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Ford F-150: success number

Still, pretty special: the Ford F-150 has actually been in the top five best-selling cars in the United States for years in a row. So the F-150 is extremely popular, but the pressure on the model is increasing, because how long can we go forward with gasoline engines? Fortunately, Ford has found a solution: an electric F-150. This is the 100 percent electric Ford F-150 Lightning.

Ford F-150 Lightning: power points galore

Officially, the Ford F-150 Lightning will not be delivered in Europe, but for Ford Europe it is still important for European media to get to know this electric pickup. Not only because of its performance, but also because of technology that this Lightning has on board. In fact, the car is full of outlets to power tools, for example, on the road or on location. Connecting a chainsaw? No problem! Just plug&play with this F-150 Lightning.

Both in the cargo box (1,495 liters) and in the so-called frunk – a front cargo area – there are several power outlets. This technology also finds its way into the full Ford E-Transit Custom that does appear in Europe.

E-Transit Custom

The E-Transit Custom uses a 400-volt battery pack with a usable capacity of 74 kWh. This battery consists of advanced 82 Ah pouch cells just like in the Ford F-150 Lightning. Up to 2.3 kW of electricity is available through power points via the so-called ProPower Onboard power points on the new E-Transit Custom. This handy feature makes it easy for construction entrepreneurs to connect high-powered equipment, lights and other tools to the battery pack. With this Ford F-150 Lightning, we were able to try that for a while.

Will an adult fit in the frunk?

All in all, reason enough to go on the road with this Ford F-150 Lightning. But first, of course, let’s see if what is said is actually true. Will an adult fit in the 400 gallon frunk? In our video we go into great detail, including that frunk, so be sure to check it out.

Ford F150 LIGHTNING: BAKBEEST with 1,050 Nm! – REVIEW – AutoRAI TV

Power in abundance

The Ford F-150 Lightning is a powerhouse first-class. Even the basic version has enough power. Ford supplies the electric F-150 with two battery versions, but the pickup always has two electric motors. One on the front axle and an electric motor on the rear axle. Thus, four-wheel drive is created.

Battery F-150 Lightning

The base version of this electric workhorse has a 98 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, good for about 380 kilometers of range. This battery version has about 450 horsepower. The top version has a 131 kWh battery and a system output of 580 hp and a range of up to 512 kilometers. Even more impressive is the torque of 1,050 Nm that makes this F-150 Lightning almost as fast as a Mustang Mach-e GT. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes about 4.5 seconds. That’s extremely fast for a 2,989-kilogram pickup!

131 kWh!

The 131 kWh battery has enough energy to power a house for several days. Perhaps that’s why so many Americans are vying for this Lightning, because the power grid in the USA is not always very reliable. Or maybe this pickup is so popular because it’s just a muddy vehicle. At least the prices of this pickup are going over the top in the United States. The car is sold even above the list price.

Fast charging is possible

Of course, with batteries of this size, being able to charge quickly is a plus. Fortunately, this Lightning is also quick to charge. Home charging can be done with 11 kW, but with a suitable fast charger, charging speeds of 150 kW are also achievable. The charging point of this pickup is of course one according to the American standard, with a suitable charging cable you can also charge at European charging stations.

Double cabin

Ford delivers the F150 Lightning only in the very spacious double cab version, because this was the only way Ford could accommodate the battery. The high-strength body – made of military-grade aluminum alloy – and the new independent rear suspension enhance ride comfort. And you notice this well while driving. This pickup is blissfully sprung. Thresholds do not exist. If you like American swaying, this Lightning is the right place for you.

Heavy and ungainly

A cornering monster it is not, of course. For that, this pickup is too heavy and clunky. But while driving on the highway, driving this Ford F-150 Lightning is pure indulgence. So comfortable. Blessed. Also nice is a one pedal driving system that brings the car to a complete stop. So you don’t have to apply the brakes, as long as you anticipate in time. If you do have to apply the brakes, you may pedal vigorously. Nearly 3,000 kilograms of metal and plastic won’t let you slow down, of course.

With a plug come concessions

As an electric version, by the way, this Lightning version does make some concessions compared to a regular F-150. Among other things, in terms of payload. The cargo box can hold 900 kilograms, but that is already 1,500 kilograms on a normal F-150. Handy is the step with armrest to get to the back of the luggage compartment. Otherwise, it’s quite a high step anyway.

The Lightning also has a maximum trailer weight of over 4,500 kilograms, where a regular F150 can tow up to 6,000 kilograms. Please note: these are American figures. In the Netherlands the rules are different, of course. Here, a car with yellow registration may weigh up to 3,500 kilograms. And that’s quickly reached with some luggage and passengers. Something to keep in mind when importing a car to the Netherlands (grey import).

Interior Ford F-150 Lightning

The interior is neatly finished and broad in every way. An instinctively meters wide center console gives a lot of space feeling. There are also several storage options. A double glove box, for example, and extremely many cup holders. The infotainment system with SYNC4 software comes from the Ford Mustang Mach-e. So a substantial vertical display. Simple to operate. Sometimes a bit longer loading times, but under the circumstances a neat system. The Ford F-150 Lightning also has an easy-to-read digital instrument cluster with attractive graphics.

Ford F-150 Lightning pricing

Of course, we cannot mention a Dutch price of the Ford F-150 Lightning, because the model is not officially sold here. In America, prices start about between $40,000 and $50,000. Depending on version and battery type, that price easily rises to $90,000. When importing to the Netherlands, count on similar prices, but in euros. The version we drive costs about 100,000 euros on Dutch plates.