Ford introduces the new F-150 Lightning, the first production electric version of its best-selling pickup, at the New York Auto Show.
The new truck will be key to Blue Oval’s plans to significantly increase its electric vehicle sales in America. Its reveal last year was described by Chairman Bill Ford as “a watershed moment” for Ford and the US auto industry.
The electric vehicle is based on the 14th generation of the F-series, which has long dominated private vehicle sales in the United States. Ford sold about 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 two-motor, four-wheel-drive powertrain that produces 563 hp and 775 lb-ft – the highest torque ever offered on an F-150.
It will be offered with two battery capacities, offering official ranges of around 230 and 300 miles on the US EPA test cycle.
Ford claims the F-150 Lightning will be “wickedly quick”, with a 0-60mph time in the mid-range of 4.0 seconds with the optional extended-range battery.
The company claims a maximum payload of 907 kg for vehicles fitted with standard 18-inch wheels, as well as a towing capacity of up to 4536 kg.
Ford will offer a home charging station as standard with the truck and says it will be capable of 150kW DC fast charging, enabling a 15-80% charge in 41 minutes.
Ford also says the F-150 Lightning will be as versatile as regular versions and 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’s range estimate accordingly, and a “professional trailer hitch assist” function to facilitate the towing.
The truck also offers a home power feature, with the ability to use 9.6kW of the battery charge to power a home during a power outage or similar. Ford claims 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 power 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 regular F-150’s aluminum alloy body and frame, along with independent rear suspension to reduce steering body roll.
It will also be the first model to feature Ford’s new Sync 4A infotainment system, with a 15.5-inch touchscreen. A 12.0-inch digital instrument cluster will also be offered.
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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-04-13 16:13:00
