America’s best-selling truck has gone all-electric, showing off more connected technology, up to 483km of driving range, and plenty of power. Meet the Ford F-150 Lightning.

The vehicle features a military-grade aluminium alloy body and upgraded frame to support the Lithium-ion battery, 18-inch wheels, and is headlined by a full-width light bar across the front grille, and taillights that stretch into the tailgate.

Standard Range Lightning models will have a 900kg payload capacity, and a maximum towing capacity of 4535kg on long-range XLT and Lariat models with the right options boxes ticked.

Practicality is aided by a “mega power frunk”, a dedicated storage space under the hood (where a petrol engine would usually lie) that is secure, lockable, and easily accessible by a powered open and close system.

This spacious area targets 400 litres of capacity and up to 180kg of payload, or as Ford says, “enough to stow two carry-on bags and one checked bag, or two sets of golf clubs.” The frunk also offers four electrical outlets, two USB chargers, and a drainable floor that can double as a food and beverage container.

Two battery options will be available for U.S Buyers – Standard and Extended Range – both paired to dual motors and all-wheel drive as standard.

Standard Range vehicles develop a targeted 318kW and 1051Nm of torque, enabling an estimated driving range of the U.S’s strict EPA test cycle of 370km.

Extended Range models increase the output to 420kW and 1051Nm, for 483km of estimated EPA range and a projected 0-60mph (100km/h) sprint in the “mid-four-second range”. This makes it faster than the F-150 Raptor off the mark.

At its fastest, the F-150 Lightning will charge at 150Kw plugged into a DC public fast charger. A choice of 11.3kW single or 19.2kW double home AC chargers is offered.

Inside, the driver is faced with a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15.5-inch vertical touchscreen, powered by Ford’s latest Sync 4A infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other available features include a fold-out interior worktable, 180-degree reclining seats, and a drive mode selector that switches between Normal, Sport, Off-Road or Tow/Haul settings.

The F-150 Lightning is packed with smart features that can be improved over time via over-the-air software updates. These include the FordPass app, which provides access to charging stations; Ford BlueCruise, which offers hands-free driving on certain highways; and optional enhanced Pro Power Onboard, which can power job sites or campsites.

Debuting on the Lightning is available Ford Intelligent Backup System. With the ability to offload 9.6kW of power, Ford Intelligent Backup Power claims to be able to power a house for up to three days during a blackout (assuming an average of 30kWh is used per day).

“Whether sheltering during a storm or trying to stay safe in a heat way, customers can now use their truck to give themselves power when they need it most,” said Ryan O’Gorman, Electric Vehicle Manager, Strategic Partnerships.

It is also the first F-series to support using your smartphone as a key to lock, unlock and start the vehicle.

VIDEO: Ford | The All-Electric F-150 Lightning: Turning Electric into Lightning

Prices will start from US$39,974 (AU$51,300) of a base, commercial-focused model in the U.S.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning will go on sale in the second quarter of 2022 for U.S buyers.

Don’t hold your breath for an Australian launch, as a factory right-hand-drive conversion program for the F-150 has previously been ruled out.

Source: Ford | The Truck of the Future is Here: All-Electric Ford F-150 Lightning

21 May 2021