EV Trucks, Coming in Hot: How the Ford Lightning Is Dominating the Electric Truck Competition
There’s been a lot of excitement at Ford dealerships across the country. The crowds seem more enthusiastic, and many seem to be talking about the Ford Lightning with a giant smile on their faces. As your Cincinnati Ford Lightning dealer, we here at Kings Ford can confirm that. While not every Ford fanatic is gravitating toward the new Lightning, many are opting to choose other fantastic cars, trucks, and SUVs from the Ford lineup. Still, the new Ford Lightning has sparked quite a buzz in the automotive world. And while the electric vehicle (EV) puns have a limited range, the 300-mile range of the Ford Lightning’s battery-operated motor configuration will get you much further. But what’s with the hype? What makes the Lightning superior to any other electric truck out there. Actually, there are many ways in which the Lightning is crushing its EV truck competition.
The Evolution of Lightning
The name Ford Lightning may seem familiar, and that’s because there was a vehicle by this name previously. In 1993, the Ford Lightning was introduced as a “sport truck.” This emerging niche enjoyed racing, lowering, and customizing fast trucks. To fit in with the sport truck crowd, the Lightning was a specially-engineered F-150 model equipped with a firmer, sportier suspension, a sleek body style, and a hefty, gasoline-chugging V8 engine. The second generation included a 360-horsepower supercharged V8 engine, making it as far from Grandpa’s farm truck as you could get.
So Why Another Lightning? Why Now?
It’s a common misconception that electric vehicles don’t have a lot of speed. After all, they’re run by batteries, like remote control cars. How much juice can they have in them? It turns out that a few decades of technological development and careful engineering have come to clear up all of those misconceptions. The Ford Lightning, with an extended range battery, can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4-5 seconds. That’s on par with the 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt, making the same trip in 4.4 seconds.
All Ford Lightning trucks are four-wheel drive, thanks to the dual-motor configuration. Base models provide 426 horsepower, while the extended range battery takes things up a few notches to 563 horsepower. Both offer 775 lb/ft of torque and can tow up to 10,000 pounds, depending on the trim chosen. Based on those numbers alone, the new electric Ford Lightning crushes its namesake in terms of speed and power.
But how does it get this power? Ford is partnering with Sunrun to help drivers have the ultra-fast Ford Charge Station Pro installed in their homes, which allows for a charge time of 30 miles per hour, allowing for a full charge overnight. This method also allows drivers to use the Lightning to power their homes with the Home Integration System.
The Ford Lightning vs. The Competition
Perhaps the most significant way the Ford Lightning is dominating the market is its overall availability. The Tesla Cybertruck, for example, promises some pretty incredible stats, with the ability to tow loads up to 14,000 pounds and accelerate from 0-60 miles per hour in racecar-like time. You can even head online to put a deposit down on a Cybertruck. However, with production dates continuously pushed out, it’s uncertain when drivers will be able to complete the online design and customization of their vehicles. For drivers who need a truck today, that’s simply not practical.
The future of the Chevy Silverado EV seems more certain, with Chevy’s online reservation system anticipating the first wave of production to be ready to hit the roads in Summer 2024. However, much like the Tesla Cybertruck, there’s still a lot we don’t know about the vehicle. Chevy has alluded to more than one trim, along with many available options that could be very beneficial to pickup truck drivers, such as the pass-through midgate, which turns the cab into an extension of the bed if necessary. Still, plenty of things can change in just a few years. Right now, drivers are encouraged to make a reservation, then iron out the final details closer to vehicle production time.
The Hummer EV truck began production in December 2021, with deliveries slowly trickling out to those who placed early reservations. However, the first generation of Hummer electric trucks top out at a 7,500-pound towing capacity. Furthermore, the starting MSRP of $108,700 puts it out of the range of many drivers’ budgets.[a]
The Ford Lightning: Coming Soon to a Cincinnati Ford Dealer
The Ford Lightning received around 200,000 orders for its first year of production, with models starting delivery in April 2022. That means drivers will be able to touch, drive, experience, and even catch a whiff of that new-EV smell in person starting Spring 2022 while the competition is still in pre-production mode. And, with several hybrid and all-electric vehicles already in production, including the highly celebrated Mustang Mach-E, it’s clear that Ford has been using their time wisely to create the ideal truck just in time to whet the public’s appetite for a more economical work vehicle.
The Ford Lightning is more than just an electrified version of the F-150 we’ve come to know and love. It’s an entirely new experience combining power, performance, and economy. By combining lithium-ion battery packs with dual motors, Ford has created a vehicle that has more horsepower, more capability, more speed, and more storage space than any pickup truck before it. And given how much drivers love and value their gasoline and diesel-powered F-150s for these traits, it’s clear that Ford has created their first electric truck for the people who drive them the most.
Selecting the Right Ford Lightning for You
Currently, the best way to get your hands on a Ford F-150 Lightning is to contact a local dealership. You can create your own custom build with the assistance of your local Ford Lightning dealer. This process includes selecting your ideal trim from the available Pro, XLT, Lariat, and Platinum models. XLT and Lariat drivers have the option of standard range or extended-range batteries. Add-on packages that make the F-150 Lightning ideal for your individual driving needs include the Tow Technology Package, which adds trailering cameras and brake controls. You can also select technology upgrades to keep you on the road and in tune with everything you need to know about your truck, destination, and more.
The Future of Electric Trucks Is Here, and It’s at Kings Ford
There may be a learning curve for drivers who are used to stopping at the gas station every so many miles to refill. After all, you’ll still need to stop and grab your favorite caffeinated beverage in the morning and catch up on all the local gossip. But when it comes to going the distance, the Ford Lightning simply needs a place to plug in when it’s not working and a driver who’s as eager to get things done as the truck itself. Why wait for the rest of the automotive world to catch up to what Ford is already offering in electric trucks right now. Come visit us at Kings Ford and experience the future for yourself.
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