The Ford F-150 Lightning: Reporting for Duty
The Ford F-150 Lightning is the latest iteration of the classic pickup truck from Ford and the first Ford EV truck. It is hard to measure up to the Ford F-150 family of pickups, so Ford has gone all-out in building an EV that will exceed your expectations.
The release of the new Lightning was announced in May of 2021 for the first 2022 model year, and demand immediately took off. Already, Ford has had to increase its production capacity twice on the Lightning, first in August 2022 and then again in December 2022. Over 200,000 customers have put deposits down on F-150 Lightnings, making every Lightning in the 2022 and 2023 model spoken for into 2024 if pre-order customers follow through on their intentions.
Packages and Features
The Lightning comes in four standard packages: the Pro, XLT, Lariat, and Platinum. The trucks at every level come standard with a Super Crew cab, dual electric motors, a 4 x 4 driveline, Ford’s Co-Pilot360TM driver-assist system, and a 5.5 ft style side pickup bed with 52.8 cubic ft volume. One of the extra advantages of the F-150 Lightning is that it has a front trunk, or “frunk,” with 14.1 cubic ft of cargo space capable of holding 400 lbs.
The 12 or 15.5-inch touchscreen infotainment console with voice-control features provides navigation and wireless access to several compatible applications, including Apple AirPlay, Android Auto, GPS, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The 12-inch instrument cluster keeps drivers aware of the vehicle’s status on a range of parameters.
F-150 Lightnings have the Ford Pro Power Onboard feature that allows users to plug appliances such as power tools directly into the vehicle with a standard plug configuration. The Pro Power Onboard will provide up to 2.4 kW of power, while the Lariat and Platinum models can provide up to 9.6 kW.
An owner can opt to purchase and install the Ford Intelligent Backup Power option, which requires installing the Ford Charge Station Pro and Home Integration System. This allows owners to charge their Lightnings at home overnight and, in the event of a power outage, enables a fully charged Lightning to provide up to 3 days of 30 kW backup power for the house.
Range
One of the biggest concerns of EV shoppers is the range that vehicles can travel between needing a recharge. The standard range battery for the F-150 Lightning is EPA rated for 240 miles and has a baseline 462 HP engine with 775 lb-ft of torque. The Extended Range battery option provides 580 HP and 320 miles of range.
When hauling items in the bed, the Onboard Scale feature uses sensors to estimate the payload to provide a more accurate measure of the range of the vehicle when carrying cargo.
Towing
The standard towing capacity of the Lightning is 5,000 lbs, but the higher power configuration will provide up to 8500 lbs of towing capacity.
Warranty
The F-150 Lightning comes with Ford’s standard warranty plus an 8-year, 100,000-mile warranty on electric components.
Design and Styling
Ford truck lovers will be gratified to know that the Lightning looks and feels like Ford’s flagship F-150 truck but with the modern comfort and convenience features you would expect in a new EV. It’s quiet, quick, and peppy, able to go from 0 to 60 in 4.0 seconds when equipped with the Extended Range battery. It handles well, and the ride is smooth, thanks to the independent rear suspension.
In terms of exterior design, you’ll find sleek lines and bold accents that give the Ford F-150 Lightning a modern look without sacrificing functionality. Inside, drivers will appreciate the spacious cabin, which offers plenty of room for passengers.
If you’re looking for a new truck, it is hard to imagine an EV that ticks all the boxes you might be looking for than the new Ford F-150 Lightning. With a range of trim levels available and performance packages that are sure to please any driver, there’s no doubt that the Ford F-150 Lightning is an impressive machine. Contact Mike White Ford today for more information about the F-150 Lightning or drop by our showrooms in Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint to get yours on order.