Ford has unveiled the new F-150 Lightning, the first production electric version of its best-selling pickup that will take on the Tesla Cybertruck when it goes on sale early next year.
The new truck will be key to Blue Oval’s plans to dramatically increase sales of electric vehicles in America. It has been described by President Jim Ford as “a watershed moment” for Ford and the American auto industry.
The EV is based on the 14th generation of the F-series, which has long dominated private vehicle sales in the United States. Ford sold around 730,000 F-series pickups last year. The Lightning title revives a name previously used for a road-focused performance version of the truck.
The F-150 Lightning will feature a four-wheel-drive two-engine powertrain producing 555 horsepower and 775 lb-ft – the highest torque ever offered on an F-150.
It will be offered with two battery capacities, offering official range of around 230 and 300 miles on the US EPA test cycle.
Ford claims the F-150 Lightning will be “blazingly fast,” with 0-60mph in the mid-4.0sec range with the optional extended-range battery.
The company claims a maximum payload of 907 kg for vehicles equipped with standard 18-inch wheels, as well as a towing capacity of up to 4,536 kg.
Ford will offer a home charging station as standard with the truck and says it will be able to quickly charge 150 kW DC, allowing for a 15-80% charge in 41 minutes.
Ford also claims that the F-150 Lightning will be as versatile as the regular versions and that it will come with a range of features to increase productivity as a work vehicle. These will include on-board scales, which can estimate the weight of a payload and adjust the vehicle range estimate to account for, and a “pro trailer hitch assist” feature to facilitate towing.
The truck also offers a home power feature, with the ability to use 9.6kW of battery charge to power a home during a power outage or the like. Ford says it can power an average home for up to 10 days. Owners will also be able to use the truck to power tools and other electrical equipment.
The smaller electric motors mean the F-150 Lightning gains a “frunk” under the hood that offers 400 liters of storage space and is equipped with four electrical outlets and two USE chargers.
The F-150 Lightning retains the aluminum alloy body and frame of the regular F-150, as well as independent rear suspension to reduce steering roll.
It will also be the first model to feature Ford’s new Sync 4A infotainment system, with a 15.5-inch touchscreen. A 12-inch digital instrument panel will also be offered.
The F-150 Lightning will be built at Ford’s new Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, Michigan, and will launch in the US in spring 2022 with a starting price of $ 39,974 (£ 28,200), which is broadly comparable to the mid-engined versions. combustion.
It will not be offered in the UK.
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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-05-20 01:30:00
