EV Review: 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Truck

Photo Credits: Ford, MotorTrend.com

Putting Electric to Work

Overview

Performance: 2 Electric Motors, 563 horsepower

Mileage estimate: 85 mpge

Price estimate: From $39,974 to $90,874

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Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles

Drivetrain Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles

Roadside Assistance: 5 years / 60,000

Corrosion Warranty: 5 years / unlimited

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Review

Intro

Even someone who would never consider purchasing a large truck might change their mind after checking out the new 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning – it’s that impressive.

Ford’s first all-electric truck is a marvel that presents so many cool features that it will be a tempting buy for anyone seeking a full-size truck.

Always at or near the top in truck sales, Ford is recognized as one of the forerunners in revolutionizing the pickup. This year the renowned Michigan automaker came out with the 2021 Ford F-150 hybrid truck and arriving next spring is the highly-touted Lightning.

One might say the hybrid truck serves as the opening act in Ford’s major electrified push, reinforcing the company’s commitment to new alternative-fuel models. Earlier this year Ford announced that 40-percent of its vehicles will be electric in nature by 2030.

The F-150 has dominated vehicle sales in the U.S. for decades. That success continued in 2020 with sales of 78,422 units, making the F-Series the top-selling light truck once again.

Rather than individuals, the Lightning is targeted more for corporations and small businesses that regularly utilize rugged pickups. It will be available in spring 2022 and Ford is currently taking $100 reservations.

Exterior Style

Unlike gaudy-appearing EV trucks like the Tesla Cybertruck, Rivian R1, and GMC Hummer, the Lightning look remains traditional. It resembles a regular gas-powered F-150 and also has a similar starting price, around $41,000. The EV truck qualifies for a $7,500 federal tax credit and additional incentives from multiple states, including California.

The Lightning is anything but typical. Looking for a truck with an unusual array of bells and whistles, you’ve come to the right place.

Cool Lightning Features:

• A hands-free driving system called BlueCruise
• A smartphone can be used as the truck’s key
• Has up to 11 power outlets
• A battery with the ability to power a home for around three days during an outage
• Electrical plugs in the bed, cab, and front trunk that can be used to power up tools and other electronic devices
• The power front trunk (frunk) provides around 14 cubic feet of space and can fit two sets of golf clubs. Water-resistant frunk has four power outlets and two USB ports, and a drain allows it to act as a food or beverage cooler
• Available fold-out center console table
• Front seats that recline nearly flat so one can stretch out and take a nap

Charging and Range

The base model Lightning with a 10.5 kW battery has approximately 230 miles of range on a full charge. The range projections are based on factors like traffic, topography, and usage. It also takes into account sensors that approximate payload and does the same for towing. An upgraded 17.6 kW battery raises the range to about 300 miles.

The EV truck can gain up to 30 miles of range per hour using the Ford Charge Station Pro. At home, a 240-volt outlet is necessary because a standard 120-volt outlet will take far too long to recharge. Ford says plugging the Lightning into a 150-kW station can charge the battery from 15% to 80% in around 40 minutes.

Available as a SuperCrew or crew cab, the Lightning has a 5.5-foot bed, measures 232.7-inches in length, and has a 145-inch wheelbase. The standard battery can tow up to 7,700 pounds and the extended one can handle approximately 10,000 pounds when equipped with the Max Trailer Tow Package. Payload capacity is expected to be around 2,000 pounds.

Performance

Performance is a major plus for the Lightning, which employs a dual-motor setup and generates 426 horsepower and 775 pound-feet of torque. Equipped with a larger battery, the truck is even more powerful – 563 horsepower and the same torque (775). It reportedly goes 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds.

Equipped with a fully independent rear suspension, this is a truck that cruises along the freeway in comfort or can go off-roading with proficiency. It provides quick steering and is not clumsy or overly cumbersome in small, tight parking lots.

Interior Space

Lightning’s interior is almost identical to that of the regular F-150 crew cab. The spacious cabin provides comfort for five passengers. Upfront, there are a lot of adjustments to accommodate drivers and passengers of varying sizes.

A 15.5-inch center touchscreen is standard and there’s a user-friendly SYNC 4 infotainment system. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration come standard.

There are lots of small-item storage in the cab and a lockable box beneath the rear seats for stowaway items. The back seat can fold flat to the floor to greatly increase the cargo area.

Conclusion

With up to 563 horsepower, we can’t think of a more appropriate name – Lightning. There are many fans of the traditional Ford F-150 and the addition of the highly efficient EV version only enhances the reputation.

–  J.W.

User Video Review: 2021 Ford F-150 Lightning Truck