A few days ago, Ford teased the world with an image of the F-150 lightning. Many rumors speculating pricing, power, towing, and payload have hit the internet; however, we should speculate no more – Ford has given us everything we need to know about the all-new electric behemoth.
Ford F-150 Lightning Chassis
The F-150 Lightning runs a crew cab short-bed configuration with a 5.5-foot bed and a wheelbase of 145 inches. These specs suggest that the footprint of the EV truck is identical to its fossil-burning cousin.
The chassis itself has been completely reworked to accommodate the 2 batteries which are mounted down low for a better center of gravity.
Suspension and Drivetrain of the Lightning
The EV F-150 will run 4 corner independent suspension. This may be a welcome change to some and a disappointment to others. It all depends on the primary use the truck will be seeing.
All models in the lineup will be equipped with 4WD in the form of a motor in the front and the rear. From this, it is clear that Ford has not taken the same path as Jeep did with the Wrangler. Therefore, I would not expect this to be as capable as the normal F-150.
Learn More:
- The Ford Explorer Timberline Promises to Be the Most Capable Off-Road Explorer Ever
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Power/Range of the EV F-150
The new Electric truck will hit 60 in just 4.5 seconds; so, feel free to drag race old supercars – you’ll probably beat them.
Two battery options determine the range you have available. The smaller option will provide 230 miles of range and the bigger 300. Not bad for a truck that weighs as much as the titanic and has similar aerodynamic properties.
With the different battery sizes also comes a difference in power. The smaller version provides 426HP and 775lb-ft of torque whereas the larger battery will give 563HP and 775lb-ft of torque.
The numbers above are well beyond what the Ford Raptor has to offer; so, we can expect some impressive straight-line performance out of this new truck.
Ford F-150 Lightning Towing/Payload
The smaller battery version has a rated payload of 2000 pounds and the larger battery version 1800 pounds. This is due to the added weight of the larger battery.
Towing is limited to 10000 pounds which is really impressive. It may be safe to say that the independent suspension has not impacted towing and payload by much.
You are probably wondering what the range is when towing but sadly Ford did not give any information on that. I wouldn’t expect to be able to go too far while towing close to the rated limit of the truck.
Because of the lack of an engine, the EV F-150 has a storage area where the engine would normally be. In the front storage area, you will also find a 2.4kw power output to keep everything charged while camping.
More powerful power outlets are also available and Ford suggests that certain welders can run from those power outlets. One thing is for sure, EV trucks will help eliminate the headache of having electricity at camp.
Ford F-150 Lightning Charging
On fast charge, 10 minutes will give you 41 miles on the standard battery and 54 on the extended battery – not the best but not the worst either.
Charging happens through regular 120W, 240W, and 150KW. Ford also provides the option of a special charger that will detect a power shortage in your home and will use the truck as a generator. Cool right?
Trim Levels of the EV F-150
Trim levels will start from the commercial truck and will go up to the Platinum. The starting price for the commercial version is a very respectable $39,974. This price puts the Lightning much lower than the competition making it the first EV truck that will be accessible to the majority of the population. The XLT starts at a much higher $52,974; however, this is still an affordable price when compared to trucks like the Rivian.
The first EV truck out of Ford looks impressive and the price tag makes the commercial version a very appealing overlanding choice – especially with the outdoor charging abilities it can offer.
What do you guys think? Are we going to start seeing EVs out on the trails anytime soon?