned an EV and younger drivers who have never purchased a Ford.
A Look At The Ford F-150 Lightning’s Performance
The two motors on the F-150 Lightning produce 452 horsepower when combined, but with the Extended-Range battery, the horsepower rating rises to a whooping 580 hp. The peak torque is an impressive 775 pound-feet in either configuration.
This translates to a tremendous towing machine with the production model's official maximum towing capacity of 10,000 pounds. However, only trucks equipped with the optional Extended-Range battery are capable of such feats. Standard-Range battery models have a capacity of 7,700 pounds which is still a significant towing capacity.
The rear payload capacity ranges from 2,000 pounds for the Standard-Range model to 1,800 pounds for the Extended-Range model. This appeals to builders or contractors who may need to haul heavy materials. One of the most impressive feature, though, is the frunk, which has a 400-pound capacity to carry everything from golf clubs to grocery shopping in one go.
When it comes to power, Ford claims a driving range of 230 miles per charge with the smaller 98.0-kWh battery. If you upgrade to the larger 131.0-kWh pack, it increases the driving range to 320 miles.
The Ford F-150 Lightning Has Cool New Features
The cabin of the F-150 Lightning is similar to that of the gasoline-powered F-150, with a few key differences, such as an extra-large infotainment display, which also has physical controls like a volume knob. Smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is available with or without a cord connection.
The front seats provide adequate support and have heating, ventilation, three-level lumbar adjustment, and even a massage function. The available Max Recline front seats recline to provide a nearly flat seat for resting or napping in between long drives.
The Lightning also has a fully independent rear suspension, which provides a smoother ride and significantly improves over the standard F-150's leaf springs. However, the Lightning can feel too wobbly when driving over undulating pavement. Nonetheless, the Lightning is proving to be one of the best EVs, and no rival has come up to challenge that.
Sources: Ford, Insider