Ford Plugs Into A New Future of Tough With F-150 Lightning BEV
We've been hearing about it for years, and it is finally here, the Ford F-150 Lightning BEV full-size pickup truck. From first glance, the levels of capabilities and innovations that have kept the traditional F-150 the best selling truck for 44 years, should do the same for the Lightning in the all-electric truck arena. Like the newest F-150 with an internal combustion engine, the Lightning sports a military grade aluminum body, but adds an all new steel frame, and an independent rear suspension for improved ride. Payload is rated at a stout 2,000-lbs, and towing capacity ranges to 10,000-lbs. On the power side, Ford targets the Lightning to produce 563-horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque; the most of any F-150 ever; and 0-60 mph is expected to be about 4.5 seconds with the extended range battery, which Ford hopes will have a range of 300 miles or more between charging. In case the electrical grid fails, that battery will be able to power a standard household for 3 days. By the way, with two motors, four-wheel drive is standard on the Lightning. The commercial-oriented entry model starts at $39,974 MSRP before any federal or state tax credits, while the mid-series XLT model starts at $52,974 MSRP. Both prices are designed to undercut any already announced rivals and quicken EV adoption. Look for this Lightning to begin striking dealers next year.