The F-150 Lightning pickup received an estimated range of up to 320 miles from the Environmental Protection Agency on Monday. This estimate is for the XLT, Lariat and Pro trim levels with the 131-kWh battery and is higher than Ford’s 300-mile target. Meanwhile, the standard models received an estimate of 230 miles with the 98-kWh battery pack. “That’s 20 more miles than our initial target for ER.” Said Ford CEO Jim Farley, “Congrats to Ford engineers who keep making the F150 Lightning even better!”
Using a 150-kW DC fast-charger, Ford indicated the Lightning charges from 15% to 80% capacity in 41 – 44 minutes. With an 80-amp Level 2 charger the Lightning recovers up to 30 miles of range per hour. Additionally, the Lightning is one of the first vehicles to offer vehicle-to-vehicle charging with its bi-directional charging capability. And like other F-150 models, it can provide backup power for home use. All you need are the right options and compatible home hookups.
The 320-mile range places the Lightning above the Rivian R1T with its estimated range of 314 miles, but less than the 329 miles of estimated range for the GMC Hummer EV. Meanwhile, the Tesla Cybertruck with its planned range of 300+ miles has yet to materialize out of cyberspace and maybe has a 2023 launch date. Until then, it’s a three-way race, assuming both the Rivian and Hummer trucks launch later this year.
Ford expects to begin production of the F-150 Lightning shortly, with deliveries starting this spring. The base F-150 Lightning starts at about $40,000, while high-end models will top out at around $90,000. Earlier this year, Green Car Reports got a first look at the Lightning’s initial quality and performance. They remarked about the quietness and the smoothness of the ride.
Unlike its competitors, the F-150 Lightning caters to tradespeople and people who use their trucks for commercial use. Ford retained the F-150’s body-on-frame layout, appearance, and dimensions for this reason. The inside is familiar to anyone who’s owned a recent F-Series truck. The only significant differences are Ford’s Mega Power Frunk as well as different trim and lighting. Otherwise, all of the features and functionality that make it America’s number one selling truck are there. And with all these things, the Lightning is shaping up to be everything we hoped for and more.
Photos: Ford Motor Company
Source: Ford Truck Enthusiasts
