An all-electric, tech-filled, Ford-built pickup truck, the F-150 Lightning, is making its way into the market. At Modern WorkTruck Solutions, we’re excited to see how well this electric pickup performs for work truck fleet owners. But until you can get it in your driveway or in your truck yard, we’re here with an overview.
POWER OF LIGHTNING
The Ford F-150 Lightning has two battery options: one suited more for everyday driving and one more suited for longer trips or heavy hauls. First up is the standard range battery that offers a range of approximately 230 miles on a full charge. Then there is the extended range battery capable of approximately 300 miles in the XLT and Lariat models. Owners of Platinum models can expect a range of approximately 200 miles with the extended range battery.
The batteries are housed in a lithium-ion battery pack, and an exostructure acts as a shield to protect the pack when off-roading. Additionally, Ford engineers mounted the battery pack between the frame rails, which means it doesn’t occupy interior volume or compromise bed space. The truck also features metal skid plates and underbody protection for further peace of mind when taking the road less traveled.
Along with the battery, the F-150 Lightning features two inboard motors that power the 4×4 system (which is standard with the F-150 Lightning). Coupled with the extended range battery, the powertrain in the F-150 Lightning can produce 563 hp and 775 lb-ft of torque. This ensures faster acceleration, targeting 0 to 60 in approximately 4.5 seconds.
For businesses that require towing, the F-150 Lightning features a maximum towing capability of 10,000 lbs on Pro, XLT, and Lariat models with the extended range battery and towing package. The F-150 Lightning features a payload capacity of up to 2,000 lbs.
CHARGING UP
For those concerned about charging their F-150 Lightning, Ford offers two ways to charge the F-150 Lightning: when home with the Ford Charge Station Pro and when on the road through the BlueOval Charge Network.
The Ford Charge Station Pro is available to all Ford EV customers for around $1,300. It offers 80 amps of power on demand. The charging station charges extended range batteries to 30 miles per charge hour. It charges standard range batteries to 19 miles per charge hour. The charge station fully charges the F-150 Lightning extended range battery in 8 hours. The F-150 Lightning can also act as a home generator, automatically transferring its Intelligent Backup Power to your home when connected to the Ford Charge Station Pro.
For charging on the road, Ford supplies a mobile power cord with every F-150 Lightning purchase. The cord is compatible with a 240V NEMA 14-50 outlet and can fully charge your F-150 Lightning’s extended range battery in 20 hours. However, when a 240V outlet isn’t available, F-150 Lightning owners can simply plug their trucks into a common 120V outlet and charge at a lower speed. Ford also announced other fleet-specific charging options at Work Truck Week 2022.
LIGHTNING TECH
It should be no surprise that this all-electric Ford pickup is filled with technology. Ford’s SYNC 4 is available in the truck, as well as Ford’s SYNC 4A that comes with a huge 15.5-inch touchscreen infotainment center standard on Lariat and Platinum models. With SYNC 4A, owners can access apps, navigation, and more through touch or voice commands.
The Ford F-150 Lightning also offers the convenience and efficiency of different drive modes that drivers can select at the push of a button. These modes include Normal, Sport, Tow/Haul, and Off-road. And the 15.5-inch infotainment center isn’t the only feature with a large screen. The digital cluster display is 12-inches wide and features a customized display depending on the drive mode selected.
But not only is this technology a nice perk—it makes work easier. For instance, Ford’s Pro Trailer Hitch Assist is available with the F-150 Lightning; it’s a technology feature that automatically controls the steering, brake, and throttle of the truck to align the hitch with the trailer. When the trailer is connected to the truck, owners can take advantage of the available Pro Trailer Backup Assist that allows drivers to automatically turn their trailers with a knob at their fingertips. And when backing a trailer, the 15.5-inch infotainment screen displays Trailer Reverse Guidance that uses multiple cameras to give drivers a better idea of their surroundings.
The truck is also available with onboard scales that measure payload weight. And when weight is a direct correlation to the truck’s range, you can count on using this feature often.
FOR WORK
Finally, for those in the work truck industry, the Ford F-150 Lightning offers some work-ready features, such as an interior work surface. This work surface is all thanks to the engineers that implemented a way to stow the shifter, creating a flat surface between the front driver and passenger seats. Speaking of stowing, you’ve likely already seen the F-150 Lightning’s front trunk or “frunk.” Storing electric battery and motor components within the frame frees up space under the hood of the truck, which Ford engineers have converted into cargo space. It’s definitely a concept we’ll have to get used to, but talk about maximizing space.
Within the frunk cargo area, the cab, and in the bed of the F-150 Lightning are power sources to power your worksite equipment and devices (the frunk alone has four different 120V outlets). The truck also stores 9.6kW of power for your devices and equipment—and as mentioned earlier, even your home.
When you’re using the truck to power your tools on the jobsite, you might also choose to use the integrated work surface in the tailgate of the F-150 Lightning. The tailgate is made of durable materials, offers a flat surface for writing or measuring, features clamp pockets and tie-downs, and has integrated rulers, a cup holder, and a mobile device holder.
And if all of that wasn’t enough to impress you, the F-150 Lightning comes with worksite lighting with its Enhanced Zone Lighting that can illuminate 360 degrees around the truck—including inside the bed. This truly gives a new meaning to the word “Lightning.”
ACT NOW
Ford has stopped taking reservations for the F-150 Lightning at this time due to the volume it has already received. The company previously announced plans to almost double production of the truck to meet demand. Customers with reservations can begin converting those reservations to orders. Delivery is expected later this spring. Sign up for F-150 Lighting updates via Ford’s website to ensure you don’t miss when reservations open back up.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Find out more about the all-new, all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning, visit www.ford.com.
