YARMOUTH PORT, Mass. – Ford offers more variants of its best-selling F-Series trucks than can be detailed here, but for those wanting to get the most fuel-efficient, environmentally sound version, the battery-electric F-150 Lightning introduced in 2022 remains the one to choose.
Quicker off the line than all but the 720-horsepower Raptor R (which went 0-60 miles per hour in 3.6 seconds in Car and Driver testing), the EV pickup is also the most energy efficient, saving, according to federal Environmental Protection Agency figures, more than $4,000 in fuel costs over a five-year period.
And the Lightning, like the 2024 Lariat model I recently drove, can do this while still having all the interior and bed space of a four-door, five-passenger F-150 4X4 Supercrew with 145-inch wheelbase. Actually, thanks to the 14.1 cubic-feet (400 liters) of additional frunk space under the hood where the engine would normally go, the Lightning has even more cargo room than similarly sized units.
Twin motors and extended-range battery supply the motivation
All Lightning models feature two inboard three-phase fixed-magnet AC motors in an all-wheel-drive setup. The Lariat includes the extended-range battery which allows the motors to achieve 580 horsepower and 775 pounds-feet of torque. This translates to hyper-car performance of 4 seconds from 0-60 (according to Car and Driver).
The lithium-ion pouch with internal battery management, liquid cooled battery system is rated at 131 kWh of useful energy which translates into a 320-mile predicted range in normal driving conditions. On a 150 kw DFC fast charger (Level 3), the Lightning’s battery can be charged from 15 to 80 percent in 41 minutes. A Level 2, like the Autel MaxiCharger AC Wallbox Home unit in my garage, can replenish the battery in 13 hours to 100 percent.
These figures compare very favorably with smaller, lighter EVs, making the Lightning one of the more dependable electric transports. And even so, it retains pickup-truck qualities like the ability to tow a trailer of up to 7,700 pounds or handle cargo of up to 1,952 pounds (though maximizing these will reduce range). Versatility remains a hallmark of this F-Series example.
Platform is all F-Series
Ford’s developers decided the basic F-150 platform performed the way a full-size pickup should, so it adopted an EV powertrain to the world’s best-selling pickup-truck architecture.
The suspension setup included independent double-wishbones with coil-over shocks, stabilizer bar with heavy-duty gas pressurized monotube shocks up front, while in the rear Independent semi-trailing arms, coil springs, stabilizer bar with heavy-duty gas pressurized twin tube shocks do the work.
A brake-by-wire (BBW) system in which electronic connection between the brake-pedal mechanism and the hydraulics operate the friction brakes includes vented rotors front (14 inches) and rear (13 inches). The BBW system allows for smooth integration with the F-150 Lightning’s regenerative-braking system, a system which allows for one-pedal driving (very effective in the Lightning!) and even incorporates a Brake Coach which lets the driver know just how much kinetic energy has been recaptured and returned to the battery as electrical energy.
The friction brakes operate within 20-inch Dark Carbonized Gray aluminum wheels wearing 275/60R20 black-sidewall all-season tires.
The suspension does its job with quiet efficiency. The ride with an empty bed is controlled and comfortable, without the jarring shakes many empty pickups exhibit over even mildly uneven road surfaces. Passenger comfort rivals even the best of the large SUVs on the market.
ADAS makes maneuvering the large vehicle manageable
Ford equipped the F-150 Lightning Lariat with an extensive roster of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) which makes for safer, less worrisome driving, especially for someone – like me – who does not regularly pilot a vehicle of this size (232.7-inches long, 96-inches wide, including the mirrors, 78.3-inches high) and weight (6,893 pounds).
The ADAS, under the FORD CO-PILOT360® umbrella included Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (includes Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning and Dynamic Brake Support); BLIS® with Cross-Traffic Alert, with Trailer Coverage; Lane-Keeping System (includes Lane-Keeping Alert, Lane-Keeping Aid and Driver Alert); Rear-View Camera;
Auto High Beam headlamps; Reverse Sensing System; Reverse Brake Assist, and Post-Collision Braking.
In addition, the Lariat variant brings Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist 2.0 – Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Lane Centering and Speed-Sign Recognition, Evasive-Steering Assist and Intersection Assist.
Inside ample room for five in comfort
I remain amazed at the vast interior space of Ford’s full-size pickups with Supercrew cabs. The three passengers in the second row have a wide bench and huge amount of legroom. Up front, the seats are heated, ventilated and power adjusted (the driver’s with three-person memory which includes the power-adjustable steering wheel and pedals).
The automatic two-zone climate control system is simple to use and quite effective.
Most prominent in the Lariat’s interior is the 15.5-inch tablet-oriented color LCD touchscreen in the center of the dashboard. The heart of the SyncÒ4A infotainment with enhanced voice-recognition system, standard navigation with EV-charger-search capabilities, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an eight-speaker with subwoofer Bang and Olufsen audio system.
Cupholders fill the center console, which can convert into a flat work surface (the transmission selector retracts into the console to clear the way) and the door panels, which are filled with multi-level bins and compartments. Speaking of compartments, there are two enclosed ones in the dash in front of the front passenger seat, one of which is lockable.
The 2024 (as well as the 2022-2025) Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat is a terrific place in which to travel. The silence of an EV seems even quieter in a pickup truck, where noise is more prominent than passenger vehicles. The ride is well controlled, and the seats are firm in a good way. Spending time in the Lightning can be quite enjoyable.
The Lightning family offers choice
The Lightning range has grown and matured since its 2022 introduction without major price increases. EV pickup buyers who want the legacy of F-150 qualities can choose from eight trim levels, all with all-wheel drive, ranging from the $49,995 Pro to $91,995 for the Platinum.
The Lariat carries a base price of $76,995 for 2024 and remains the same for 2025 (without any significant changes to the truck in the new year). The review unit added the Pro Power Onboard package ($1,200), which could provide electric power as a generator system; a retractable tonneau cover ($2,200); Max Trailer Tow Package ($1,100); mobile power cord ($500); spray-in bedliner ($595), and Ford Blue Cruise self-driving system ($2,100 for three-year subscription). This brought the EV truck’s total, with $2,095 destination & delivery charge, to $86,785. This is a lot of money, but not out of line within the top end of the full-size pickup market where models can easily pass the $100,000 mark. There is a lot of thoroughly modern truck in a very established Ford F-Series package, worthy of consideration by anyone in the market for a modern iteration on the very-American icon – the large pickup
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