Electric truck dazzles with technology
IMPRESSIVE POWERTRAIN, ABUNDANT OFF-LOAD CAPABILITIES
The 2022 F-150 Lightning is an all-electric version of Canada’s best-selling truck of the past 55 years, and the country’s top-selling vehicle in the past 11. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and this was highlighted when U.S. President Joe Biden took a camouflaged model for a rip during a visit to Michigan.
When the first models arrive in Canadian showrooms next spring, there will be two to choose from: a commercial-oriented entry model starting at $58,000, and a well-equipped XLT model with an MSRP of $68,000. All 2022 F-150s will be super crew configuration and have a 5.5-foot bed.
It’s telling that there is no “Launch” edition, a clear signal that Ford is not just dipping its toe in the water with this EV. Company executives have gone to great lengths to underscore this is not a niche vehicle, but rather is intended as a high-volume model.
Two lithium-ion liquid-cooled battery packs will be offered: standard range (with an estimated range of 370 kilometres), and extended range (483 km). Oddly, Ford has not disclosed the size of either battery pack, perhaps believing customers are interested only in range and charging times. Using a DC fast-charger, the respective 15-to-80per-cent charge times are 44 and 41 minutes. Using a Level 2 charger, they’ll go from 15 per cent to 100 per cent in 10 hours and 13 hours, respectively.
All models will be powered by dual inboard motors and come with standard 4x4, and according to Ford, power output is 426 horsepower for the standard-range battery; and 563 for the extended-range one. Each packs a big punch, with a reported 775 poundfeet of torque, the most of any F-150 ever offered. That power also translates to a mid-four-second sprint from zero to 100 km/h, making the big-battery Lightning quicker than the Ford Raptor.
F-150s outfitted with the standard battery have a maximum payload of 2,000 lbs. (907 kg) and a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 lbs. (3,493 kg), while the figures for the extended-range versions outfitted with the Max Trailer Tow package are 1,800 lbs. (816 kg) and 10,000 lbs. (4,536 kg), respectively. The F-150 Lightning debuts an available Pro
Trailer Hitch Assist, which automatically controls steering, throttle, and brake inputs to make hitching trailers easier.
Those capacities are achievable thanks to a highstrength, military-grade aluminum alloy body, a new independent rear suspension, and an all-new frame using the strongest steel ever put into an F-150 frame. Rugged underbody cladding protects the battery, and metal skid plates shield both the battery and inboard motors from tough terrain. The battery itself is secured inside a waterproof casing, surrounded by crash-absorption
protection, and has been tested at temperatures as low as -40 C.
The F-150 Lightning also boasts some pretty interesting technology. Front and centre is the “frunk.” Most every EV on the market has one of these — a storage area under the hood — but none has the capacity and capabilities of the one in this truck.
Dubbed by Ford the “mega power frunk,” this cavernous and lockable space has 400 litres of volume and 181 kg of payload. Put another way, it can swallow two carry-on bags and one checked bag, or two sets of golf clubs. There also is functionality to go with that utility, because the water-resistant space comes equipped with four electrical outlets, two USB chargers and a drainable floor that can double as a food and beverage container. With 2.4 kilowatts of power, there’s enough capability to plug in power tools, TVS, laptops, speakers, cookers and more.
The available Ford Intelligent Backup Power has the ability to off-load 9.6 kw of power to keep your house lights on during a power outage while powering home appliances, security systems, and more. Once power is restored, the truck automatically reverts to charging its battery. Based on an average 30 kwh of use per day, according to Ford, the F-150 Lightning with extended-range battery can provide full-home power for up to three days, or as long as 10 days if power is rationed.
Then there is an available on-board scales feature that uses the truck’s sensors to estimate payload and tell you how much you’re hauling. That’s important in an EV because payload impacts driving range.
Also available is the ability to use a smartphone to lock, unlock, and start the truck.