Ford has unveiled the electric version of its legendary F-150 pickup, the F-150 Lightning, the smartest, most innovative truck the company has ever built. The electric platform unlocks new capabilities as well – such as enough energy to power an entire home and a massive lockable frunk with power and charging capabilities to spare.
The model will only be offered in a single four-door configuration with a large open trunk at the rear. On the design side, the F-150 Lightning does not change much compared to its hybrid version unveiled last year. The front end has been redesigned a bit, with a more angular look.
Under the hood is a versatile, high-tech mega power frunk offering dedicated storage space that’s secure, lockable, and easily accessible by a powered open and close system. This spacious area targets 400 liters of volume and 400 pounds of payload. This water-resistant space comes equipped with four electrical outlets, two USB chargers, and a drainable floor that can double as a food and beverage container.
F-150 Lightning is a powerhouse that delivers a targeted 563 horsepower and 775 lb.-ft. Of torque – the most torque of any F-150 ever – an exhilarating drive, a high-tech frunk, and the ability to power your home if needed. The vehicle targets a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) time in the mid-4-second range when equipped with an extended-range battery, based on typical industry methodology.
F-150 Lightning offers two options: a standard-range battery targeting 230 miles (370 km) of EPA-estimated range and an extended-range battery targeting 300 miles (483 km) of EPA-estimated range. With the ability to offload 9.6 kW of power, Ford Intelligent Backup Power turns the truck into the ultimate power source for your home. Based on an average 30kWh of use per day, F-150 Lightning with extended-range battery provides full-home power for up to three days, or as long as ten days if power is rationed, with results varying based on energy usage.
On a 150-kilowatt D.C. fast charger, extended-range F-150 Lightning is targeted to get up to 54 miles (87 km) of range in 10 minutes and charge from 15% to 80% percent in about 41 minutes. The electric pickup features SYNC 4A – a sleek, modern interface supported by a 15.5-inch touch screen. It supports voice control, cloud-connected navigation, and wireless access to your favorite services: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, integrated Amazon Alexa, and SYNC AppLink apps.
In the future, Ford will introduce Ford Intelligent Power, which can use the truck to power homes during high-cost, peak-energy hours while taking advantage of low-cost overnight rates to charge the vehicle in time for your morning drive. This can help save money on electricity that powers your vehicle and home.
Another feature of the F-150 Lightning is the BlueCruise road autopilot that allows for true hands-free driving on more than 100,000 miles of pre-qualified divided highways in the U.S. and Canada – with more Hands-Free Blue Zones to come in the future.
Of course, there are a number of active and passive safety features, as well as several technologies for more comfortable driving with a load, including the towed one. Along with a high-strength, military-grade aluminum-alloy body, a new independent rear suspension delivers improved ride comfort. An all-new frame uses the strongest steel and supports a maximum 2,000-pound payload and up to 10,000-pound towing capacity.
The commercial-oriented entry model starts at $39,974, while the mid-series XLT model starts at $52,974. Production of the electric F-150 will begin in early 2022, with first deliveries set for late spring.
