Ford Reveals F-150 Lightning
Ford has revealed the all-electric F-150 Lightning, which will roll off the line next year.
“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.”
F-150 Lightning is a pillar of the company’s more than $22 billion global electric vehicle plan to lead electrification in areas of strength, the company said, and is starting with zero-emissions versions of its most popular models like the Mustang, Transit and F-150.
The electric platform unlocks new capabilities, Ford says, such as enough energy to power an entire home and a lockable frunk with power and charging capabilities to spare. Ford will deploy standard over-the-air software updates – called Ford Power-Up – to improve the technology experience, add new features and fix issues without trips to the dealership.
The commercial-oriented entry model will start at $39,974 MSRP before any federal or state tax credits, while the mid-series XLT model will start at $52,974 MSRP.
“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, 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. “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.”
F-150 Lightning targets 563 horsepower, 775 lb.-ft. of torque – more than any F-150 ever – and a 0-60 mph time in the mid-4-second range when equipped with an extended-range battery, the company said. F-150 Lightning targets a maximum 2,000 pounds of payload in the standard-range model with 18-inch wheels, and a maximum 10,000 pounds of available towing capacity on XLT and Lariat trucks with the extended-range battery and Max Trailer Tow Package.
As part of available Ford Co-Pilot360 technology, the pickup is equipped with BlueCruise, which allows for true hands-free driving on more than 100,000 miles of pre-qualified divided highways in the U.S. and Canada with more Hands-Free Blue Zones to come in the future, Ford said.
The truck also features “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, the automaker said. F-150 Lightning debuts available Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, which automatically controls steering, throttle and brake inputs when hitching trailers.
Also making its F-Series debut on select vehicles is available Phone As A Key. When activated, this allows customers to lock, unlock and start their truck without taking their phone out of their pocket or using a key fob.
Over-the-air Ford Power-Up software updates can help improve the performance of F-150 Lightning, deliver quality upgrades, update existing features and add all-new functions and capabilities. The majority of updates will be completed in under two minutes and whenever the customer chooses, Ford said.
Debuting on F-150 Lightning is available Ford Intelligent Backup Power, turning your truck into the a power source for your home. With the ability to offload 9.6 kilowatts of power, Ford Intelligent Backup Power can keep the lights on during an outage while providing security by powering home appliances, security systems and more.
The pickup also features Pro Power Onboard, built-in electrical outlets that can directly power a variety of tools, electronics and appliances. Standard on base trims is 2.4 kilowatts of power with the option for more, while Lariat and Platinum series come standard with 9.6 kilowatts of power – a combination of up to 2.4 kilowatts available through the frunk and up to 7.2 kilowatts through outlets in the cab and bed.
Under the hood is a frunk offering dedicated storage space that’s secure, lockable and accessible by a powered open and close system. This area targets 400 liters of volume and 400 pounds of payload – enough to stow two carry-on bags and one checked bag, or two sets of golf clubs.
Designed with bumper-height clearance, this water-resistant space comes equipped with four electrical outlets, two USB chargers and a drainable floor that can double as a food and beverage container. With 2.4 kilowatts of power, there’s enough capability to plug in power tools, TVs, laptops, speakers, crockpots and more, Ford said.
