Ford reveals all-electric, feature-packed F-150 Lightning truck

MANILA: Ford has officially unveiled its smartest and most innovative truck, the F-150 Lightning. Dubbed as “the truck of the future,” the F-150 Lightning is a pillar of Ford’s US$22 billion-plus global electric vehicle plan.

In a statement, Ford Motor Company Executive Chair Bill Ford said, “For both Ford and the American auto industry, F-150 Lightning represents a defining moment as we progress toward a zero-emission, digitally connected future. F-Series is America’s best-selling truck for 44 years, the backbone of work across the country, and a trusted icon for generations of customers. Now we are revolutionizing it for a new generation.”

Ford has also started developing zero-emission versions of its most popular and well-loved models, including the Mustang, Transit, and F-150. The carmaker is planning to produce more electric versions of its other models in the years to come.

The electric platform of the F-150 Lightning has to ability to supply enough energy to power an entire home. It also comes with a massive lockable frunk with power and charging capabilities to spare. The F-150 Lightning also uses over-the-air technology for software updates to add new features and fix issues without having to visit a service center.

Ford President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Farley stated, “The F-150 Lightning is a massive moment for our Ford team. America’s number-one auto brand is going zero emissions with America’s favorite vehicle. It’s quicker than a Raptor, with standard 4x4 and independent rear suspension; a power frunk, enough juice to run your house for three days or power an awesome tailgate; and it will forever improve with over-the-air updates. It will be built at the Rouge factory, where Henry Ford changed the world and my grandfather punched in every day. F-150 Lightning represents all that our country can do when we push for progress.”

The F-150 Lightning delivers 563hp and 77 lb-ft of torque. When equipped with an extended-range battery, the truck has the ability to accelerate from standstill to 60mph in less than five seconds. The standard-range variant with 18-inch wheels can carry up to 2,000 lb of payload, while the XLT and Lariat variants with the extended-range battery and Max Trailer Tow Package can transport up to 10,000 lb. The F-150 Lightning is designed with a low center of gravity for better handling on any road condition.

Ford Americas and International Markets Group President Kumar Galhotra explained, “We’re not here to make an electric truck for the few — Ford is committed to building one that solves real problems for real people. F-150 Lightning delivers everything we’ve said electric vehicles can offer, plus the capability expected from a 'Built Ford Tough' truck — not just near instant torque but powerful towing and hauling customers can depend on.”

The F-150 Lightning is loaded with intelligent features that embody Ford’s advanced digital technologies and proven engineering. The truck features the Ford Co-Pilot 360 technology with BlueCruise that allows true hands-free driving on more than 100,000 miles of pre-qualified highways in US and Canada. According to Ford, more Hands-Free Blue Zones will be available in the future.

The truck also comes with onboard scales that use sensors to estimate the payload that is being hauled. This feature is linked to the truck’s intelligent range that provides an accurate estimate of how far it can go. The F-150 Lightning is also the first Ford model to feature the pro trailer hitch assist, which automatically controls steering, throttle, and brake inputs to make hitching trailers easier.

The Phone as a Key feature also makes a debut on select F-Series models. This allows the driver to lock, unlock, and start the truck without taking their phone out of his or her pocket or using a key fob.

The smart features equipped in the F-150 Lightning can get even better over time with Ford Power-Up software updates. Through over-the-air technology, it can deliver quality upgrades, update existing features, and add new functions and capabilities to the F-150 Lightning. Most updates will be completed in just two minutes.

The truck also comes with a modern SYNC 4A interface with 15.5-inch touch screen. This smart interface has also an ability to adapt to driver behavior. It uses natural voice control, cloud-connected navigation, and wireless access to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SYNC AppLink apps.

The F-150 Lightning is also equipped with a 12-inch instrument cluster with a customizable interface. It displays relevant vehicle information including its condition in hands-free highway driving mode and the power acquired through regenerative braking.

Ford Motor Company Battery Electric Vehicles General Manager Darren Palmer said, “It really is the smartest F-150 we’ve ever made. F-150 Lightning offers an immersive touch screen, giving our customers all the info they want in an instant — a real-time view of where they’re going, what they’re hauling or how much real-world range they’ve got banked. And with Ford Power-Up software updates, the experience is only going to get better.”

The truck also comes with the Ford Intelligent Backup Power feature that allows it to become an ultimate power source for homes. It has the ability to offload 9.6kW of power, which can keep the lights on in the event of an outage.

Ford Strategic Partnerships Electric Vehicle Manager Ryan O’Gorman stated, “Whether sheltering during a storm or trying to stay safe in a heat wave, customers can now use their truck to give themselves power when they need it most. F-150 Lightning is built for seamless transitions between charging your vehicle and powering your house when needed – and Ford is the first in the US to offer this capability on an electric truck.”

Ford Intelligent Backup Power is enabled by the available 80A Ford Charge Station Pro and home system management that will be installed. Based on an average 3 kWh of use per day, the F-150 Lighting with extended-range battery can supply full-home power for up to three days.

Ford is working with American residential solar panel provider Sunrun to conduct installation of the 80A Ford Charge Station Pro and home integration system. This partnership gives an opportunity for F-150 Lightning owners to install solar energy on their home and charge their truck unit with the power of the sun.

The F-150 Lightning also comes with the pro power onboard feature that allows owners to use built-in electrical outlets to directly power tools, electronics, and appliances away from home. The base variants generate 2.4kW of power, while the Lariat and Platinum delivers 9.6kW of power—2.4kW through the frunk and up to 7.2kW through the outlets in the cab and bed.

The truck comes with a high-tech mega power frunk that offers a secure and lockable storage space. It can accommodate up to 400 liters of volume and 400 lb of payload. It is also designed to be easily accessible as it comes with a powered open and close system.

The water-resistant frunk is equipped with four electrical outlets, two USB chargers, and a drainable floor that can store food and beverage. The 2.4kW power that it generates can power televisions, laptops, speakers, and more.

Ford Global Feature Process Supervisor Nancy Reppenhagen said, “The words ‘front trunk’ don’t even begin to describe all the innovation and capability Ford packed into this high-powered space. It will have customers rethinking what their truck is capable of — and enable the kinds of experiences they never would have thought possible before.”

Similar to all F-Series trucks, the F-150 Lightning underwent through the complex Built Ford Tough testing. Its military-grade aluminum alloy body and improved frame protect the advanced battery. The F-150 Lightning features an independent rear suspension and low center of gravity to achieve a stable ride and reduce steering roll.

F-150 Lightning Chief Engineer Linda Zhang stated, “Whether they’re hauling a bed full of firewood through snow or towing a trailer on a road trip, customers need to be able to rely on their truck’s performance. This all-electric truck has been engineered with dual in-board motors, which means it can take on rough terrain. Our team of engineers has run the same arduous test regimen our F-150 customers have learned to expect from Ford.”

Ford offers an 80A charge station as standard equipment for easier charging at home. The F-150 Lightning features the only dual onboard charging system on an electric truck in the industry. This system allows the extended-range truck to be charged from 15% to 100% in about eight hours.

The F-150 Lightning can also be charged through FordPass. Using the 150kW DC fast charger available on the FordPass station, the extended-range F150-Lightning can be charged from 15% to 80% in about 41 minutes.

The F-150 Lightning is set to roll off in the US in spring 2022. It will be available in four series and two battery options.

Here's hoping we get this F-150 version here in the Philippines, too.

Photos from Ford

Also read: Ford PH serves up great deals on select models this May