In 2021, Ford announced that it was investing in an electric future. While Ford has a long history of attempting to bring electric vehicles into the conversation, this time, it seems to be sticking. Just a year later, in 2022, Ford introduced us to its newest all-electric vehicle, the long-standing classic truck, the Ford F-150. The all-electric version is the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning. It’s affordable, produces zero emissions, and, depending on the battery pack you choose, can go just above 300 miles per charge. As the world moves from fossil fuels to more eco-friendly options, electric vehicles will become more widely available, and Ford aims to be one of the leaders in that transition and has been investing in the electric vehicle movement in order to do so.
The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning is poised to join the other F-150s as Ford’s most popular pickup, and with its excellent performance, already built-in popularity, and the reputation of Ford behind it, we think it is quickly going to become one of the most common electric vehicles not only on the market but on the road. Of course, with so much interest surrounding the newest addition to the Ford lineup, we thought it might help to take a look at three of the most important areas of the F-150 Lightning: the charging process and how it works, the technology included in various trim levels, and the truck’s capacity for hauling and towing. Take a look and see just how incredible the Lightning promises to be, and then let us know which F-150 Lightning you want to take home.
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Some people tend to think that charging is self-explanatory, but since there are plenty of different types of batteries, chargers, stations, etc., we thought we’d take a moment to explore what the F-150 Lightning has in common with other electric vehicles and what sets it apart as an exclusively Ford product.
Similarities between the F-150 pickup and other electric vehicles are the banishment of gas engines and the inclusion of electric motors. The Lightning truck has two different powertrains to choose from––the regular two-motor setup, which, when combined, has a horsepower rating of 452, but the second two-motor setup, the Extended Range, has 580 hp. However, the torque remains the same no matter which battery pack is included, at 775 lb-ft.
What sets it apart from other electric vehicles is that it doesn’t seem to lose any power. Rather, it is a mighty impressive truck all on its own. It accelerates quickly, handles a bit smoother than the gasoline or diesel-fueled F-150s, and might even be a bit safe since its motors lend it a lower center of gravity, which in turn prevents a lot of body roll.
The Lightning also manages to impress while sitting at a charging station, with the ability to go from under 20% to over 80% in just 45 minutes. You can charge it at home or at a DC fast-charging station with either a 110 or 220-volt charger. What’s unique about the pickup is that it can also function as a backup generator in case of loss or shortage of power, producing enough electricity to supply a house for a few days.
Whether you choose the 98 kWh battery or the larger 131 kWh battery, you’ll be able to go for a few hundred miles without needing to pull over and charge, which means time spent on the road is less, and you’ll be at your destination sooner. Saving on fuel, driving a safer vehicle for longer distances, and being able to fuel up at home or on the go are several of the perks people are so excited about with the Lightning pickup.
As Ford moves into a new phase of innovation, there is some curiosity in regards to what it will include technology-wise in the new electric vehicles. As far as the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning goes, Ford has updated the pickup to include a 12” touchscreen infotainment center that is standard throughout all trim levels, though if you want a bigger touchscreen, you can upgrade to a 15” infotainment center in some of the upper trim levels. Also standard are a Wi-Fi hotspot, in-dash navigation, and the ability to utilize Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. This means that you can use your own phone and apps to listen to music and get directions and that everyone can occupy themselves on their own phones and tablets, which is especially helpful for those long stretches of road when nothing interesting is happening outside, and people get the itch to be cranky.
Depending on what you’re used to, this might be exciting news or news that doesn’t matter as much in the long run, as long as you can get your hands on the electric pickup. It might be nice, however, to be aware of things that would be the most helpful to you in case of a situation like crowds, traffic, or inclement weather. Just having these tools available can be comforting. We know what it’s like when you’re trying to back up out of a space and you get nervous about the possibility of a car being behind you without being able to see it––rearview cameras can help assuage that worry and keep you from being part of an accident.
Also standard across all trim levels are safety features such as automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and lane departure warning. Of course, if you want more, there are available tools like adaptive cruise control and hands-free driving mode. Whether or not you use these safety features or the infotainment technology suite is up to you, but it’s always nice to know that you have backups and extra support if you ever need it.
To those who have been pickup drivers and choose to drive one for its versatility in towing and hauling, the F-150 Lightning promises to be an exciting move forward. Again, depending on which battery you get, you’ll have different towing and payload capacities, though they both can tow over 7,700 lbs, and the payload is over 1,800 lbs for both models. If you’re using the pickup as a work truck, you’ll probably want to choose the bigger batteries, as they can tow around 10,000 lbs with a payload of 1,800 lbs, which is incredibly helpful for those who need to carry around large items, tools, equipment, and safety gear.
The smaller battery pack allows the F-150 Lightning to tow 7,700 lbs and has a payload capacity of 2,235 lbs. This means that you can tow a camper and have plenty of room left to load up food, games, and a couple of friends for a fun camping weekend, road trip, or festival. Remember, both have the ability to function as a generator in case wherever you’re staying has lost power, so keep that in mind when you’re dealing with a storm or high winds, hail, rain, sleet, or snow. With such a flexible setup, it’s easy to see why the F-150 has remained so popular for so long and why the Lightning will quickly join the rest of the lineup as a favorite.
The only drawback to towing and carrying a high payload amount is that the mileage of your electric vehicle will go down, though not as much as you’d suppose. Gas and diesel engines also do this, but in the electric motor’s case, it still manages to reach over 100 miles between each charge, which means you’re still able to drive from one end of town to the other with a heavily loaded trailer and still not need to charge until you get home.
Ford’s dedication to producing eco-friendly vehicles has helped push other manufacturers and their plans for electric vehicles forward, and the F-150 Lightning will quite possibly become the most beloved electric pickup. Whether you have never experienced driving a Ford, or you were raised in a family of Ford drivers, the F-150 Lightning not only pushes the Ford label forward into the future, it also retains the classic qualities that have made this truck a piece of true Americana.
You can visit Pearson Ford to see which F-150 Lightning models we have in stock, or you can give us a call to set up an appointment to come in for a test drive. You won’t be disappointed. We aim to provide every customer with excellent service, a friendly smile, and all the information you need to make the decision that suits you best. You’ll enjoy our team’s professionalism, courtesy, and dedication to ensuring you have a great experience, no matter if you’re coming in to purchase your very own F-150 Lightning or just looking into it so that you can make a more qualified decision when the time comes for you to choose another vehicle. The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning is waiting for you at Pearson Ford. Come visit us today!
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
