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Volvo: Safety Beyond the Star RatingsThe Ford F-150 Lightning Returns in Electric Form
Ford’s venture into the world of EV pickups starts with a classic nameplate revival. Introducing, the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup.
Ford has a Storm Coming
We haven’t seen the Lightning nameplate used on a Ford F-150 since 2004, but it’s back and the name is more fitting than ever. The all-electric powered truck is set to release for the 2022 model year and marks another step forward for Ford into the EV realm. They’ve already made strides with their Mustang Mach-E, but now they’re poised to have one of the first electric trucks to the market. Does this electric truck deserve the Lightning badge of honor? Is it still as capable as a gas-powered F-150? We’ve got all the latest details on the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning so you can decide for yourself.
First Impressions
Our first look at the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning reveals similar body lines to your typical F-150 model with some slight changes. The futuristic day running light bar that spans across the whole front of the vehicle and the rear taillights connect in similar fashion across the tailgate on higher trims, an EV design trend we’ve seen on almost every EV concept and release as of late. The grille is replaced with a stylized wall of plastic since this model has no need for air flow anymore. Plus, there’s all-new 6-spoke wheels made specially for the Lightning.
That’s basically all of the noticeable exterior changes aside from some Lightning badges and a charging port. From there it’s just like any other F-150 on the road today. The same capable truck bed, side mirrors, optional side steps, and taillights we’ve already seen on other current generation F-150s. The running light bar may take some getting used to for some, but the minor exterior changes aren’t drastic enough to anger too many Ford purists out there like the Mustang Mach-E had.
Features To Note
This all-electric F-150 comes with two different battery options. The first is a capable 230-mile standard pack that is better suited for inner city work or commutes. The second is Ford’s Extended Range pack that is estimated to reach a 300-mile range and provide the top-of-the-line power to the Lightning. To charge those packs, Ford added a 150-kilowatt DC fast charger that can add about 54 miles of range within ten minutes to the vehicle. Going from 15% to 80% charge is said to take about 40 minutes.
The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning will be the first F-150 to feature a frunk. Lifting the hood on the Lightning, you’ll find a gaping hole for cargo where an engine would have once resided. It’s a better option than tossing them in the bed to shift around or having them piled up in the second-row seats like truck owners have to do currently. Underneath a tray in the frunk’s floor is a separated space the features a floor drain, making for the perfect spot to toss in some ice to keep drinks cold.
Along the sides of this massive frunk, you’ll find some helpful outlets and USB ports similar to the ones found in its truck bed. All of the Lightning’s electrical outlets are capable of powering tools, lights, you name it. Ford states that the truck is even able to hook up to a house as an impromptu generator and provide three days of electricity when fully charged with the Extended Range pack.
Looking on the inside of the Lightning introduces you to the same current generation F-150 interior we’ve been impressed with already, but Ford provided larger displays and specialized software for the vehicle. The digital gauge cluster measures out to 12 inches and the standard infotainment touchscreen is the same 12-inch one found in the XLT. However, higher optioned trims get the new 15.5-inch vertically oriented infotainment touchscreen with a similar bottom knob to the on in the Mustang Mach-E and has Ford’s Sync 4A software installed. These systems are all connected to the BlueCruise hands-free technology and will receive “Power-Ups” over the air to keep them all up to date similar to Tesla.
Does It Deserve the Lightning Title?
The original Ford F-150 Lightning models were street tuned, supercharged, fun trucks. You could make the joke “With the lightning comes the THUNDER!” and then rev the engine to your delight, but going electric ruins that one a bit. What going electric doesn’t ruin for the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning is the speed and power categories. Its dual electric motor all-wheel-drive setup puts down 563 horsepower and generates 775 lb-ft of torque. That’s awesome numbers and absolutely surpasses the last F-150 Lightning’s supercharged V8 engine that only reached 380 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. It actually sets the Lightning as the top performing F-150 currently with those numbers.
The new Lightning also blows the previous lightning out of the water when it comes to acceleration and towing capacity. The 2004 Ford F-150 Lightning had a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds and could tow up to 5,000 lbs. The This all-new electric 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning is said to reach 60 mph in about 4.4 seconds and tow up to 10,000 lbs! That acceleration is on track to beat all current F-150s again and just barely misses the top for towing too. The new Lightning might not have the roaring thunder of a gas-powered engine, but so far it seems more that qualified to take on the mantle. Plus, the infotainment system will allow you to pump in engine noise if you want to feel simulated thunder.
Look for the Ford F-150 Lightning in the Spring of 2022
Ford is planning to ship out the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning EV pickup in the spring of next year. Pricing for the Lightning starts at a MSRP of $39,9974 and the XLT trim bumps that up to a MSRP of $52,974. We haven’t received pricing for a Lariat, Platinum, or Limited, but they won’t be cheap. Ford has said that a fully decked out F-150 Lightning can fall within the $90,000 range. That’s a pretty hefty price for one of the first EV trucks, but only time will tell if it’s worth it. You can make a reservation for your Ford F-150 Lightning now for $100.
