Ford F-150 Lightning (2022-)

 

The Ford F-150 Lightning has returned for 2022 in the form of the first mass-produced electric pickup for everyday purposes. It offers the following trim levels: Pro, XLT, Lariat, and Platinum, with the example featured here being a mid-level Lariat trim. Range extenders are standard or available on every trim level for the electric F-150 except for the base Pro trim, which is nothing more than a typical work truck. All F-150 Lightning models are powered by two electric motors and send power to all four wheels. It makes 452 horsepower in the standard-range models and 580 horsepower in the extended-range models. Both standard and extended range versions produce 775 lb-ft of torque. The electric F-150 Lightning launches from zero to 60 mph in four seconds and has a top speed limited to 110 mph. The standard-range F-150 Lightning goes up to 230 miles on a single charge, while the extended-range F-150 goes up to 320 miles on a single charge. Notable differences between the F-150 Lightning and its gas-powered component include a restyled front end, an LED light bar integrated across the tailgate, different sets of wheels, a large front trunk, and an independent rear suspension. In addition, the F-150 Lightning is only offered as a crew cab with a 5.5-foot bed and contains a larger center touchscreen interface than its gas-powered component. 

Ford also engineered the F-150 Lightning as a backup generator, allowing a fully-charged truck to provide an average household up to three days of electricity in the event of a power outage. It can tow up to 10,000 pounds and carry up to 2,000 pounds of cargo, but the more it tows and hauls, the more of a hit the truck's range will take. According to Ford, the new F-150 Lightning can charge from 15 percent to 80 percent in 44 minutes. Pricing for the electric Ford F-150 Lightning starts at around $50,000 for the basic Pro and up to nearly $100,000 for the luxurious Platinum. Overall, it may not be as amazing as other electric pickups, namely the Rivian R1T and GMC Hummer EV, or replace the Raptor and Raptor R as my favorite versions of the F-150, but the new F-150 Lightning is a great and fascinating truck. It is also just as capable as its internal-combustion counterpart and an important vehicle in making electric trucks more mainstream.

Give the gift of CPF apparel this holiday season (sample pictured below): CPF Store