Ford F-150 Lightning: All-Electric Pickup Under $40,000

Ford's Electric Leap: Introducing the F-150 Lightning

The Ford F-150, a consistently profitable vehicle and a key component of the U.S. automaker’s operations, now features an all-electric version.

On Wednesday, Ford officially presented the F-150 Lightning, a fully electric pickup truck representing a significant portion of the company’s $22 billion investment in electric vehicle technology. This vehicle is one of three new Ford EV models introduced and launched within the last year.

A Strategic Electrification Move

Developing the F-150 Lightning presented Ford with a considerable challenge. The truck needed to retain all the qualities that have established the gasoline-powered version as North America’s top-selling vehicle.

Furthermore, it had to incorporate the advantages inherent in electric powertrains. This included maintaining robust torque, strong performance, substantial towing capability, and a layout suitable for both personal and commercial users.

Vehicle specifications indicate that Ford has successfully delivered on enhanced torque and power, all while preserving the same cab and bed dimensions as the traditional F-150.

Maintaining Compatibility and Customer Base

This decision to maintain existing dimensions is particularly noteworthy. It allows compatibility with the vast array of F-150 truck accessories currently available on the market.

For Ford to effectively transition its existing customer base to electric vehicles, choices like these are crucial. Currently, the Lightning is available exclusively as a Supercrew four-door model with a 5.5-foot bed.

Market Arrival and Analyst Predictions

The question remains: will the F-150 Lightning convert existing customers, or will it attract a new demographic? The answer will become clear upon its market release in spring 2022.

Several analysts predict a successful launch for the Lightning.

Karl Brauer, executive analyst at iSeeCars.com, stated, “Ford didn’t simply insert a battery pack into a conventional F-150.”

He continued, “The automaker’s holistic approach to the Lightning’s design, performance, and advanced features would render it a desirable truck even with a traditional engine. The electric powertrain, offering instant torque and increased cargo/towing capacity, coupled with the ability to power a home for days, are added benefits.

These features complement the Lightning’s modern styling, quick acceleration, and advanced technology. Ford clearly understands both the opportunities and risks associated with the shift to electric vehicles and is committed to ensuring the F-150’s continued relevance in a battery-powered future.”

F-150 Lightning: Specifications and Trims

The Ford F-150 Lightning will be available in four distinct trim levels: the base model, XLT, Lariat, and Platinum. Furthermore, buyers will have a choice between two different battery configurations. This truck features an aluminum alloy body and utilizes dual in-board electric motors, providing a standard four-wheel drive system and an independent rear suspension.

Currently, Ford has announced pricing for only two versions. The entry-level model is priced at $39,974, excluding any applicable federal or state tax incentives. The mid-range XLT trim will begin at $52,974. Based on reservation data, a fully equipped F-150 Lightning is projected to reach a price of $90,474. These figures do not include destination charges or taxes.

Dimensions and Ground Clearance

The standard-range battery version of the F-150 Lightning measures 232.7 inches in length, representing a one-inch increase compared to the gasoline-powered F-150. The wheelbase remains largely consistent, differing by only one-tenth of an inch from its internal combustion engine and hybrid counterparts.

A key distinction between the electric and gas-powered 4x4 F-150 models lies in their ground clearance. The Lightning offers 8.9 inches of ground clearance, a slight reduction from the 9.4 inches found in the original F-150. This half-inch difference is likely attributable to the inclusion of metal skid plates, designed to safeguard the battery and electric motors from challenging terrain.

Performance and Torque

The standard battery configuration delivers a targeted output of 426 horsepower and 775 pound-feet of torque. Upgrading to the extended-range battery increases the horsepower to 563 (or 420 kW), while maintaining the same impressive torque figure. Ford states this represents the highest torque output ever achieved in an F-150.

Range and Towing Considerations

The targeted range for the standard battery is 230 miles, extending to 300 miles with the extended-range option. A crucial question remains regarding the impact of towing on the vehicle’s overall range.

Ford has not yet released specific data concerning range reduction while towing. Until the EPA provides official range estimates and real-world testing with various loads – such as cars, boats, and snowmobiles – is conducted, this aspect remains unclear.

Innovative Range Management Features

Ford has incorporated two features designed to assist drivers in accurately estimating their remaining range. “Onboard scales” utilize sensors to estimate the payload weight, providing drivers with awareness of the weight they are carrying. It’s important to note that payload, the weight a truck can carry, differs from towing capacity, the weight it can pull.

These “onboard scales” function in conjunction with “intelligent range,” a system that considers factors like towing information, payload, and weather conditions to provide a more comprehensive range projection, according to Ford.

Payload and Towing Capacity

Ford emphasizes the F-150 Lightning’s robust payload and towing capabilities. The truck’s new frame is constructed with the highest-strength steel ever used in an F-150, supporting a maximum payload of 2,000 pounds and a towing capacity of up to 10,000 pounds.

Inside the Lightning

Similar to the recently updated gasoline-powered F-150, the Lightning incorporates extensive connected car technology and sophisticated driver-assistance systems. The higher-spec trims – namely the Lariat and Platinum models – will feature Ford’s Sync 4A infotainment system, capable of receiving over-the-air software enhancements.

This capability allows for the delivery of upgrades to the vehicle, encompassing improvements to driver assistance features and map data updates. SYNC 4 will also support third-party applications via its AppLink platform, including Waze and a specialized version of Amazon’s Alexa known as Ford+Alexa.

Infotainment and Display

The Sync 4A system boasts natural voice control and real-time mapping functionalities, all displayed on a large 15.5-inch touchscreen. This display shares a striking resemblance to the interface found in the Mustang Mach-E electric crossover.

A customizable 12-inch instrument cluster sits before the driver. This digital display provides crucial information regarding battery operation, regenerative braking performance, and the status of the advanced driver assistance systems.

Image Credits: Ford

“This truly represents the most intelligent F-150 we have ever produced,” stated Darren Palmer, general manager of battery electric vehicles at Ford Motor Company.

He continued, “The F-150 Lightning provides an immersive touchscreen experience, delivering our customers with instant access to the information they need – a real-time view of their route, cargo, or remaining driving range. Furthermore, with Ford Power-Up software updates, the user experience will continue to evolve.”

BlueCruise and Driver Assistance

The F-150 Lightning will also offer Blue Cruise, Ford’s hands-free driving technology. This feature will also be available on the 2021 F-150 and select 2021 Mustang Mach-E models through a software update later in the year.

This hands-free functionality utilizes cameras, radar sensors, and software to combine adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and speed-sign recognition. Ford highlighted that the system has undergone over 500,000 miles of rigorous development testing.

An in-cabin camera further enhances safety by monitoring the driver’s eye gaze and head position, ensuring their attention remains focused on the road.

The hands-free system requires vehicles equipped with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 Technology and operates only on designated sections of divided highways. Initial availability, via software updates later this year, will cover more than 100,000 miles of North American highways.

Electric Vehicle Charging and Power Capabilities

Effective charging is, naturally, fundamental to the operation of any electric vehicle. However, the process extends beyond simply possessing a charging port. Clearly conveying the methods, timing, and locations for charging is paramount.

Ford has indicated that owners will be alerted should their truck's battery capacity decrease to less than 33% of its overall range. The calculated intelligent range, which factors in variables like towing weight, cargo load, and prevailing weather conditions, is also displayed to the driver.

Furthermore, the FordPass application provides users with details regarding nearby charging stations. Within the vehicle itself, the infotainment system allows drivers to locate and receive directions to available charging points.

Onboard Power Supply

The truck incorporates an integrated power source. The base model delivers 2.4 kilowatts of power. Higher trim levels, specifically the Lariat and Platinum series, are equipped with a standard 9.6-kilowatt power output.

This enhanced power capability is achieved through a combination of up to 2.4 kilowatts accessible via the truck’s “mega power frunk” and an additional 7.2 kilowatts available from outlets situated within the cabin and the truck bed.

Backup Power Potential

Ford emphasizes the 9.6 kW of backup power available. This system is capable of supplying energy to a home during a power outage for up to three days.

With careful energy conservation, this duration can be extended to as many as ten days.