The Ford Motor Company is on a mission to bring more electric vehicles (EVs) to the market, and their latest offering is sure to excite truck lovers everywhere. The Ford F-150 Lightning is the electric version of the company’s best-selling pickup truck, and it’s making waves in the automotive world.
With the F-150 Lightning, Ford has swapped out the traditional V6 or V8 engine for an electric battery and two electric motors. This move has given the Lightning a range of over 200 miles before needing a recharge, making it a viable option for drivers who need a truck for both work and play.
But Ford hasn’t sacrificed the spirit of the F-150 that drivers have come to love. The Lightning still has the power and durability that make it a favorite among truck enthusiasts, and it’s available in a range of models to fit every driver’s needs.
Ford’s commitment to electric vehicles has been in the works for several years, and the F-150 Lightning is the result of that dedication. The company announced plans to build a full-electric pickup truck back in 2019, and in April 2022, the first Lightning officially went into production.
If you’re in the market for a pickup truck that’s both powerful and eco-friendly, the Ford F-150 Lightning might be just what you’re looking for. With its impressive range and all the features that make the F-150 a beloved classic, it’s a game-changer in the world of electric vehicles.
Read more on our review to learn about the Ford F-150 Lightning and what makes this EV truck stand out from competitors in its vehicle class.
Ford F-150 Lightning EVU Hot Take
Pros:
- Same F150 we know and love with more attributes
- Massive Frunk
- Bi-directional charging with Ford Intelligent Backup Power
Cons:
- Range is somewhat limited if towing extensively
- Front grill looks and feels cheap
Here’s a YouTube video of our 2022 Ford Lightning F-150 walkaround:
Ford F-150 Trim Levels
The 2022 model year Ford F-150 Lightning comes in four different trim levels, giving drivers plenty of options to choose from. With a starting MSRP of under $40,000, the Lightning is an affordable option for those looking to make the switch to an electric truck. Here are the four trim levels and their prices:
Ford F-150 Lightning Pro
The Ford F-150 Lightning Pro is the most basic model of the 2022 F-150 Lightning, but it’s also the most affordable, starting at $51,974. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of the other trim levels, it still delivers impressive performance and capabilities.
With a battery range of up to 230 miles and a 5,000-pound towing capacity, the Lightning Pro is perfect for drivers who need a basic pickup truck and don’t mind the comparably limited battery range. It comes standard with all-wheel drive, ensuring that it can handle any terrain.
Ford F-150 Lightning XLT
The Ford F-150 Lightning XLT is the next step up from the Pro trim level, with a starting MSRP of $59,474. It offers a battery range of up to 330 miles, which is 100 miles more than the Pro model, and a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds.
For drivers who want even more features and capabilities, the XLT is also available in an extended range option. This package includes adaptive cruise control, a powered tailgate, and other enhanced features. The XLT extended range option starts at $80,974.
If you’re looking for a well-rounded electric truck that can handle a variety of tasks and offer more range and towing capacity than the Pro model, the Ford F-150 Lightning XLT is definitely worth considering.
Ford F-150 Lightning LARIAT
The Ford F-150 Lightning LARIAT is the third trim level of the 2022 model year, starting at $74,474. This model ups the towing capacity from 7,700 pounds in the XLT to 8,600 pounds and includes more advanced driving features.
For those who want even more features and capabilities, the LARIAT is also available in an extended range option. This package includes all of the features of the standard LARIAT, plus a longer battery range and additional convenience features. The LARIAT extended range option starts at $85,974.
If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line electric truck with more towing capacity and advanced driving features, the Ford F-150 Lightning LARIAT is definitely worth considering.
Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum
The Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum is the highest trim level of the 2022 model year, with a starting MSRP of $96,874. This model offers a range of up to 300 miles and a towing capacity of up to 10,000 pounds, making it the most rugged option for truck drivers who demand more performance.
If you’re looking for the ultimate electric truck with the highest level of performance and luxury, the Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum is the way to go. It’s the top-of-the-line model that offers the most range and towing capacity, along with all the premium features and amenities you could want in a truck.
Ford F-150 Lightning Comparison Review
One of the most significant things that sets the Ford F-150 Lightning apart from its competition in the light-duty all-electric truck market is its name. The F-Series has been a staple of the Ford Motor Company since the 1948 model year, and the F-150 has been a best-selling pickup truck since its introduction in 1975. As of January 2022, F-Series models have sold more than 40 million vehicles and have consistently remained among the best-selling trucks in the United States.
While the F-150 Lightning may not have many direct competitors yet, it still stands out as a top option for those in the market for an electric pickup truck. Two electric trucks currently available for purchase include the Hummer EV SUT (starting at $108,700) and Rivian R1T (starting at $73,000), both of which come at a higher starting price point than the F-150 Lightning.
Looking to the future, there are a few upcoming electric trucks that may compete with the Lightning, including the Ford F-150 Lightning vs Tesla Cybertruck, Ford F-150 Lightning vs GMC Sierra EV, and Ford F-150 Lightning vs. Chevrolet Silverado EV. However, these trucks have yet to hit the market, and the F-150 Lightning already has an established reputation and loyal fan base.
Overall, the Ford F-150 Lightning is a standout option in the growing electric truck market, with its legendary name recognition and impressive range of features and capabilities.
Ford F-150 Lightning Performance
The Ford F-150 Lightning is a versatile electric truck that offers impressive range and towing capacity, but its performance can vary depending on the trim level and towing needs. Here’s what you need to know about the F-150 Lightning’s performance:
Range: The F-150 Lightning has a range of up to several hundred miles before a battery recharge is necessary, with the extended battery range option offering up to 320 miles of range.
Towing capacity: The F-150 Lightning towing capacity can tow up to 10,000 pounds, making it a formidable workhorse for those who need to haul heavy loads.
Power: The F-150 Lightning horsepower includes two electric motors that generate about 450 horsepower on the base model and up to 580 horsepower on extended-range battery options. Maximum Ford Lightning F-150 torque is up to 775 lbs-per-foot, allowing the truck to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just over 4 seconds.
Overall, the Ford F-150 Lightning offers impressive performance that’s sure to meet the needs of truck enthusiasts and electric vehicle fans alike. Whether you’re looking for a truck with plenty of towing capacity or one that can go the distance on a single charge, the F-150 Lightning has you covered.
Ford F-150 Lightning Battery Range and Recharge
Pro: Up to 230 miles on a single charge; recharge time estimated at 10 hours
XLT: Up to 320 miles on a single charge; recharge time estimated at eight hours
LARIAT: Up to 320 miles on a single charge; recharge time estimated at eight hours
Platinum: Up to 300 miles on a single charge; recharge time estimated at eight hours
Ford F-150 Lightning Self Driving
The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning may not have autonomous self-driving options, but it does come with a range of safety features that can help keep you safe on the road. The F-150 Lightning’s Co-Pilot360 Technology can be added on and includes a suite of driver-assist features such as pre-collision assist, emergency braking, collision warning, and lane-stay assist.
Co-Pilot360 2.0 offers additional safety features that include speed sign recognition and lane centering. These features work together to help prevent accidents and keep you on the right track.
For drivers looking for even more convenience, Ford BlueCruise is an option that allows for hands-free driving on up to 130,000 miles of North American highways. This feature takes the stress out of long drives and allows you to relax and enjoy the ride.
Overall, the Ford F-150 Lightning offers a range of safety features and technologies that make it a reliable and secure choice for drivers who prioritize safety on the road.
Ford F-150 Lightning Interior
The interior features of the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning vary by trim level, with the most advanced Platinum model offering luxurious features such as oak interior trim accents, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, ambient lighting, power-adjustable pedals, and a heated steering wheel. The Platinum model also includes a wireless charging pad, HD radio, an advanced stereo system, and power seating with driver memory seats.
In addition to its high-end features, the F-150 Lightning also comes with a range of safety technologies. The Platinum model includes park assist, trailer backup assist, reverse and forward sensing systems, and trailer reverse guidance. These features work together to help prevent accidents and make maneuvering with a trailer easier.
While the F-150 Lightning bed size is only available as a crew cab with a 5.5-foot bed, it makes up for some of its storage limitations with its “frunk.” The frunk is a front trunk that provides additional storage space and can hold up to 14.1 cubic feet of cargo.
Overall, the Ford F-150 Lightning offers a range of luxury and convenience features that make it a comfortable and enjoyable ride. Whether you’re looking for high-end amenities or advanced safety technologies, the F-150 Lightning has you covered.
Ford F-150 Lightning Infotainment
The Ford F-150 Lightning offers a range of infotainment features that make it a highly connected and convenient ride. Standard on all models is a 12-inch touchscreen, which can be upgraded to a 15.5-inch touchscreen with built-in SYNC 4A navigation.
In addition to its touchscreen, the F-150 Lightning also comes standard with AM/FM stereo, SiriusXM radio, and FordPass Connect. FordPass Connect allows for the connection of up to 10 devices via the Wi-Fi hotspot, ensuring that everyone in the truck can stay connected on the go.
Overall, the F-150 Lightning’s infotainment features are highly intuitive and easy to use, making it a great choice for those who want to stay connected while on the road. Whether you’re streaming music or using the built-in navigation system, the F-150 Lightning has you covered.
Ford F-150 Lightning Exterior
The Ford F-150 Lightning maintains the classic look of the F-150 while also including some modern design elements that help it stand out. One of the most notable updates is the mega power frunk, a front trunk that provides extra storage space and distinguishes the electric model from its gas-powered counterpart. The frunk is accessed via a power-operated hood and has up to 14.1 cubic feet of cargo space.
In addition to the frunk, the F-150 Lightning features a high-gloss tinted chrome grille and LED projector headlamps with dynamic bending. The daytime running lamps also contribute to the truck’s modern look.
Overall, the F-150 Lightning’s design features make it a sleek and modern truck that still retains the classic look of the F-150. Whether you’re driving on city streets or rural roads, the F-150 Lightning is sure to turn heads.
Ford F-150 Lightning Special Features
The Ford F-150 Lightning is designed to be a highly capable towing machine, with a range of towing features that make it easy to haul boats, trailers, and more. The F-150 Lightning comes standard with a Tow Technology Package that includes features such as back-up assist, a 360-degree camera, trailer reverse guidance, and a trailer brake controller.
The back-up assist feature makes it easy to maneuver with a trailer by using sensors to detect the trailer’s movements and adjust the truck’s steering accordingly. The 360-degree camera provides a comprehensive view of the truck’s surroundings, making it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces. The trailer reverse guidance feature provides real-time feedback on the position of the trailer and makes it easier to back up.
Overall, the F-150 Lightning’s towing features make it a highly capable truck that is perfect for anyone who needs to haul heavy loads on a regular basis. Whether you’re towing a boat, trailer, or anything else, the F-150 Lightning has you covered.
Ford F-150 Lightning Towing and Cargo
The Ford F-150 Lightning is a highly capable truck with impressive towing and payload capacity. The maximum towing capacity of the F-150 Lightning is 10,000 pounds, but only models with the extended range battery option are capable of achieving this. Models with the standard range have a towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds.
In terms of payload, the F-150 Lightning can carry up to 2,000 pounds for standard range battery models and 1,800 pounds for extended range battery models. However, it’s important to note that when towing or carrying a heavy payload, the electric motors will work harder to power the vehicle, so battery range may be reduced.
For comparison’s sake, the gas-powered F-150 has a towing capacity of 5,000 to 11,300 pounds, depending on the configuration.
Overall, the F-150 Lightning’s towing and payload capacity make it a highly versatile and capable truck that is perfect for anyone who needs to haul heavy loads. Whether you’re towing a boat or carrying a heavy payload, the F-150 Lightning has you covered.
Ford F-150 Lightning Warranty Review
One of the benefits of purchasing a Ford F-150 Lightning is the warranty package. The basic warranty package includes 3 years/36,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and 5 years/60,000 miles of powertrain coverage. Additionally, the electric vehicle components are covered under a separate warranty, which includes up to 8 years or 100,000 miles of battery coverage. This type of warranty is similar to what other automakers offer on their electric vehicles and can provide added peace of mind for those who may be hesitant about purchasing an electric vehicle or a pickup truck.
The F-150 Lightning has also received a great deal of excitement and interest since its announcement at the 2019 North American International Auto Show. It received nearly 45,000 deposits upon its announcement and another 25,000 in the following days. As of June 2021, it had taken more than 100,000 reservations, indicating a high level of demand for this electric truck.
Overall, the F-150 Lightning’s warranty coverage and popularity make it an attractive option for those in the market for an electric truck. As it’s only in its first model year, the future looks promising for this innovative vehicle.
Sources
https://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/f150-lightning/?gnav=header-trucks-vhp
Audi
Chevrolet
Ford
Kia
Nissan
Porsche
Tesla
Volkswagen
