The Ford F-150 Lightning is a highly anticipated electric pickup truck that is set to change the game for the American truck market. As the first electric pickup truck from the big three automakers, the F-150 Lightning is a significant step towards sustainable transportation. The truck boasts impressive towing and hauling capabilities, advanced technology, and a range of over 300 miles on a single charge. With a variety of trims available, the F-150 Lightning appeals to a wide range of drivers, including those who need a powerful work truck and those who simply want an eco-friendly option. The F-150 Lightning’s release has been highly anticipated, and it promises to be a game-changer for the industry.
EXTERIOR
The 2023 Ford-150 Lightning in Atlas Blue is a stunningly designed electric pickup truck that features a bold and rugged exterior. At the front, the truck boasts a dynamic and aerodynamic profile with a commanding grille that exudes strength and power. The high-mounted LED headlights provide superior visibility on the road while adding a touch of sophistication to the truck’s overall design.
Moving along the sides, the Ford-150 Lightning showcases its muscularity with broad and commanding wheel arches that emphasize its ruggedness. The sleek lines and contours of the body give the truck a streamlined appearance, while the electric blue color adds a pop of excitement to the vehicle’s already bold and imposing profile.
At the rear end, the Ford-150 Lightning features a distinctive tailgate that sports the iconic Ford emblem and a bold “Lightning” badge. The sharp angles and sleek lines continue throughout the back of the truck, with LED taillights and an integrated spoiler adding a touch of sportiness to the vehicle’s already aggressive exterior.
The Atlas Blue color gives the 2023 Ford-150 Lightning a unique and striking appearance, making it stand out on the road. The color complements the vehicle’s muscular and rugged design, creating an overall sense of power and authority. With its bold design and electric powertrain, the Ford-150 Lightning in Atlas Blue is a true powerhouse on the road.
The F-150 Lightning offers a package known as Equipment Group 312A, which costs $9,500 and includes various features that enhance the truck’s functionality and style. One of the primary features included in this package is the XTL Lightning Series, which gives the truck a unique appearance with blacked-out Ford oval and front grille, exclusive badging, and unique headlamps and taillamps. This feature is ideal for those who want to make a statement with their vehicle.
Another feature included in this package is the 20-inch alloy dark gray wheels. These wheels not only add a sporty look to the truck but also provide better handling and stability while driving. The LED box lighting is another essential feature that illuminates the cargo area of the truck bed, making it easier to load and unload cargo at night or in low light conditions. This feature is particularly useful for people who use their truck for work purposes.
The Pro Power Onboard is another feature that comes with Equipment Group 312A, providing 9.6 kW of power and functioning as a mobile power generator. This feature is beneficial for those who love outdoor activities like camping and tailgating, as well as those who work on construction sites where power tools need a reliable power source.
Additionally, the package offers several optional features at an additional cost. The Max trailer tow package is one such option, priced at $825, which includes a Class IV trailer hitch, an extended-range fuel tank, a smart trailer tow connector, and trailer backup assist. This feature is beneficial for those who frequently haul heavy loads and require a higher towing capacity.
The Partitioned Lockable storage is another optional feature, priced at $225, providing a secure storage compartment in the truck bed ideal for storing valuable items like tools and equipment. The bedliner toughed spray is another optional feature, priced at $595, that helps protect the truck bed from damage caused by cargo. Overall, Equipment Group 312A for the F-150 Lightning offers a great package of essential and optional features that make the truck more functional, stylish, and suitable for various uses, from work to recreation.
INTERIOR
Dark Slate cloth is the selected material for the seats in the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning. It is a high-quality fabric that is both soft and durable, making it a practical and comfortable option for everyday use. The material is also easy to clean, which makes it ideal for individuals who require a vehicle that can withstand heavy use while retaining its appearance.
The interior of the F-150 Lightning features a unique secret desk space located within the center console. This concealed compartment provides a convenient and unobtrusive area to store items such as a laptop, tablet, or paperwork. The desk space is equipped with a fold-out work surface that can be used for writing, typing, or reading. This feature is particularly useful for professionals who need to work while on the go, as it provides a dedicated workspace within the vehicle.
Unfortunately, this particular model of the F-150 Lightning comes equipped with a 12-inch screen instead of the optional 15-inch screen found on the Lariat and Platinum trims. The 15-inch screen offers more advanced features and capabilities that could enhance the overall driving experience. If you are paying over $70k for the Lightning, the 15-inch screen should come standard, which would also inform passengers that this is an electric version of the F-150 and distinguish it from the gas-powered models.
Overall, the interior of the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning is designed to be both practical and luxurious, with the Dark Slate cloth seats providing comfort and durability. The secret desk space is a unique feature that offers a convenient workspace for professionals on-the-go. Despite the lack of a 15-inch screen in this particular model, the F-150 Lightning still offers a range of innovative features and capabilities that make it an excellent option in the electric vehicle market.
PERFORMANCE
The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning XLT extended-range version is an impressive all-electric pickup truck that has garnered a lot of attention from both consumers and critics. The truck boasts excellent performance and range, making it an attractive option for those looking to make the switch to electric vehicles. In this section, we will explore the performance and features of the extended-range version of the F-150 Lightning XLT, compare it to the standard-range version, and answer some important questions about this truck.
Performance and Range
The extended-range version of the Ford F-150 Lightning XLT is powered by a 180-kilowatt electric motor that generates 580 horsepower and 775 pound-feet of torque. This is an increase in horsepower compared to the standard-range version, which produces 462 horsepower. The extended-range version is also equipped with a larger 131 kWh battery pack, providing a driving range of up to 320 miles on a single charge. In contrast, the standard-range version comes with a 98 kWh battery and offers a range of up to 240 miles.
The additional driving range offered by the extended-range version is significant, providing an extra 80 miles on a single charge. This makes it a better option for those who need to travel longer distances without having to stop and recharge. Additionally, the increased horsepower makes the extended-range version of the F-150 Lightning XLT even more powerful and responsive than the standard-range version.
Acceleration is another area where the extended-range version of the F-150 Lightning XLT shines. It can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in under 4 seconds, which is about a second faster than the standard-range version. This makes the extended-range version one of the quickest electric pickup trucks on the market.
Driving Experience and Handling
The driving experience of the F-150 Lightning XLT is enjoyable thanks to its smooth and quiet electric powertrain. The extended-range version offers a more powerful and responsive driving experience compared to the standard-range version, which feels a bit slower off the line. The truck’s steering is well-weighted and offers good feedback, making it easy to maneuver through tight turns and parking spaces.
The handling of the F-150 Lightning XLT is impressive considering its size and weight. The low center of gravity, thanks to the placement of the battery pack, gives it a planted feel on the road. The suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable ride, even over rough roads, while maintaining good stability and control.
Charging
Charging the Ford F-150 Lightning XLT is a simple process, and the extended-range version offers a few advantages over the standard-range version. The truck can be charged using a standard Level 2 charger, which can fully charge the battery in about 14 hours. Alternatively, the extended-range version can be charged using a 150-kilowatt DC fast charger, which can charge the battery from 10% to 80% in just 41 minutes. The standard-range version, on the other hand, can only charge at up to 80 kilowatts, which takes about 44 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%.
One of the unique features of the F-150 Lightning XLT is its ability to power external devices, making it a useful tool for outdoor enthusiasts or those who need to power tools at a job site. The extended-range version comes with two 120-volt outlets and a 240-volt outlet in the bed of the truck, allowing users to power devices directly from the truck’s battery. The standard-range version also comes with these outlets, but the extended-range version’s larger battery pack allows for more power output.
COMPETITION
Comparing the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning to its electric pickup truck competition, here are the key specs:
- Horsepower: The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning has two battery options with different horsepower ratings. The standard range battery has 462 horsepower and 775 lb.-ft. of torque, while the extended range battery has 580 horsepower and 775 lb.-ft. of torque.
- Performance: The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning can go from 0 to 60 mph in under 4 seconds (extended range battery), making it one of the fastest electric pickup trucks on the market.
- Battery range: The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning has two battery options. The standard range battery has an estimated EPA range of 240 miles, while the extended range battery has an estimated EPA range of 320 miles.
- Trim options: The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning comes in four trim levels: Pro, XLT, Lariat, and Platinum. Each trim level boasts a unique set of features and enhancements, including a power tailgate, heated front seats, and a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system.
- Price point: In terms of pricing, the Pro trim is the most affordable, with a starting price of $55,974. Meanwhile, the Platinum trim, which is the highest-end option, starts at approximately $97,000.
Now, let’s compare the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning to some of its electric pickup truck competition and what kind of consumer is suited for each truck:
- Rivian R1T: The Rivian R1T has between 600-835 horsepower and an estimated EPA range of 250-400 miles. It comes in three trim levels: Explore, Adventure, and Launch Edition, with a starting price of $73,000. The Rivian R1T is best suited for consumers who prioritize off-road capability and adventure.
- Tesla Cybertruck: The Tesla Cybertruck has up to 800 horsepower and an estimated EPA range of 250-500 miles. It comes in three trim levels: Single Motor RWD, Dual Motor AWD, and Tri Motor AWD, with a starting price of $39,900. The Tesla Cybertruck is best suited for consumers who prioritize cutting-edge technology and futuristic design.
- GMC Hummer EV: The GMC Hummer EV has up to 1,000 horsepower and an estimated EPA range of 250-350 miles. It comes in four trim levels: EV2, EV2X, EV3X, and Edition 1, with a starting price of $79,995. The GMC Hummer EV is best suited for consumers who prioritize power and luxury.
Overall, the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning is competitive with its electric pickup truck competitors in terms of horsepower, performance, and battery range, and offers a range of trim options to suit different budgets and preferences. It is best suited for consumers who prioritize the practicality and versatility of a pickup truck, as well as the comfort and convenience features that the F-150 is known for.
Conclusion
During our test drive, we had the opportunity to try out the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning XLT, which was a pre-production vehicle with no precise pricing. Nonetheless, Ford provided us with a comparison MSRP of $52,974. Adding all the options mentioned in our review, the total price came to $75,814. We took delivery of the vehicle on the 16th, but a few days prior, on February 14th, Ford halted production and shipment of the F-150 Lightning temporarily due to battery concerns. This was a matter that we kept in mind as we drove the vehicle.
This temporary halt in production and shipment indicates that Ford has suspended the manufacturing and delivery of these vehicles until the battery issue is resolved. Loose or missing bolts connecting the battery pack to the frame could potentially cause a short circuit or fire, posing a safety hazard. While this may concern consumers, it’s important to note that Ford is taking proactive measures to address the issue and ensure the safety of its customers. Consumers should stay informed about any updates from Ford and consult with a Ford dealership for more information.
To address the battery issue, Ford has offered a solution that involves inspecting and tightening the bolts connecting the battery pack to the frame, as well as updating the software to prevent overcharging of the battery. This solution will be implemented before the vehicles are delivered to customers. Additionally, Ford has stated that any vehicles that have already been delivered will be recalled for the necessary inspections and updates.
As of March 1st, 2023, Ford has issued one recall for the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning due to the battery issue. This recall affects approximately 9,000 vehicles that have already been delivered to customers. Ford is closely working with its suppliers and manufacturing teams to address the issue and resume production and shipment of the F-150 Lightning as soon as possible.
Photo Credit: Copyright 2023 Angel Mosqueda / Car Fanatics Blog
