The zero-emissions, all electric future is closer than ever as Ford Unveils its F-150 Lightning.
It started with the MACH-E, a throw down from the blue oval: What if THE iconic pony car, the car that STILL gets hearts beating to the thrum of an engine, let go of the internal combustion powerplant in general? What if the Mustang went electric? Today, that bold move seems like old news. Because Ford doubled down, announcing in early May that the “Lightning” name was going to be revived as the Ford F150 Lightning, an electric F series truck in Ford’s push for zero-emissions vehicles for their flag pole products – Mustang, Transit, and F-150.
Not wasting anytime after the tease, Ford unveiled the F-150 Lightning on Wednesday May 19, 2021, showcase a powerhouse of performance and style.
“For both Ford and the American auto industry, F-150 Lightning represents a defining moment as we progress toward a zero-emissions, digitally connected future,” said Bill Ford, executive chair, Ford Motor Company. “F-Series is America’s best-selling truck for 44 years, the backbone of work across the country, and a trusted icon for generations of customers. Now we are revolutionizing it for a new generation.”
Ford released specs on the Lightning to an eager audience. The F150 Lightning is made of high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy body, and will feature a new independent rear suspension, plus an all-new frame which 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. It also delivers a targeted 563 horsepower and 775 lb.-ft. of torque, a hightech frunk, and a slew of technology, including the ability to power your home if needed (something Texas-truck owners definitely can appreciate after this winter’s freeze).
Connected features, updatable by over-the-air software, include the FordPass app which provides seamless access to charging stations and remote vehicle controls; BlueCruise for hands-free driving on the highway; and enhanced Pro Power Onboard which can power job sites or campsites. Ford Intelligent Backup Power will debut on the F-150 Lightning. This feature allows users to offload 9.6 kilowatts of power, which will keeps the lights on during an outage while providing security by powering home appliances, security systems and more.
“Whether sheltering during a storm or trying to stay safe in a heat wave, customers can now use their truck to give themselves power when they need it most,” said Ryan O’Gorman, electric vehicle manager, Strategic Partnerships. “F-150 Lightning is built for seamless transitions between charging your vehicle and powering your house when needed– and Ford is the first in the U.S. to offer this capability on an electric truck.”
The truck is also ready to go off-road. A 4×4 system features four selectable drive modes: Normal,
Sport, Off Road and Tow/Haul. The battery is secured inside waterproof casing surrounded by crash-absorption protection with metal skid plates shielding both the battery and inboard motors from tough terrain. The whole thing has been tested up to minus 40 degrees.
All of this power and performance is great, but meaningless if the electric vehicle runs out of juice. According to Ford, “On a 150-kilowatt DC fast charger, extended-range F-150 Lightning is targeted to get up to 54 miles of range in 10 minutes and charge from 15% to 80% percent in about 41 minutes.” This is supplemented externally by the FordPass charging network, and FordPass Power My Trip, which identifies charging stations along a route. Internally, Intelligent Range calculates range while
factoring in weather, traffic, payload, towing weights and more.
The entry-level versions starts $39,974 MSRP, while the mid-series XLT model starts at $52,974 MSRP, offering additional comfort and technology.
What’s the range in miles on a charge?
Ford has a better idea…? Don’t think so. This is a bunch of BS to make the feel good greenies happy. Where and how do they think the charging stations get their power from? Mars??