originally unveiled the truck in May of 2021 as the fourteenth generation of Ford’s F-Series, whose gasoline counterpart has held a reign as the number one selling truck for forty-five straight years.

The F-150 Lightning has a chance to shape the future of the electric truck market. Join

Jerry

as we dive into the details of this groundbreaking EV.

Ford F-150 Lightning at a glance:

Price: $39,974-90,874

Range: 230-320 miles (EPA est.)

Availability: All 2022 models are sold out. Ford is currently taking reservations for 2023 models.

Verdict: The added features like Ford Power Onboard, bi-directional charging, and overall impressive performance make the F-150 Lightning an immediate gamechanger.

What are the pros and cons of the Ford F-150 Lightning?

Pro: Incredible performance specs

A huge pro in regard to the F-150 is its overall performance as a large EV. Since its initial introduction in 2021, Ford has under-promised and over-delivered specs pertaining to its first electric pickup.

Maximum payload: 2,000 lbs

Maximum capacity: 10,000 lbs

Maximum torque: 775 lb.ft.

Maximum horsepower/kilowatt hour: 563/420 hp/kW

0-60 mph time: about 4.5 seconds

Since electrified pickups are a brand new segment, there is not much to compare it to, but as an overall EV, the Ford Lightning holds its own in range, speed, and acceleration… and did we mention it can

tow up to 10,000 pounds

Pro: Fancy technology

The electric F-150 is packed with technology inside and out. Some of the highlights include 11 AC outlets onboard, bi-directional charging capabilities, and an optional onboard generator.

Con: Availability

Since the Ford F-150 Lightning is only just beginning deliveries to early reservation holders, there aren’t many cons to point out. To that note, the biggest con for consumers is and will continue to be its availability.

All 2022 models are completely sold out, and while Ford has doubled its Lightning production capacity twice already to keep up with demand, getting your hands on a 2023 model might still be tough if you don’t already have a reservation in place.

Remember, Ford had to stop taking reservations in late 2021 because it had surpassed over 200,000. This is of course welcomed news for the American automaker, but not as exciting for consumers looking to park one in their driveways.

MORE:

What Will the EV Market Look Like 5 Years From Now?

Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds

No spam · No long forms · No fees

Find insurance savings

How much does a Ford F-150 Lightning cost?

The Ford F-150 Lightning is currently available in four separate trims which we have elaborated on in more detail below. The lowest-priced Pro trim currently starts at an MSRP of $39,974 and can go as high as $90,874 for the top tier Platinum model. With two variants in between, there are plenty of price tiers from Ford to meet your EV needs and budget.

According to

Electrek

, the Ford F-150 Lightning currently qualifies for the full $7,500 federal tax credit. It’s important to note however, that the federal credit qualifies your Lightning purchase for up to $7,500 based on your annual income. Consult with a tax professional to determine and confirm how much you qualify for.

What is the range of Ford's electric truck?

With the dawn of Ford’s new electrified future, the F-150 has dropped that filthy V8 for two zero-emission electric motors mounted to the front and rear to provide all-wheel drive.

The motors are powered by one of two battery options—the standard 98 kWh pack delivers 452 hp, while the extended 131 kWh battery delivers 580 hp. Both packs offer 775 lb.ft of torque—perfect for hauling cargo (or yourself) quickly.

When the F-150 Lightning was first introduced, Ford was estimating ranges of 230 and 300 miles for the standard and extended battery packs respectively. However, as the all-electric pickup grew closer to production, we learned that the EPA estimated range was even better… more specifically for certain models with the extended range battery pack.

Here’s how the range breaks down:

F-150 Lightning Trim	Ford Targeted Range	Final EPA Estimated Range
Pro (Standard Range)	230 miles	230 miles
XLT (Standard Range)	230 miles	230 miles
XLT (Extended Range)	300 miles	320 miles
Lariat (Standard Range)	230 miles	230 miles
Lariat (Extended Range)	300 miles	320 miles
Platinum (Extended Range)	280 miles	300 miles

How long does it take to charge a Ford F-150 Lightning?

With such large battery packs, the Ford F-150 Lightning requires longer charge times compared to many of the EV sedans that are currently on roads. But for level 3 chargers, to go from 15% to 80% battery, it can take from 41-122 minutes. For level 2 charger to go from 15% to 100% batter, it can take from 8-19 hours.

Again, as these trucks begin making their way into the real world, we will have a better idea of their charging capabilities, but for now, here are the targeted charge speeds according to Ford’s

website

Type of Charger	Standard Battery	Extended-Range Battery
150 kW Level 3 Charger	44 minutes	41 minutes
50 kW Level 3 Charger	91 minutes	122 minutes
80 amp (A) Ford Charge Station Pro Level 2 Charger	10 hours	8 hours
48A Connected Charge Level 2 Charger	10 hours	13 hours
32A Mobile Level 2 Charger	14 hours	19 hours

*Note—Level 3 charging times are from 15-80% battery capacity. Level 2 charging times are from 15-100%).

MORE:

Number of U.S. EV Charging Ports will Soon Surpass Gas Stations

Plenty of trims and options for any budget

As promised, we have dug deeper into each of the four available trim levels on the Ford F-150 Lightning and highlighted some of the differences between them before suggesting what op

tion might offer the best value. Let’s dig in:

*Note—MSRPs may vary and do not include additional taxes, destination, or delivery fees.

Ford F-150 Lightning Pro

Starting MSRP - $39,974

Comes with Ford Co-Pilot 360 2.0 and 2.4 kW Pro Power onboard (add-on)

The Pro trim only comes with the standard battery unless its a fleet vehicle

Ford F-150 Lightning XLT

Starting MSRP - $52,974

Includes gray iron satin metallic grill and signature front lighting, a 360-degree camera, Ford Co-Pilot 360 2.0, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel

Extended battery option will cost an additional $20,000

Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat

Starting MSRP - $67,474

Includes many of the previously mentioned features plus 20” dark carbonized gray wheels, a signature rear with power tailgate, leather-trimmed ventilated seating, and a twin-panel moonroof

CExtended battery option will cost an additional $10,000

Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum

Starting MSRP - $90,874

The whole enchilada. All add-ons come standard, including the extended battery pack

Trim also includes Ford BlueCruise capabilities as well as the maximum towing package in addition to a Band & Olufsen Unleashed Sound System

What is the best version of the Ford F-150 Lightning?

Pre-production models of the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum, Lariat, and XLT

What trim level of the Ford F-150 Lightning is best for you and your needs is obviously at your discretion, but we can provide a bit of insight as to which version of the electric pickup gets you the most bang for your buck.

It may come as a surprise by looking at the price comparisons above, but the XLT trim with the extended battery offers much of what you want in an EV driver and then some. The initial hit of an additional $20k for the extended battery may be tough for many to swallow at first glance, but there are benefits to this price jump.

First, it’s important to note that the extended battery pack only accounts for an additional $10,000 on the F-150 Lightning XLT. However, when upgrading the battery, Ford requires customers to also purchase the $9,500 312A equipment group. This add-on includes a number of bonuses present on the higher level Lariat trim, including Pro Power 9.6 kW onboard, heated front seats, and a power tailgate.

These are many of the same features of the extended range Lariat trim, but for about $5,000 less. Concurrently, you’re only paying $5,000 more than the standard battery Lariat trim, but get an additional 90 miles of range. This feels like the sweet spot, but it’s up to you at the end of the day of course.

What makes Ford’s first electric truck special?

As one of the first electric pickups to reach the consumer market, an electrified version of the famed Ford F-Series is unique in itself. Not to be outdone, it has arrived with some pretty sweet features for those lucky individuals who will get their deliveries this year.

For starters, Ford’s Pro Power Onboard could do wonders for Lightning drivers looking for power on the go, whether it’s a jobsite, tailgate, or campsite. This technology is essentially an onboard generator that delivers 2.4 kW to outlets around the truck including the frunk, cabin, and bed.

As previously mentioned, the two higher-end trims (Lariat and Platinum) deliver 9.6 kW of power for added juice. Did we mention the higher output version comes with a 240V, 30-amp outlet in the bed that can even charge another electric vehicle? 7.2 kW is a pretty decent charge rate when you consider that it’s coming from another vehicle.

An additional feature present on the F-150 Lightning is its bi-directional charging capability. This means the truck itself could be used as an energy storage solution and backup generator.

While you will need to install a Ford Pro home charger and powerwall for additional fees, you will then be able to power your home using the pickup’s battery during blackouts, inclement weather, or even during peak energy hours.

So the F-150 Lightning has the technology to not only power your devices and tools, but also another EV. Better yet,

your home

How the Ford F-150 Lightning compares to its rivals

As we previously mentioned, the electric pickup segment of EVs is small to begin with, but there are plenty of competitors on the horizon.

Currently, the only other pickup EVs on roads are the Rivian R1T and GMC Hummer EV Pickup.

The R1T is more comparable currently, as its MSRPs between $67,500-$73,000 closely match the Lariat trim of the F-150 Lightning. Similarly, those EVs will begin deliveries in late 2023, so Rivian reservation holders will need to remain patient alongside their Ford Lightning counterparts.

The closest GMC’s electrified Hummer will get in price compared to the other two trucks is just below $80,000, but not until 2024 at the earliest. The current Hummer EV3X is currently selling for $100k and will be joined by a second trim in spring of 2023 going for $89,995.

The Hummer EV is more comparable in range to the F-150 Lightning (250-300+ miles), but the R1T’s takes the gold with a starting range of 314 miles that can jump up to 400+ miles with its Max Pack battery… you just might have to wait even longer for your EV to get that added range.

Looking ahead, there are a slew of additional electric pickups in the works, including electrified versions of the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra from GM, a Toyota Tacoma, plus that long-promised Cybetruck from Tesla…

How to navigate the future of electric pickup trucks

The dawn of electrified pickup trucks could truly provide a pivotal shift for EV adoption, especially in a market where they are the most coveted types of vehicles like the US.

It has been a process, but engineers and manufacturing experts have done the research and have successfully scaled electrified trucks that can compete with gasoline models in both performance and price.

Car insurance shopping is changing too

A similar point could be made for insurance shopping—thanks to the insurance experts at

Jerry

. We’ve taken a dated insurance shopping process riddled with multiple phone calls, hold music, and dreaded math, and have streamlined it into a 45-second process guaranteed to find you the lowest rates available on the insurance you need.

Are you overpaying for car insurance?

Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.

Try Jerry