I’d been waiting for this for a long time.
The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning was delivered to my driveway. And it came at the perfect time – just as Christmas House was starting. My tester was the XLT 4×4 Supercrew version.
For the uninitiated, Lightning is the only all-electric, full-size pickup available now with a starting price of less than $40,000. And they have been incredibly hard to come by. Lightning comes in Pro, XLT, XLT High, XLT High Extended Range, Lariat, Lariat Extended Range and Platinum Extended Range trims.
My tester generated 452 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque with a maximum towing capacity of 2,235 pounds. The performance was so strong, one almost forgot they were driving a pickup truck.
Mine came with a range of about 230 miles, with extended range models delivering 320. Supercrew seats up to five adults in comfort, with a short bed that was able to carry 15 bikes, 12 Les Schwab tire bag rolls, and 16 Krusteaz boxes loaded with toys (not all at the same time).
Lightning is the smartest, most innovative F-150 that Ford has ever built, with the freedom of a 10-kilowatt smart power plant on wheels, software updates that will make it even better over time, and “Built Ford Tough” capability.
I charged my Lightning twice during the week’s worth of testing. Both times I used a Level 3, Electrify America charger at the local Wal-Mart parking lot, charging from 20% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes each time.
With icy roads in the morning, I was a somewhat concerned about how the F-150 Lightning would handle. I was quickly put at ease as the all-wheel drive mode held traction. For added protection, I turned off the regenerative braking feature.
Lightning got more than its fair share of looks thanks to an “Antimatter Blue” coat of enamel, 20-inch alloy dark gray wheels, and full-width, LED front running lights. The F-150 also came with a tailgate step, tie-down hooks in the bed, and a large front trunk since the area is not encumbered by a gas engine.
“We were seriously focused on raising the bar on this truck, including after we revealed it, so we can deliver more for our customers,” said Dapo Adewusi, F-150 Lightning vehicle engineering manager. “And our drive for continuous improvement will get a big boost when we start getting feedback and ideas from customers when they receive their Lightnings.”
The interior is loaded with technology and whiz-bang gadgetry to impress your friends. My personal favorites were the 12-inch productivity screen that displays navigation, climate, and entertainment information, 360-degree camera, Wi-Fi Hotspot, XM satellite radio, and rear window defroster.
Completing the Ford F-150 Lightning’s “wow factor” are a suite of safety and technology features that make driving this electrified vehicle a breeze. Highlights include a forward sensing system, lane-keeping system, post-collision braking, reverse brake assist, reverse sensing and a rear view camera. Lightning is also equipped with front and side-impact airbags and includes a perimeter alarm.
The wait was worth it. Lightning delivered to my expecations and more. My advice would be to get on a list quickly – and start your wait. You will not regret the decision.
Base Price: $54,594
Price As Driven: $76,384
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
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