Ford F-150 Lightning – The Lightning gets reincarnated as an electric pickup

The best-selling ”car” in the world has gone electric. Well, not completely. There are still regular IC-engines available.

Starting its production in 2022 with a starting price of $ 39 974, the price is what stands out the most, even though this electric vehicle is a milestone in Fords history books.

The range, power and charging speeds are hugely important. But for a truck, among many, that in many ways has been a core part of building America, there are actually some other important specs to go through, and yes I know, big words, but I don’t think people understand how massive it is that THE key vehicle in Fords lineup, THE best-selling vehicle in the world has gone electric. It is massive.

The new F-150 lightning comes standard with 4×4, independent rear suspension, extra secluded ”cargo” space, with 400 liters of volume and 180 kg (400 pounds) of load capacity, under the front hood. The aim is to reach 563 hp and 1050 Nm. Acceleration numbers for this type of car is not in the highest of priorities, but the goal is a 0-100 km/h time of 4-5 seconds.

Payload. Standard range with 18-inch wheels gets 907 kg (2000 pounds) of maximum payload capacity. The XLT and Lariat versions with the extended range and Max Trailer tow package gets 4536 kg (10 000 pounds).

BlueCruise is Fords equivalent of Teslas autopilot. Special qualified roads in the US and Canada can be driven on with the use of BlueCruse, meaning no hands needed on the steering wheel. The next SYNC 4A, unclear if it is the same as in the new Mach-E, finds its way into the new Lightning. Apple carplay and Android auto comes as standard, as is Amazon Alexa. The digital gauge cluster is not the same as in the Mach-E however, with the Lightning having a 12 inch screen with a customizable interface. Sounds fancy, other words. Change the view of the gauges and information presented.

The ”party piece” is using the Lightning as a portable power bank for your house. Yes, your house. 9.6 kW can be used if there is a power loss from the central grid in order to power the lights, appliances and so on, for up to 3 days. This is based on an average 30 kWh daily usage, but if rationed, can go up to 10 days. Furthermore, electric power tools can be used with power straight from the truck. The standard power level is 2.4 kW, but the Lariat and Platinum gets 9.6 kW with 2.4 kW from the frunk. ”front trunk”, and 7.2 from the outlets in the cabin and the bed. 

Ford calls it Ford Intelligent Backup Power. Although, the power needs to go through the Ford Charge Station Pro which needs to be installed by Ford. Quite an ecosystem.     

When the Lightning is charged at home, and electric power cuts off, or prices surge, the Lightning can be used, thus becoming more than just a party piece.

Standard range is 370 km, and extended range is 482, according to US EPA testing. I must say that since the US is a huge country, the restrictions that come with electric vehicles, not just in reduced range, but also charging-wise, will not be to the Lightning’s favor.

150 kW fast charger peaks at 89 km of range in 10 minutes of charge. 15-80 percent charge is done in 41 minutes. Fast, but not better than anything out there.

Home charging is done with the 80 amp Ford mounted charging station which gets 48 kilometers of range per hour with 15-100 % charge in 8 hours.