Ford Unveils Electric Pickup Truck

Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck is priced below $40,000, yet proposes to offer 10,000 pounds towing capacity, 563 horsepower, 775 lb.-ft. of torque, 2,000 pounds of payload capacity, and a 0-60 mph time in the mid-4-second range when equipped with an extended-range battery.

Trucks will not be available until 2022, but the company is “targeting” those specifications.

The truck also can provide power to “an entire home” and be used to power tools and other needs on a jobsite, according to Ford. A lockable “power frunk” located under the hood can provide up to 2.3 kilowatts, and outlets in the cab and the bed can source up to 7.2 additional kilowatts. Ford calls the feature Ford Intelligent Backup Power.

“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 Co., in a prepared statement. “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 will deploy standard over-the-air software updates to improve the technology experience, add new features, and fix issues without trips to the dealership.

The commercial-oriented entry model starts at $39,974 MSRP before any federal or state tax credits.

“We’re not here to make an electric truck for the few—Ford is committed to building one that solves real problems for real people,” said Kumar Galhotra, Ford president, Americas and International Markets Group, in a statement. “F-150 Lightning delivers everything we’ve said electric vehicles can offer, plus the capability expected from a Built Ford Tough truck—not just near instant torque but powerful towing and hauling customers can depend on.”

Technology on Lightning F-150

As part of available Ford Co-Pilot360 technology, BlueCruise allows for true hands-free driving on more than 100,000 miles of pre-qualified divided highways in the U.S. and Canada.

Onboard Scales 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 it can go. F-150 Lightning debuts available Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, which automatically controls steering, throttle and brake inputs to make hitching trailers even easier.

Also 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.

The F-150 Lightning in the Lariat and Platinum series has SYNC 4A, an interface supported by a 15.5-inch touch screen and designed to adapt to driver behavior. SYNC 4A employs natural voice control, cloud-connected navigation, and wireless access to services such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and others.

The 12-inch instrument cluster features a customizable interface that instills confidence by naturally surfacing key information. Animated graphics smoothly relay how the vehicle is performing in hands-free highway driving mode or how well you’re bringing power back to your vehicle through regenerative braking, seamlessly providing relevant information as needed.

See the promotional video here.

Lightning F-150 as power source

With enhanced Pro Power Onboard, customers can take advantage of built-in electrical outlets to directly power a variety of tools and electronics. 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.

Customers receive a FordPass notification if their truck’s battery falls below one-third of its total range, and they can even set the truck to stop using Pro Power Onboard if the battery level approaches the distance to the nearest charging station.

The Lightning Frunk

Under the hood is a versatile, high-tech mega power frunk offering dedicated storage space that’s secure, lockable, and easily accessible by a powered open and close system. The frunk will hold 400 liters of volume and 400 pounds of payload. The 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. It can easily power a mobile work site, according to Ford, including power tools, laptops, and more.

The military-grade aluminum alloy body and upgraded frame support the advanced battery, while the first F-Series independent rear suspension and low center of gravity help improve isolation from the road, provide a more stable ride, and reduce steering roll.

F-150 Lightning has a 4x4 system featuring four selectable drive modes: Normal, Sport, Off Road, and Tow/Haul. Rugged underbody protection keeps the battery safe, with metal skid plates shielding both the battery and inboard motors from tough terrain. The battery itself is secured inside waterproof casing surrounded by crash-absorption protection and has been tested at temperatures as extreme as minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure Lightning can perform when needed most.

Ford F-150 Lightning will be available in four series and two battery options at more than 2,300 EV-certified Ford dealers across the country, with the option for fleet customers to access Ford’s complete ecosystem of connected data and telematics services via Ford Commercial Solutions.