It's interesting that the first electric vehicles of the modern era weren't trucks, which have a lot more room than cars do for batteries. This matters because electric vehicle batteries take up a lot of space, which means less of that for people and stuff in an electric car.
In the case of the F-150 Lightning, the electric version of Ford's F-150 pickup, there's even more room for stuff because there's no engine under the hood, which is now an additional storage space.
And there's still a bed out back — for more stuff.
What It Is
The Lightning is an electrically powered version of the bestselling F-150 half-ton pickup.
Unlike the nonelectric versions of the F-150, the Lightning comes in only one version: Super Crew cab with a short (5.5 feet) bed. But it does come with your pick of batteries — and ranges.
Prices start at $55,974 for the base Pro trim, which comes standard with a liquid-cooled 98 kWh battery pack and a 426-horsepower electric drive system. This version of the Lightning has an estimated full-charge range of 240 miles — up 10 from the '22 model. You can also pull up to 7,700 pounds when equipped with the optional Max Trailer Towing Package.
A more powerful 131 kWh battery pack is available that bumps up the estimated full charge range to 320 miles. This version can also pull up to 10,000 pounds.
A top-of-the-line Platinum trim. which comes standard with the stronger battery, stickers for $96,874.
What's New for 2023
The two big changes for the new model year are a slight uptick in estimated range and an uptick in price — the latter having to do with the increased cost of the material used to make electric vehicle batteries.
What's Good
More cargo space than nonelectric F-150.
More standard power than nonelectric F-150.
Can be "refueled" at home.
What's Not So Good
Short range relative to nonelectric F-150.
Long recharge wait — even when "fast" charging.
Even shorter range (and more waiting) when towing.
Under The Hood
There isn't anything under the hood of this truck — except room, for whatever you'd like to stow there. There are also outlets under there. These can be used to power high-draw electrical equipment and tools.
Under the truck lies the battery pack and a pair of electric motors driving all four wheels.
The Lightning does not need a two-speed transfer case for additional leverage because its electric motors make so much torque — 775 foot-pounds.
You can recharge the Lightning at home either using a standard 120V household appliance outlet or a 240V hookup, if you have had your home wired for this. You can also charge the battery at commercial "fast" charging stations, where much higher voltage is available. These get you back on the road more quickly — but it costs more to use them than plugging in at home because you're paying for the high-load equipment that makes it possible to "fast" charge an electric vehicle.
On The Road
Speed is not a problem. Nor strength. The Lightning lives up to its name. Like its namesake, you don't hear anything when it flashes. There is simply a brilliant flash of almost unbelievable acceleration. Without any hesitation. Without any interruption. It goes — fast — as long as you keep your foot in it, seemingly without end.
Because the Lighting is electric, it hasn't got a transmission. The pair of electric motors (one up front, one out back) drive the wheels directly. This eliminates not just the need of a transmission but also of shifting. The result of that is a continuous surge of silent thrust whenever you ask for it.
But — in life, it seems there is always a but — if you use the Lightning's speed (or strength, as to tow), you'll soon have less of it.
During a weeklong test drive, I found the indicated range was about 20% higher than the actual range — without a trailer attached. With a trailer attached, the reduction in actual range can be 50% or even higher, depending on the weight of the trailer.
At The Curb
The limited range — and lengthy recharge time, even at a "fast" charger — may account for Ford offering the Lightning in Super Crew/short-bed configuration only. That is to say, Ford probably envisioned the Lightning appealing primarily to people who use it to transport people rather than haul 4x8 sheets.
And the super-roomy cab is a fine place to work while you wait. You can fold down the gear selector and then fold out the center console storage cover to make a flat table to put your laptop on.
As in the nonelectric F-150 Super Crew, there's more room in back than up front. Unlike the regular F-150, there's also 14.1 cubic feet of room up farther front — under the hood.
The Rest
To enable faster charging at home, Ford offers a Charge Station Pro unit that uses 240V AC electricity to reduce home-charging times to eight hours or so, versus about 15 on 120V. But you'll need to have an electrician come out to install the Charge Station.
The Bottom Line
The Lightning lives up to its name. Its performance can be breathtaking. But it's also gone after a flash.
Eric's latest book, "Doomed: Good Cars Gone Wrong!" will be available soon. To find out more about Eric and read his past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com.
View Comments