EV Pickup! Ford is Betting Lightning Can Strike Twice

The original Lightning – a fast V8-powered gas guzzler – was the first truck on the cover of Car and Driver.

F-Series, America’s best-selling truck for four decades is about to offer the F-150 Lightning with full electrification and connected technology. Lightning will have an aimed for 563 horsepower and 775 lb.-ft. of torque – the most torque of any F-150, and the ability to power a home if needed. Powered by dual in-board motors and with standard 4×4, F-150 Lightning has a high-strength, aluminum alloy body, a new independent rear suspension claims improved ride comfort, while an all-new frame uses the strongest steel ever put in an F-150 frame and supports a maximum 2,000-pound payload and up to 10,000-pound towing capacity. (Ford – 100 Years of Trucks – 1917 Model TT to 2017 Raptor)

Two giant questions lurking the floors of the Dearborn Glass House are: When Ford builds it next year in 2022 will they come; Can Ford build a complicated new technology vehicle without a series of recalls, glitches and bugs that have been standard equipment on previous high-technology launches including the current generation Explorer? (See AutoInformed* below) Another unknown is EV tax credits. The maximum Federal tax credit is $7,500 for any vehicle no matter the cost. It ceases for automakers at 200,000 total EVs sold. Both General Motors and Tesla have hit the subsidy wall and currently do not qualify for the $7,500 tax credit. The Biden Administration could change this.

F-150 Lightning offers the usual connected car items that can improve over time via over-the-air software updates. The so-called FordPass app provides seamless access to charging stations and remote vehicle controls; optional BlueCruise claims “true hands-free driving on the highway, while enhanced Pro Power Onboard powers job sites or campsites.” Another example is optional Onboard Scales, which uses the truck’s sensors to estimate payload and tell customers how much they’re hauling. And since payload can impact range, Onboard Scales is integrated with Intelligent Range to help ensure F-150 Lightning gives an accurate estimate of how far you can go. F-150 Lightning debutsoptional Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, which automatically controls steering, throttle and brake inputs to make hitching trailers even easier.

The commercial-oriented entry model starts at $39,974 MSRP³ before any federal or state tax credits, while the mid-series XLT model starts at $52,974 MSRP, offering additional comfort and technology.

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“The F-150 Lightning is a massive moment for our Ford team. America’s No. 1 auto brand is going zero emissions with America’s favorite vehicle. It’s quicker than a Raptor, with standard 4×4 and independent rear suspension; a power frunk (sic), enough juice to run your house for three days or power an awesome tailgate; and it will forever improve with over-the-air updates,” said Ford President and CEO Jim Farley during the reveal, where he stumbled over his lines while dressed in Salvation Army chic.

“It will be built at the Rouge factory, where Henry Ford changed the world and my grandfather punched in every day. F-150 Lightning represents all that our country can do when we push for progress.”

*AutoInformed on

• Ford Recalls 1.2M Explorer Models and Others for Defects
• Driving 2020 Explorer: Big Size and Complexity, Bigger Price
• Ford Recalls 311,907 Explorer SUVs for Dangerous Seat Frames
• Two New Safety Recalls at Ford Motor – F-Series and Explorer
• 2020 Ford Explorer – OK, Not Good in Crash Ratings
• Ford Recalls 375,200 Explorer SUVs – Recalling a Prior Recall
• Ford Motor Announces Safety Defect Recalls on 2020-21 Ford Explorers, E-Series, and Lincoln Aviators
• Off the Roof Rails – Ford Recalls 616,967 Explorer SUVs
• Ford Motor Changes Top Exec Roles Again
• Duh – New Vehicle Quality Determined by Working Technology J.D. Power Says

Lightning Footnotes

• ¹Based on 1977-2020 CY total sales, F-Series is 44-year best selling pickup truck.
•  ²Based on original equipment manufacturers(OEM)/automotive manufacturers that sell all-electric vehicles and have publicly announced charging networks. Department of Energy data used. FordPass, compatible with select smartphone platforms, is available via a download. Message and data rates may apply.
•  ³Taxes, title and license fees extra.
•  ⁴Based on manufacturer testing using computer engineering simulations. Calculated via peak performance of the electric motor(s) at peak battery power. Your results may vary.
• ⁵BlueCruise – Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. BlueCruise is a hands-free highway driving feature. Only remove hands from the steering wheel when in a Hands-Free Blue Zones. Always watch the road and be prepared to resume control of the vehicle. It does not replace safe driving. See owner’s manual for detail and limitations.
• ⁶FordPass Connect (optional on select vehicles), and complimentary Connected Service are required for remote features (see FordPass Terms for details).  Connected service and features depend on compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features. Connected service excludes Wi-Fi hotspot 
• ⁷Excludes Platinum models. Based on full charge. U.S. EPA-targeted range based on analytical projection consistent with US EPA combined drive cycle. Actual range varies with conditions such as external environment, vehicle use, vehicle maintenance, lithium-ion battery age and state of health.
• ⁸Excludes Platinum models. Range and charge time based on manufacturer computer engineering simulations and analytical projection consistent with US EPA combined drive cycle. The charging rate decreases as battery reaches capacity. Results may vary based on peak charging times, battery state of charge. Actual range varies with conditions such as external environment, vehicle use, vehicle maintenance, lithium-ion battery age and state of health.
• ⁹Based on an equivalent body style/driveline/drivetrain.

• 22 – Catch-22 Gotcha: Horsepower, torque, payload, towing and targeted EPA-estimated range are independent attributes and may not be achieved simultaneously.