Ford F150 Lightning Pro Makes Big Promises. Can it Deliver?
It has come as a surprise that there will be an electric Ford F-150 on the market within the year. The 2022 Ford F150 Lightning Pro was announced to great fanfare, but there are some serious hurdles to clear before it can claim success.
More...
The new electric F150 has some serious competition within its own ranks. The 2021 Ford F150 can claim top tow ratings and payload ratings for several different classes of pickups. Furthermore, these have made major gains in fuel economy without sacrificing capability.
Still, the electric definitely will have an edge over its thirsty counterparts, whether in the Ford stable or a competitor’s lineup. That edge could be dulled if the Lightning Pro can’t live up to the F150 reputation or if it’s too expensive. Let’s see if this truck can deliver.
What’s the Range of an Electric Truck?
Shoppers may worry about range, but Ford seems to have covered that angle well. The first battery can go up to 230 miles. That’s plenty for most business drivers. A second battery choice has a 300-mile range. Charging can be done on a lunch break if more mileage is needed.
To encourage early purchases, buyers will receive a free charger of some kind. Ford offers a portable charger and two different home chargers.
Is it More Expensive to Go Electric?
A second worry for shoppers is the expense of electric vehicles. So, it’s interesting to note that the 2022 F-150 Lightning Pro is being offered at just below $40,000. The federal tax credit allows certain buyers to claim $7,500 back on their income taxes.
If you are comparing options, be aware that the GMC is bringing back the Hummer nameplate, and this electric truck has a luxury-level price tag just under $80,000. Tesla, which still has an uncertain release date, is offering its Cybertruck for just under $40,000.
Will it Match a Driver’s Expectations?
This is not a slow truck. With the regular battery, the driver commands 426 horsepower. The second battery boosts the horsepower to 563. That’s more horses than the 2021 Ford Raptor. At 775 lb-ft, the standard torque rate is greater than the Raptor.
How Much Capability Will It Have?
The next hurdle the Lightning Pro will have to jump through is the ability to move a load as well as its counterparts. This is a tall order since the 2021 Ford F150 currently holds several records for top hauling and payload numbers.
The Lightning Pro is rated for a ton of payload. That 2,000-pound limit is not as much as the top F-150, but it’s significant that it is more than the current F150 V6 model.
The tow rating is 7,700 pounds with the standard battery, if equipped properly. It grows to 10,000 pounds with the stronger battery, and that will put it on track to compete directly with some of the best-known gas-powered trucks.
Who Will Buy It?
With the word Pro in the name, clearly the first release of this truck is aimed at businesses. The Lightning Pro can drastically reduce what the company is paying to fuel their trucks.
A low asking price is likely to tempt independent contractors who want to get away from high fuel costs. The 4x4 capability is a hook for those who use their truck on a farm or for off-road adventures. The truck’s remarkable performance may attract driving enthusiasts.
Clearly Ford thinks this is the moment to launch their first electric truck. Are they right? The price and capability suggest that the Lightning Pro will quickly grab the public’s attention.
Related Posts
Are Dodge Chargers Expensive to Fix?
Fleet Fuel Cards for Optimal Car or Truck Expense Tracking
Top Simple Ways to Improve the Look of Your Car
A look under the hood of Waymo robotaxis
What are toll roads, and how to pay the tolls?