Automobile manufacturers are trying in every way to surprise their customers by presenting more and more new models. Some variants of cars turn out to be successful, while others become less popular. The era of electric vehicles is just beginning to develop. Over the past few years, there has been a massive breakthrough in this direction.
If we talk about pickups, then the electrical options can be counted on the fingers. The very first was Tesla Cybertruck and Rivian R1T, which until recently were considered competitors but did not take root in mass production.
The auto giants decided to keep up with electrification, the first to bring the legendary Hummer EV from General Motors to the market. Now the buyer was presented with a serial electric pickup Ford F-150 Lightning. It is the latter that will be discussed in this review.
According to company representatives, the new electric Ford F-150 Lightning has not been changed much in the design, so it is very close to the F-150 sibling with an internal combustion engine. As the saying goes, why re-invent a bicycle if you can modify it.
Ford felt that this would make it easier for future owners to get used to the electric car, especially reseeding from the internal combustion engine’s version. The rest of the pickup received a recognizable design, style and package of “buns” for the convenience of the driver and passengers.
Models and prices Ford F-150 Lightning 2022.
Although the electric pickup is new in its family and presented with many valuable features, the starting price was not so high. On the official Ford website, the usual F-150 Lightning 2021 trim will cost from $ 39,974. An improved version of the Lightning XLT will cost from $ 52,974, but the most expensive modification will cost $ 90,474.
This difference between complete sets and prices is due to various discounts and help from the state. As for the difference between the trim levels, for the most part, it is the comfort of the interior, various kinds of auxiliary systems and, of course, the battery capacity.
A feature of the new Ford F-150 Lightning can be considered not only charging but also the transfer of electricity in the opposite direction, that is, as a source of electricity. For electric cars, this is a significant breakthrough since previously everyone held the benchmark for maximum energy savings in the battery. The official start of sales of the electric pickup truck will be in the early spring of 2022.
Competitors
Exterior
The new 2021 Ford F-150 Lightning is virtually unchanged from the regular F-150, according to the manufacturer. It most likely looks like this for an ordinary user, but for an expert and a motorist with experience, these are two different vehicles. The new electric pickup F-150 Lightning, which is how the prefix name is translated, has received many improvements while retaining the primary purpose of the pickup family.
The front part of the Ford F-150 Lightning is distinguished by a large U-shaped LED line, which also serves as LED running lights. The designers placed the LED line vertically on the sides. The Ford F-150 Lightning pickup optics, starting from the basic configuration, will only be LED. In terms of shape and arrangement of elements, the optics are pretty similar to the usual Ford F-150.
Like in many electric cars, the radiator grille in the new Ford F-150 Lightning is only a dummy, but much more is hidden behind it. If an ordinary Ford F-150 pickup truck with an internal combustion engine has an engine behind bars, there is a full-fledged trunk of 400 litres or 181 kilograms in a new electric car. The fake grille itself received diamond-shaped inserts and a corporate logo in the centre.
Another plus of the trunk is that it can be washed with running water, which means that the front trunk is sealed and there is a plug for draining water. Also in the box are USB ports, several sockets for 12 and 220V. The trunk lid, also the hood, is made of aluminium and is electrically controlled.
As it befits a pickup, this whole set underlines the massive front bumper. The designers took the central part for sensors, radar and other kinds of controls. Here, there are two tow hooks in the lower part and a footrest for easy access to the trunk or to the windshield. In total, the new Ford F-150 Lightning pickup looks from the front no worse than its brother in name with an internal combustion engine. Restrained design, no unnecessary details and very practical in terms of off-road operation
The ratio of the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning pickup to electric class is given by two charging hatches on the front fenders. Yes, precisely two hatches, although usually only one. It is no secret that it was sometimes a problem for owners of electric cars to remember where the charging socket is located or to properly park the electric car for recharging. Now such a problem has been ruled out, and other manufacturers of electric vehicles may follow this example. It might be a little expensive in terms of the total cost, but very convenient.
Otherwise, the Ford F-150 Lightning doesn’t stand out. The electric car will be offered with two rows of seats and a standard body behind the cab at the start of production. The manufacturer refers to this option as SuperCrew Cab. The pickup site has remained essentially unchanged, with signature cutouts in the corner of the front doors for better visibility, large side mirrors, stationary footrests and plastic trims at the bottom of the doors.
In terms of colour, the new Ford F-150 Lightning will be offered in 10 variants:
- blue satin
- snow white
- Red
- gray-blue
- black
- Navy blue
- Gray
- silver
- White
- brown gray.
At the heart of the electric pickup will be 18 ″ wheels with a modern design as standard. Top configurations will be offered with 20 or 22 ″ discs of a new design.
If the front and side of the Ford F-150 Lightning are different from the regular version of the F-150, then the back is a regular pickup. Body with the possibility of installing a protective tarp or hardcover, cargo platform and trunk lid. A special difference will be the LED line, which the designers have extended from the rear stops and the tailgate’s full width.
The feet of the F-150 Lightning themselves have received a matte shade with black outlines and model markings. As for the rear bumper, there are no differences. The usual step in the centre, rubber pads closer to the sides, a recess for license plates and a trailed one.
The final exterior detail of the Ford F-150 Lightning is the roof. Depending on the configuration and modification, the buyer will be offered a solid roof with stiffening ribs, an electric sunroof, or a full panoramic roof with a sliding front part can also be installed. Usually, this approach is not practised on pickups, but the manufacturer decided to install a panoramic roof due to the use of the strongest steel and aluminium body parts.
Overall, the new 2021 Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup looks luxurious at a relatively low cost for the base trim. On the plus side, there is an additional trunk in the front, a recognizable design and all the well-preserved purposes of the pickup for transporting goods.
Interior
Unlike the exterior, the interior of the Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup has received more refinements and looks more modern. As promised by the manufacturer, the new product is significantly different in terms of progressive functions. The first thing you notice is the large 15.5 ″ touchscreen display of the multimedia system.
The display was positioned vertically, at the bottom of the display, there is a sound control washer and several usual buttons for quick access to car systems (rearview camera, emergency parking signal, etc.). At the heart of multimedia will be Android Auto and Apple CarPlay systems simultaneously, with support for all kinds of modern applications for gadgets, including remote control. The engineers transferred all the pickup control to the display, from monitoring to all kinds of entertainment, including climate control.
On the sides of the display, there are air ducts, the Start / Stop button of the engine, as well as a four-wheel-drive control washer. The centre console, although it looks rough, is nevertheless practical. The tunnel between the front seats of the 2021 Ford F-150 Lightning will surprise you in its way.
Firstly, the transmission shift lever is massive, but at the critical moment, it can be easily folded by pressing the button next to it, or it is enough to unfold the centre armrest. In turn, a flat surface is formed for placing a laptop, tablet or just a table for a snack on the road.
Secondly, the central tunnel is fully equipped with 12V or 220V sockets for recharging gadgets without special converters. Even when unfolded, the designers have provided cup holders and adjust the seats for a comfortable fit. According to the manufacturer, this approach is perfect for freelancers or outdoor enthusiasts.
In its standard form, the central tunnel, in addition to the folding gearshift lever, will delight you with a wireless charger, a pair of cup holders and cells for various little things. The armrest itself turned out to be large, which is quite enough for the two front passengers. The interior of the Ford F-150 Lightning 2021 looks no less modern. The front seats have received a massive shape, with good lateral support and all kinds of adjustments. If necessary, it can be completely expanded, thereby obtaining a flat surface with rear seats. It turns out that the angle of the centre will be almost 180 °.
The second row of seats of the Ford F-150 Lightning is made in the form of a sofa and is designed for three seats. Most likely, the second row was simply copied from the usual F-150. Respectively, under the seats, there should be additional compartments for storing all sorts of little things, tools and other things.
The interior trim of the F-150 Lightning will be the fabric as standard, and the manufacturer claims it will be easy to clean, and the seat parts are not afraid of moisture. Top pickup modifications will receive leather interior trim. The interior colours have not yet been fully disclosed, and it is reliably known about the black, brown and grey options.
Finally, consider the driver’s seat of the electric Ford F-150 Lightning. The manufacturer will install a digital instrument panel based on a 12 ″ colour display starting with the basic equipment. In this case, the display will be sealed, which means that moisture will not spoil its performance in any way. In addition to the standard arrangement of devices, the driver is offered to arrange the elements at his discretion.
They decided not to modify the steering wheel, just taking it from a regular F-150. The steering wheel, although it looks rough, is nevertheless a nice bonus for a pickup. Three spokes, two of which are reserved for function buttons, the ability to adjust in height and reach, a comfortable fit in the hands and no unnecessary details. In total, the interior of the new Ford F-150 Lightning 2021 turned out to be modern, while it managed to retain its recognizable appearance and did not lose reliability in case of operation under challenging conditions.
Specifications Ford F-150 Lightning 2021
Special attention should be paid to the technical characteristics of the electric pickup Ford F-150 Lightning 2021. While the manufacturer does not disclose all the details, but still there is something to talk about. As standard, the electric pickup has two electric motors, an all-wheel-drive system and a powerful battery.
The frame of the new pickup is made of sturdy steel that has never been used before. The body is also now made of military-grade aluminium. In addition, tests of the Ford F-150 Lightning are now carried out using the Built Ford Tough system, similar to that of all F-series trucks, with heavy loads and unpredictable road situations. Given the purpose of the pickup, the manufacturer placed the battery in a waterproof case and protected it from below with steel plates. The battery of the pickup truck has been tested under extreme conditions at minus 40 degrees Celsius.
A lot of information about the technical characteristics of the F-150 Lightning 2021 has not yet been disclosed. In the basic version, the total power of the two electric motors will be 432 hp. and 1051 Nm of torque in the basic understanding. This is quite enough to drive 370 km on a fully charged battery. At the same time, the approximate battery capacity is 90 kWh.
A modification of a higher class will be able to travel 480 km of track, and the total power of the electric motors will be 571 hp, while the torque will remain the same. If in the first version the carrying capacity of the pickup was 907 kg, then the more powerful version will be able to lift only 816 kg on board.
But here, the plus will be in the towed cargo, the weaker modification will pull 3.5 tons, and the more effective change will be able to remove the trailer weighing 4.5 tons. Charging the battery from 15% to 80% using Quick Charge will take approximately 41 minutes. In the case of using a usual household outlet, it will take 8-14 hours to charge up to 100%. The manufacturer will reveal more information closer to the start of sales of the electric pickup truck.
Safety and comfort systems
The highlight of the Ford F-150 Lightning 2021 pickup can be considered electronics, modern comfort and safety systems. Onboard the novelty, the manufacturer, for the first time, installed an autopilot at the time of operation, of which you do not need to keep your hands on the steering wheel. The main advantage and progress for electric cars is an external power supply system PPO (Pro Power Onboard).
In other words, a pickup can both charge and give off electricity. This is quite enough to power a private house for three days, with the condition of consumption of no more than 30 kW * h per day, or up to 10 days in an economical mode of use (calculations are made for a high-power battery). Also, due to the presence of sockets, electrical appliances or construction power tools can be connected to the onboard network of the Ford F-150 Lightning.
The power output of such a system in the base pickup configuration will be 2.4 kW, but in the Lariat and Platinum trim levels, it will grow to 9.6 kW.
The highlight of the Ford F-150 Lightning 2021 pickup can be considered electronics, modern comfort and safety systems. Onboard the novelty, the manufacturer, for the first time, installed an autopilot at the time of operation, of which you do not need to keep your hands on the steering wheel. The main advantage and progress for electric cars is an external power supply system PPO (Pro Power Onboard).
In other words, a pickup can both charge and give off electricity. This is quite enough to power a private house for three days, with the condition of consumption of no more than 30 kW * h per day, or up to 10 days in an economical mode of use (calculations are made for a high-power battery). Also, due to the presence of sockets, electrical appliances or construction power tools can be connected to the onboard network of the Ford F-150 Lightning.
The power output of such a system in the base pickup configuration will be 2.4 kW, but in the Lariat and Platinum trim levels, it will grow to 9.6 kW.
In addition to the above, onboard the new Ford F-150 Lightning 2021 is installed:
- airbag package
- safety curtains
- all-round visibility system
- cargo towing assistance system
- trailer stabilization system
- remote control
- autopilot
- parking assistance system with a trailer
- autonomous parking mechanism
- LED lighting around the outer perimeter of the pickup
- digital instrument panel
- 15.5 ″ multimedia display
- wireless charger
- USB ports
- sockets for 12V and 220V
- PPO system
- 4G mobile communications
- navigation maps
- monitoring of the driver’s condition
- software update over the air
- Wi-Fi hotspot.
Another problem that they still tried to solve is calculating the actual data of the power supply. It is no secret that the calculation system gives approximate and sometimes very erroneous data in many electric cars. Usually, the additional load of the electric vehicle, the towed trailer, weather conditions and even the air temperature overboard, which plays a vital role in the battery’s capacity, is not taken into account.
According to engineers, Ford F-150 Lightning, the new pickup truck, was equipped with sensors, sensors and even electronic scales. The latter, in real-time, help to assess the load and change in the total weight of the electric vehicle, thereby giving a more realistic picture to the calculation.
Pickup package
Ford’s new F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck has truly made unprecedented advances in electric vehicles. New technologies, the continued reliability of a Ford pickup with an internal combustion engine, as well as a vast field for further progress and development. It is possible that based on existing technologies, the manufacturer will offer innovations, and they can appear simply by updating the software.
