Auto review by Veeno Dewan
The all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning pickup has beaten everyone else to the punch when it comes to an electric full-size pickup. But you would have to look closely to see the difference from a standard F-150. There is the unique faux grille and LED lightbar that surround the grille, unique aero type wheels, “Lightning” scripting along the side, and a matching rear light bar.
The Lightning has been around for about two years now and new for 2024 is the new Flash trim with some extra equipment has been added to the lineup. The rest of the F-150 Lightning range receive keyless entry and updated BlueCruise 1.2 hands-free driver assistance. The ProPower onboard generator now powers up when you unlock the truck, no longer requiring the truck to be powered completely on.
The Lightening is only offered solely in a SuperCrew configuration with four full-size doors and the short 5 feet cargo box. However , the F-150 Lightning offers a large front trunk (frunk) that can impressively accommodate cargo weighing up to 400 pounds.
In terms of motivation, the Lightning; instead of a V-8 or V6 gas engine offers pure EV power and all-wheel drive powered from dual electric and motors and rechargeable battery packs. Trucks with a standard range battery pack (98-kWh) produce a respectable 452 horsepower while ones with the extended range unit (131 kWh) can offer up to impressive 580 horsepower. Both options produce a thundering 775 lb-ft of torque. Trucks with the standard range (SR) battery are rated by NRCan as having approximately 386 kilometres of driving range on a full charge. Upgrading to the extended range (ER) battery amps that to an estimated 515 kilometres. The top Platinum trim as tested is rated at 483 km EV range.
In terms of charging, a DC fast charger it can charge from 15-80 per cent in 41 minutes in perfect conditions. Once cool thing the Lightening charging system is that it cab automatically start powering your home electric grid if you have power outage on a full charge, for a couple of days depending on usage. Once power comes back on, the truck automatically goes back to charge mode.
The official maximum towing capacity of the Lightening is around 10,000 pounds, but only trucks fitted with the optional Extended-Range battery are capable of this. Standard-Range battery models are limited to a 7700-pound capacity. Payload capacity is 2000 pounds for the Standard-Range model and 1800 pounds for the Extended-Range version.
The 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning model comes in 5 trim levels. Canadian pricing ranges from $59,995 to $112,495 The most expensive in the Platinum 4×4 priced at $112,495 plus Freight and PDI. Platinum models come with the larger 15.5-inch display. in-dash navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot, as standard. Our tester arrived very well – equipped with all possible options.
The Lightening interior cabin is the same as normal gas-powered F-150’s except there is a an optional 15.5” infotainment display (a 12” item is standard) and slightly different gauge cluster, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, optional heated front and rear seats and cooled front seats, optional full-length moonroof and all the usual features and creature comforts are present. It is superbly roomy, comfortable luxury laden truck in the Platinum model version.
On the road – like all EVs the Lightning offers blistering acceleration and. Most surprising of all is the Lightening’s ride-and-handling which is smoother than a normal F-150,. Its due to the weight of the batteries and the low center of gravity and independent rear suspension in place of solid rear axle. Power delivery is direct and without delay. This is a quick comfortable truck, but it can also be worked hard if need be. The Lightning has proper towing aids such as Pro Trailer Backup Assist and other technology. Downsides are few – it is expensive and I would not see this as a basic construction site work truck that you can beat up! Still, it is innovative, works and is a terrific addition to the F-150 Lineup. Just the thing if s large versatile EV pickup is your future plans.
2024 Ford F-150 Lightning- Priced from $59,995 – $112,495.
Price as tested – $123,055 including destination and delivery.
Mor info at www.ford.ca
