The rate at which technology advances within the automotive industry is nothing short of remarkable. This is particularly true when it comes to the growing capability of the all-electric powertrain. It seems like it was only yesterday when electric vehicles (EVs) were limited to minuscule sedans and compact cars that were highly effective at bypassing the pump but not known for high-performance levels. Thankfully, things have changed, and larger batteries and electric motors are now showing that EVs can be just as capable of performance and versatility as their gasoline and diesel-fueled counterparts.
Take, for instance, the 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning. Ford is certainly no stranger to the world of the pickup truck. After all, they’re the ones who established the vehicle as a viable instrument for the working world and, since the 1970s, have dominated the landscape thanks to the power and precision of the F-150. So, what happens when the brand most associated with manufacturing the most versatile pickups in existence applies EV technology to their designs? You get a vehicle that surpasses all expectations and delivers technology to the masses that eliminates the need for fossil fuel and demonstrates how the industry is becoming more environmentally conscious regarding its offerings. Today, let’s take a look at the 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning and how it has continued to change the game since its debut in 2022.
Starting MSRP: Est. $57,090 [a]
Torque (lb-ft): 775
Max. Towing (lbs): 10,000
Max. Range (mi.): 320
Ford beat its biggest rivals to the punch when the Lightning made its iconic debut. Two full years before the Chevy Silverado EV, there are still questions as to when Ram plans to unveil their all-electric truck. In fact, Ford’s dedication to their customers is such that the Lightning’s starting MSRP of $57,090 is much lower than those of the EV Silverado and Rivian R1T.[a] As you’ll soon see, the low price doesn’t mean sacrificing performance by any means, as Ford once again makes a break for the finish line in offering top-tier quality.
All trim levels of the F-150 Lightning come with a setup that proves more capable than some gasoline-powered V8s. This consists of two electric motors and AWD. Two different battery setups determine horsepower, with the standard pack allowing for 452 hp and the larger setup raising the stakes to 580 hp. Both setups can produce 775 lb-ft of torque with minimal difficulty. If that weren’t enough, the Lightning lives up to its name as it can travel from 0 to 60 mph in a mere four seconds, demonstrating a level of performance that overpowers any doubts about the efficiency of an all-electric pickup.
Testing conducted by Car and Driver Magazine also spoke highly of the vehicle’s handling. Despite being a different entity from the other F-150s in Ford’s fleet, the vehicle handles just like its counterparts do. The Lightning features a few distinct advantages over its siblings, such as a lower center of gravity for better control on the road and an independent rear suspension that replaces the rear axle on conventional models.
Some might be skeptical about the towing and payload performance of an all-electric vehicle. In fact, some insist that gasoline and petrol are essential for the workplace. However, Ford once again proves its adeptness at crafting the most reliable workhorses that continue to surpass any expectations. When properly equipped, the Lightning can pull 10,000 lbs with minimal effort, and a maximum payload of 2,235 lbs is more than enough for the working world or those who enjoy trailering as a way of life.
The one aspect of any EV that appeals to drivers is the prospect of never having to worry about trips to the gas station ever again. The price of fuel is something that drivers have been wrestling with since the early days, and in the modern era, it only seems to be more unpredictable in the ways it fluctuates. In the past, drivers who were in the market for a pickup truck might not have thought of fuel economy as a priority, as the vehicle has typically been favored among those who tow, haul, and enjoy off-roading pursuits. Now that you know the capabilities of performance and how they can benefit the working world, it’s time to look at the peak efficiency that the 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning has to offer.
When it comes to how far you can travel when the Lightning is fully charged, it varies depending on the battery pack you decide to equip. The standard 98.0 kWh pack will allow for a range of 230 miles on a full charge. If you plan to drive longer distances between charging at home or a station, the larger 131.0-kWh allows for 320 miles. Aside from having the ability to charge relatively quickly, the Lightning can serve as a backup generator for when power goes out. Car and Driver Magazine has reported that this level of power can supply an average family household for a period of three days. Once again, Ford shows its ingenuity in facilitating a better product for its customers.
At the time of this publication, EPA estimates have not been released as to the F-150 Lightning’s capacity to save money. That said, going by the ratings for the previous model year, the capacity to eliminate fuel costs is nothing short of remarkable. While driving habits and frequency of operation will certainly be determining factors in how often you’ll need to charge up, the estimated savings provided by the EPA are as follows. It was expected that savings in fuel costs over a five-year period range from $2,500 to $2,750 when compared to the average median of a new vehicle. Numbers don’t lie, and this efficiency shatters the mold and any lingering expectations. It should also be noted that the purchase of the 2024 F-50 Lightning qualifies you for a rebate when it comes time to file your income taxes.
It was mentioned earlier how quickly technology can develop within the automotive industry. The capability of the Lightning is certainly an impressive leap forward in terms of technology, but it doesn’t end there. Ford has equipped the Lightning with a vast array of technology in terms of entertainment and driving assistance features.
It all begins with the interior, which happens to be anchored by a 12-inch infotainment screen. This is equipped with Ford’s comprehensive software system known as Sync 4, providing compatibility with Apple and Android products, and will also receive over-the-air updates to ensure you always have the latest version at your fingertips. Upper trims have an even larger screen that measures past 15 inches and has a Wi-Fi hotspot and navigation. For the audiophile, two high-end stereo systems from the experts at Bang & Olufsen are available. One has 8 speakers, and the other has 18.
For the driver who’s concerned with having a safe driving experience, you can rest easy knowing that Ford has maintained its due diligence in providing a safe vehicle with plenty of features. First and foremost, the Lightning was awarded a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in collision testing, which further cemented Ford’s reputation for ensuring quality and craftsmanship in the vehicles they manufacture.
The Lightning also comes standard with a host of various driving assistance features, which are essential in preserving reaction time and providing additional oversight when you’re behind the wheel. Among these are Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking and a Lane-Keeping System. For those who are looking to maximize the full potential of what Ford has to offer, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control is an available feature. Another available upgrade is Ford’s semi-autonomous hands-free driving mode known as BlueCruise, which covers thousands of miles of roads all over North America. If you’re looking to go on that long-awaited road trip, both of these features can be instrumental in the reduction of driver fatigue.
In a world where the EV continues to awe and inspire, Ford is leading the charge with a host of vehicles that are changing the way drivers think of the industry as a whole. The 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning is a masterclass in elevating performance and capability and pairing them both with an all-electric powertrain that is not only environmentally responsible but also allows drivers to circumvent high gas prices for good. The future is now, and Ford is guiding us forward.
If you’ve been sitting on the fence about whether or not you want to go electric, the team at Faith’s Ford can assist you in getting behind the wheel of the Lightning or any of the other EV offerings that Ford is bringing to the table. Aside from having the perfect selection of vehicles to choose from, they also offer financing for those who need it and a parts and service department to keep your Ford vehicle on the road and running for several years to come. Come in today, and they’ll help you get behind the wheel of this exciting addition to the iconic Ford truck lineup.