The pickup truck has been around since 1925. The factory-built Model T Runabout quickly became the nation’s top delivery vehicle thanks to Henry Ford. So, we shouldn’t be surprised to find Ford leading the way in today’s electric truck revolution with the 2024 F-150 Lightning. There’s a lot to like and learn about the innovative Ford Lightning electric vehicle (EV), and we’re here to help.
Introduction to the 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning
As the last vehicle segment to enter the all-electric category, the Lightning pickup is part revolution and part evolution. Ford took decades of dominance and applied it to the Lightning EV, and it shows.
The buzz surrounding the 2024 model has the automotive industry atwitter. Slipping inside the cabin, you wouldn’t know you’re in an EV, just another F-150. When driving one, you’ll see the significant difference an electric powertrain has on a truck.
Electric Engine Specifications
The 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning doesn’t have an engine. Instead, it relies on two electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack to propel it. A standard 98 kWh battery comes with three of the four models. The top Lightning Flash and Platinum trims have a 131 kWh extended-range battery. You can opt for the extended-range battery on the XLT and Lariat models.
Performance and Range
You get electric all-wheel drive with a motor dedicated to each axle. Lightning models with the standard 98 kWh battery have a 230-mile driving range on a full charge. Opting for the 131 kWh battery increases your driving range to 320 miles.
The EPA rated the standard-range models at 76 MPGe in the city and 61 MPGe on the highway. Extended-range trims improve to 78 MPGe around town and 63 MPGe on the freeway.
Extended-range Lightning trims have a 10,000-pound towing capacity and a 1,800-pound payload capacity. While that falls short of its gas-powered sibling’s 13,500-pound rating, it’s sufficient for most people’s hauling needs.
Using the standard-range powertrain, your towing drops to 7,700 pounds. However, your payload capacity increases to 2,000 pounds. Every Ford F-150 Lightning has a large front trunk, now popularly called a frunk, that holds 400 pounds of gear.
You should know that EV towing drains the battery more quickly. Less juice means less driving range. Independent test results vary, but most experts agree you can tow the average trailer 100 miles or more on a full charge. If you have questions, visit our service center, and one of our EV experts will help.
Charging Options and Infrastructure
You can recharge at home using 110-volt or 220-volt outlets. On the go, your Lightning can use DC fast charging outlets to recharge. Ford claims you can charge from 15% to 80% in 44 minutes with DC fast charging. That translates to 54 miles of range every 10 minutes.
As a Lightning owner, you have access to the BlueOval Charge Network, North America’s largest public charging network. As a Ford EV owner, you have lifetime usage with no annual fee when using this network. The growing network has over 106,000 charging stations and 10,200 DC fast-charging stations.
The BlueOval Charge Network is a network of networks. You can charge at any Francis Energy, Red E, Shell Sky, Tesla, Blink, Electrify America, Shell Recharge Solutions, ChargePoint, EVgo, EV Connect, FLO, Electric Circuit, and Ford Charge network.
Using the FordPass Power My Trip feature, you can effectively plan your route based on your current charge level and get help finding charging stations in real time.
New Lightning owners receive 250 kWh of complimentary charging at any Electrify America charging station. Once you surpass your free charging, Ford’s Plug and Charge technology makes paying for charging easier, instantly recognizing your truck and automatically billing your credit card on file.
Customization and Trim Levels
Ford makes its 2024 F-150 Lightning pickup in five trim levels. You have several options when custom-ordering your Lightning. You can add the extended-range battery to the XLT and Lariat models. The Platinum trim has a special Black edition that adds black-out exterior features, including matte-black exterior paint, dark 22-inch alloy wheels, a black grille, and trim-exclusive black badging.
A 12-inch touch screen comes standard on the lower trims. Higher models have a 15.5-inch touch screen that Ford makes available on the lower trims. Audio options include two Bang & Olufsen premium systems with eight or 18 speakers.
You can add the new BlueCruise semi-autonomous driving system depending on your model. The Flash, Platinum, and Platinum Black trims have this feature as standard. No matter which trim or option package you choose, our finance center can create a deal to fit your lifestyle and budget.
Technology and Innovations
The Lightning doesn’t just use electricity; it produces it. Ford’s ProPower Onboard Generator lets you use your battery to power other equipment. Now, the ProPower system starts when you unlock your Lightning instead of needing to start the truck in previous editions.
And older models have this ability, too, thanks to Ford’s over-the-air updates. Thanks to this innovative technology, you can expect the same new features from next year’s models to trickle down to your 2024 model.
Ford designed the Lightning as a backup generator that can power your home. A fully charged Lightning battery can power the average household for up to three days during a power outage.
Comparison With Competitors
Ford Lightning’s competition includes the Rivian R1T. The R1T comes in a smaller package, which means less interior space and a lower payload rating. Inside, the R1T lacks the fit and finish of the Lightning.
The GMC HUMMER EV competes with the Lightning because it’s an electrified truck. In actual fact, the HUMMER is an extreme off-road vehicle you can legally drive on the road. The HUMMER EV exceeds 9,000 pounds, making its 300-mile-topping range impressive. However, the Lightning’s more comprehensive range of options and lower price make it much more sensible.
Against its gas-powered F-150 sibling, you get the same packaging. If you aren’t ready to switch to an EV truck, the regular F-150 ranks at the top of nearly every independent review. And you can find hybrid variants of the F-150 that will help ease your transition.
Test-Drive the New F-150 Lightning
The F-150 Lightning offers future-forward power in a stylish, capable package. If you’re ready to elevate your commute in Selma, California, with a powerful Lightning pickup, we invite you to shop our virtual inventory. You can always visit our Highland Avenue showroom and speak with an EV expert. They’ll answer your questions and let you test-drive your preferred model.
Ford Lightning by Julian Heidt is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED
