Ford has recently shocked the automotive world not just once but twice, by following the launch of the Mustang Mach-E electric SUV a year and a half later with the debut of the F-150 Lightning electric pickup. The Lightning is arguably an even bigger deal than the hugely popular Mach-E; it’s an all-electric version of what’s been America’s most popular vehicle for more than 40 straight years. Here are our reviewers’ takes.
An energy-efficient workhorse
By Peter Bohr
Pickup buyers fall into 3 groups: folks who fancy pickups as “cool” everyday drivers; those who want to tow a substantial boat, horse, or travel trailer; and those who need a pickup for what pickups were originally designed to do—work.
The driver of a Ford F-150 Lightning rides on comfy seats in a spacious cab, high above minions in smaller vehicles. Electric power makes it among the quietest highway cruisers ever. But it’s a chore to maneuver the massive truck in dense traffic or crowded parking lots. It’s a stretch to climb into and out of the cab, and it may not fit in many garages. As an everyday urban driver? Not so cool.
Though the Lightning is rated to tow up to 10,000 pounds and is available with such nifty items as Pro Trailer Backup Assist and a 360-degree camera, it won’t tow a trailer far between 45-minute stints on a DC fast charger. Independent testing found that towing a midweight trailer slashes a Lightning’s range down to around 100 miles.
However, for tradespeople who rarely trek great distances, the Lightning is an energy-efficient workhorse. They’ll appreciate the center console that transforms into a computer workstation, the 120- and 240-volt outlets to power their tools, the Onboard Scales feature that weighs bed cargo, and, of course, the freedom from $100 gasoline fill-ups.
In truck-lovin’ America, the Lightning is the most significant new pickup thus far this century. But it’s not ideal for every driver.
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The best of both worlds
By Alan Rider
If the automotive realm existed on a continuum, you’d find environmentally friendly passenger models on one end and stout workhorses on the other. And right there, smack dab in the middle, would be the Ford F-150 Lightning.
That’s because this full-size, all-electric pickup combines the best qualities of both. The Lightning, which is offered only as a 4-door crew cab with a 5.5-foot bed, will seem entirely familiar to anyone who’s driven the current F-150 on which it’s based.
Power comes from 2 electric motors, which give the Lightning standard AWD. As for acceleration, this powertrain delivers 0-to-60 times on par with many high-performance cars.
On the road, the F-150 Lightning feels less trucklike than its petrol-powered siblings. Noise levels are low, and ride quality and handling are both more refined thanks to the steadying weight of the battery packs mounted beneath the floorboards.
Speaking of which, there are 2 different battery setups available—a standard 98-kWh version gives the truck 452 hp and a range of up to 230 miles. An optional 131-kWh battery pack carries a steep $10,000 price tag, but it bumps output to 580 hp and range up to 320 miles, making it a better choice for towing.
Add unique features like the spacious “frunk” (front trunk) where the engine used to reside, a huge 15.5-inch center touch screen, and the ability to power an average house for days, and the F-150 Lightning stakes a valid claim to being both practical and environmentally friendly.
Layout: Two electric motors (452–580 hp), 98-kWh or 131-kWh battery pack, single-speed transmission
Base MSRP: $55,974–$96,874 (depending on trim level)
MPGe: 66–70 (combined driving)
Range: 230–320 miles
Safety ratings: NHTSA, IIHS: not yet rated
Basic warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
Spare tire: Full-size spare
Final assembly: Dearborn, Michigan
Takeaway: Chalk up another big win for Ford
For more reviews, go to AAA.com/CarReviews. Enjoy a no-hassle experience when purchasing a new or used vehicle with AAA’s free Car Buying Service. Go to AAA.com/Auto or call (800) 709-7222.
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