Ford Motor Company has debuted the F-150 Lightning, the Blue Oval brand’s first all-electric pick-up it bills “the truck of the future”. Said the US manufacturer, “the F-150 Lightning is the smartest, most innovative truck [we’ve] ever built … [the] F-150 Lightning is a driving and ownership experience unlike any other”.
Producing 420 kW and 1 051 N.m of “near instantaneous” torque from a dual electric motor setup, the F-150 Lighting, Ford says, is the most powerful F-150 ever and, as a result, is quicker than the F-150 Raptor. According to Ford, the F-150 lightning bolts from zero to 96 km/h in the mid-4,0-second range when equipped with an extended-range battery.
The emissions-free F-150 is equipped by Ford’s next-generation lithium-ion battery. Fully charged, the standard-range battery pack is capable of providing an EPA-estimated electric range of 370 km. The extended-range battery, meanwhile allows for a range of up to 483 km.
The front boot, Ford says, can be used as a generator (Ford bills it the “power frunk”) and provided “enough juice to power [a] house for three days.”
The F-150 Lightning’s body is milled from high-strength, military-grade aluminium alloy while the all-new frame uses the strongest steel ever put in an F-150. Equipped with a new 4×4 independent rear suspension setup, Ford says the F-150 Lightning delivers improved ride comfort and 4×4 capability.
“Building on the strength of the existing F-150 design DNA”, the F-150 Lightning’s most discernible exterior design features are the front and rear LED lightbars. Three new grille designs, Ford says, “bring a bold new look to a familiar face”.
Inside, a 15,5-inch portrait display takes centre stage. Incorporating Ford’s Sync4A infotainment software, the touchscreen is designed to adapt to driver behaviour. The system provided wireless access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa and cloud-connected satellite navigation. Elevating the digital experience, the all-electric pick-up is fitted with a fully customisable 12-inch driver’s display. A “truck of the future”, the F-150 Lightning is available with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 technology and BlueCruise, which allows for “true” hands-free driving.
The F-150 Lightning will be produced at Ford’s new high-tech factory in Dearborn just outside of Detroit, Michigan. Ford says the Lightning will be manufactured using sustainable practices.
