The Ford F-150 Lightning broke new ground as one of the first electric trucks on the market, and it still stands out today despite being one of just a few options available. It maintains the beloved F-150 design and robust size, but trades in the gas engine for a swift electric powertrain that delivers an unexpected burst of speed for a truck of its stature.
However, owning and using an electric truck comes with its set of challenges. The way people use trucks is often different from how they use cars, which can make it tricky to determine if an electric truck suits your needs.
The Ford F-150 Lightning is exceptionally powerful. You notice its strength as soon as you press the accelerator. It’s remarkably fast for a vehicle of its size—some models can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in under four seconds, a feat that many smaller electric cars can’t achieve.
This truck is also capable of towing heavy loads. Depending on the model, the F-150 Lightning can tow up to 10,000 pounds. To reach that capacity, you’ll need the XLT or Lariat trim, though even the lower-end models can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which is still plenty powerful for towing a large trailer.
Driving the F-150 Lightning is a delight, especially for those who enjoy larger vehicles. It’s designed with features that enhance the driving experience. For instance, the front trunk, or “frunk,” includes a drain hole, allowing it to function as a cooler or ice chest that can be easily cleaned with a hose. There are also power outlets scattered around for powering tools, and the interior feels just as rugged as the exterior looks.
But, if you’re considering the F-150 Lightning for long-distance road trips, it’s worth reconsidering. While it can technically tow heavy loads, it won’t take you very far. Towing significantly affects the range of an electric truck, and the F-150 Lightning’s range isn’t exactly extensive to begin with. Current models can go up to around 320 miles on a full charge.
The impact of towing on the range is more substantial than you might expect. According to MotorTrend, towing a 7,218-pound trailer reduces the range to just 90 miles, and towing a 3,140-pound trailer cuts it down to only 115 miles, which is less than half of what you get without towing anything.
Even if you’re not towing but are carrying heavy loads in the truck bed, you’ll notice a sharp decrease in range. It’s important to remember that this isn’t a problem exclusive to electric trucks. Gas-powered trucks also see a reduction in efficiency when towing. For every additional 100 pounds towed, gas mileage drops by about 2%. So, towing a 7,218-pound trailer can lower the gas mileage by around 72%. Given that a gas-powered F-150 can travel a little over 500 miles on a full tank, towing that much weight brings the range down to about 150 miles.
The main difference is that a gas-powered truck can be refueled quickly, while the F-150 Lightning requires a charge every few hours, taking about 30 minutes each time.
This isn’t to dissuade you from buying the F-150 Lightning but to set realistic expectations. Many truck owners buy trucks for their aesthetic and versatile utility rather than for constant hauling. Trucks are appealing; they offer size, safety, and versatility. You might not be a construction worker, but having the ability to move between homes without renting a truck is handy. Or you might be that helpful friend always ready to assist during a move.
There are also various middle-ground scenarios. For example, a construction worker who needs to transport tools and materials but can charge their truck onsite or at home might find the F-150 Lightning ideal. These loads probably won’t weigh thousands of pounds, so the range should still be sufficient for getting around town.
However, if your plan involves frequent towing of large trailers and hauling very heavy loads, then a gas-powered truck or a plug-in hybrid might still be the better choice for your needs.
So what’s the future solution? Improved battery technology with greater range and faster charging capabilities. We may never get trucks that maintain the same range when towing as they do when not towing due to physical limitations. However, as battery technology advances, the impact of towing on range will diminish.
Suppose we manage to get only a third of the range when towing compared to not towing. If an electric truck starts with a 300-mile range, towing could reduce it to 100 miles. But if it starts with a 500-mile range, you could get around 160 miles while towing, which is more manageable. Solid-state batteries, which promise 750 miles or more, could allow for about 250 miles of range even when towing.
Charging speed is another crucial factor. One reason it’s easier to tow with a gas-powered truck is the quick refueling time compared to charging an electric vehicle. Future goals include achieving 15-minute charges, but ideally, fully charging an electric vehicle in just a few minutes would make electric trucks far more practical.
Ultimately, after experiencing the F-150 Lightning for a week, it’s clear that it’s an excellent electric truck. If you buy one with realistic expectations, you’ll love it. But if you anticipate the same towing experience as the gas-powered version, you may end up disappointed.