Several new electric trucks are coming with arrays of futuristic features. The Ford F-150 Lightning offers a more practical approach.
The first model year for the Ford electric truck was 2022. The year was good enough, and the truck offered the right stuff to make it the 2023 MotorTrend Truck of the Year. This is quite an accomplishment considering the number of trucks in the market and some of the other new models. This Ford pickup is the first EV model to appeal directly to truck owners, which should be the target market of every electric truck.
Ford offered the only EV truck that hit the right notes
Two other new electric trucks came to the market in 2022; the Rivian R1T and GMC Hummer EV. Both of these trucks are pretty special, but they’re also extremely expensive and make more of an expression in the market than what we expect from pickup trucks. Instead of reinventing the wheel, Ford developed the Lightning to be more traditional in the way it goes about its business. The newness of the Lightning wasn’t as much of a departure from the traditional pickup truck than what Rivian and GMC brought to the market.
The electric F-150 makes a lot of sense
For more than 40 years, the Ford F-150 has been the most popular pickup truck in the market. This strength creates a deep-seated brand loyalty that’s nearly impossible to break. The new Ford F-150 Lightning simply took the current formula and added electrification to the mix. There are some cool items offered, like the power frunk, but Ford didn’t see any value in changing the overall formula of what the F-150 Lightning would offer. This practical approach paid off and put this truck at the top of MotorTrend’s list.
A few differences from the gas-powered model
Traditionally, the F-150 offers several body styles, bed lengths, and powertrains. The electric truck version only offers one cab, which is the Super Crew model with four doors and room for five passengers. There’s also only one bed length, which is 5.6 feet long, giving this truck plenty of room for gear. While these differences in body options limit what you’ll find in the electric pickup truck, there are several trims to choose from for this impressive new truck. Let’s explore some of these trims to show you what you’ll find.
What you’ll find in the Pro trim?
The Pro trim is the base version of the Ford F-150 Lighting. This model is meant to be the fleet-focused version with the standard-range battery. This trim level brings you a powered hood, vinyl upholstery, manual seats, two 120-volt outlets in the cabin, four 120-volt outlets and two USB ports in the frunk, and the 2.4-kW Pro Power Onboard package.
When you choose this foundational model, you’ll also enjoy the benefits of the Ford Co-Pilot 360 2.0 package of safety features. You’ll also find a 12-inch infotainment screen, enhanced voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 10 devices, navigation, and wireless over-the-air updates.
What comes in the XLT trim?
Moving up one step to the XLT trim of this electric Ford truck will give you an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, cloth upholstery, keypad entry, and a 360-degree camera system. This model is eligible for several options you won’t find in the base model. One of the most important upgrades for this truck is the extended-range battery. The XLT trim also offers you the benefits of optional rain-sensing wipers, heated front seats, and adaptive cruise control, which can all be extremely useful.
How well-equipped is the F-150 Lightning Lariat?
The third trim level of the Ford F-150 Lightning is the Lariat model. This truck brings a lot more to the mix than the previous two trim levels. When you choose the Lariat trim, you’ll have:
- A powered tailgate
- LED box/zone lighting
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Heated/ventilated power-adjustable front seats
- Leather upholstery
- 9.6-kW Pro Power Onboard
- Ford Co-Pilot 360 Assist 2.0
- 15.5-inch infotainment touchscreen
- 9-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system
The Lariat trim is also eligible for some impressive extras. You can add retractable running boards, the Phone as a Key feature, and Blue Cruise.
The Platinum trim has it all
The options from the Lariat trim are part of the standard package for the Platinum trim. This top trim level of the Lightning truck also brings high-quality leather upholstery, massaging front seats, a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, and the Max Recline front seats.
All models of the Ford F-150 Lighting are eligible for the Tow Technology package. This package gives you a reversing assistance camera and a smart trailer connection to make it possible to set up a trailer without a spotter. You’ll also find a Max Trailer Tow package with a 4-pin/7-pin wiring harness and Class IV receiver. These towing features are standard for the Platinum trim.
How much power does this Ford electric truck offer?
Regardless of the trim, you’ll have two electric motors powering this incredible Ford truck. The models using the standard-range battery give you 452 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque. This battery offers 230 miles of electric driving on a full charge. If you choose the extended-range battery, the power is increased to 580 horsepower, and the driving range reaches a maximum of 320 miles.
This truck can tow up to 10,000 pounds when the extended-range battery and Max Trailer Tow Package are part of the mix. If you opt for the standard-range battery, you can tow up to 7,700 pounds with the F-150 Lightning.
Could this be the electric truck you want to drive?
If the Ford F-150 Lightning is good enough to be the MotorTrend truck of the year, it should certainly be good enough to be the electric pickup you can put to work and use every day. The only question you’ll need to answer is which version of this truck is the right one for you to drive? With four great trims and the endorsement offered by one of the top automotive publications in the world, the F-150 Lightning is an easy choice for you.
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