2021-2023 Ford F-150 Lightning review - specifications and photos

Contents of the review:

• Price and configuration
• Competitors
• Appearance
• Pickup salon
• Specifications
• Security systems
• Equipment

Automobile manufacturers are trying in every way to surprise their customers by presenting more and more new models. Some variants of cars turn out to be successful, while others become less popular. The era of electric cars is just beginning to develop, over the past few years there has been a huge breakthrough in this direction.

If we talk about pickups, then the electrical options can be counted on the fingers. The very first were Tesla Cybertruck and Rivian R1T, which until recently were considered competitors, but did not take root in mass production.

The auto giants decided to keep up with electrification, the first to bring the legendary Hummer EV from General Motors to the market. Now the buyer was presented with a serial electric pickup truck Ford F-150 Ligtning. It is the latter that will be discussed in this review.

According to company representatives, the new electric Ford F-150 Lightning has not been changed much in terms of design, so it is very close to the F-150 sibling with an internal combustion engine. As the saying goes, why re-invent a bicycle if you can simply modify it.

Ford felt that it would be easier for future owners to get used to the electric car, especially reseeding from the version where the internal combustion engine is installed. The rest of the pickup received a recognizable design, style and package of "buns" for the convenience of the driver and passengers.

Models and prices Ford F-150 Lightning 2023.

Despite the fact that the electric pickup is new in its family and presented with a huge number of useful features, the starting price was not so high. On the official Ford website, the usual F-150 Lightning 2021 trim will cost from $ 39,974. An improved version of the Lightning XLT will cost from $ 52,974, but the most expensive modification will cost $ 90,474.

This difference between complete sets and prices is due to various kinds of discounts and help from the state. As for the difference between the trim levels, for the most part it is the comfort of the interior, various kinds of auxiliary systems and, of course, the battery capacity.

It will be possible to distinguish between the F-150 Lightning configurations by the front pseudo-lattice, which will be different for each configuration. A feature of the new Ford F-150 Lightning can be considered not only charging, but also the transfer of electricity in the opposite direction, that is, as a source of electricity. For electric cars, this is a significant breakthrough, since everyone previously held the benchmark for maximum energy savings in the battery. The official start of sales of the electric pickup truck will be in the early spring of 2022.

Competitors

• Hummer ev
• Tesla cybertruck
• Rivian R1T

Exterior of the new pickup

The new 2021 Ford F-150 Lightning is virtually unchanged from the regular F-150, according to the manufacturer. Most likely, it looks like this for an ordinary user, but for an expert and a motorist with experience, these are two different vehicles. The new electric pickup F-150 Lightning, which is how the prefix name is translated, has received many improvements, while retaining the main purpose of the pickup family.

The front part of the Ford F-150 Lightning is distinguished by a large U-shaped LED line, which also serves as LED running lights. The designers placed the LED line vertically on the sides. The optics of the Ford F-150 Lightning pickup, starting from the basic configuration, will be only LED. In terms of shape and arrangement of elements, the optics are quite similar to the usual Ford F-150.

The radiator grill in the new Ford F-150 Lightning, like in many electric cars, is only a dummy, but much more is hidden behind it. If an ordinary Ford F-150 pickup truck with an internal combustion engine has an engine behind the bars, then in a new electric car there is a full-fledged trunk of 400 liters or 181 kilograms. The fake grille itself received rhomboid inserts and a corporate emblem in the center.

Another plus of the trunk is that it can be washed with running water, which means that the front trunk is sealed and there is a plug for draining water. Also located in the trunk are USB ports, several sockets for 12 and 220V. The trunk lid, it is also the hood, is made of aluminum and is electrically controlled (open or close the trunk).

As befits a pickup truck, this whole set underlines the massive front bumper. The designers took the central part for sensors, radar and other kind of controls. Here, in the lower part, there are two tow hooks and a footrest for easy access to the trunk or to the windshield. In total, the new Ford F-150 Lightning pickup looks from the front no worse than its brother in name with an internal combustion engine. Restrained design, no unnecessary details and very practical in terms of off-road operation.

The ratio of the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning pickup to electric class is given by two charging hatches on the front fenders. Yes, exactly two hatches, although usually only one. It is no secret that for owners of electric cars it was sometimes a problem to remember where the charging socket is located or to properly park the electric car for recharging. Now such a problem has been ruled out and it is possible that other manufacturers of electric cars will follow this example. It might be a little expensive in terms of total cost, but very convenient.

Otherwise, the Ford F-150 Lightning doesn't really stand out. At the start of production, the electric car will be offered with two rows of seats and a standard body behind the cab. The manufacturer refers to this option as SuperCrew Cab. The side of the pickup has remained largely unchanged, with signature cutouts in the corner of the front doors for better visibility, large side mirrors, stationary footrests and plastic trims at the bottom of the doors.

In terms of color, the new Ford F-150 Lightning will be offered in 10 variants:

• blue satin;
• snow white;
• red;
• gray-blue;
• the black;
• dark blue;
• grey;
• silver;
• white;
• brown gray.

At the heart of the electric pickup, the standard will be 18 ″ wheels with a modern design. Top configurations will be offered with 20 or 22 ″ discs of a new design.

If the front and side of the Ford F-150 Lightning is different from the regular version of the F-150, then the back is a familiar pickup. Body with the possibility of installing a protective tarpaulin or hard cover, cargo platform and trunk lid. A special difference will be the LED line, which the designers have extended from the rear stops and to the full width of the tailgate.

The feet of the F-150 Lightning themselves have received a matte shade with black outlines and model markings. As for the rear bumper, there are no differences. The usual step in the center, rubber pads closer to the sides, a recess for license plates and a trailed one.

The final exterior detail of the Ford F-150 Lightning is the roof. Depending on the configuration and modification, the buyer will be offered a solid roof with stiffening ribs, an electric sunroof or a fully panoramic roof with a sliding front part can also be installed. Usually this approach is not practiced on pickups, but due to the use of the strongest steel and aluminum body parts, the manufacturer decided to install a panoramic roof.

Overall, the new 2021 Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup looks luxurious at a relatively low cost for the base package. On the plus side, there is an additional trunk in the front, a recognizable design and all the well-preserved purpose of the pickup for transporting goods.

The interior of the new SUV

Unlike the exterior, the interior of the Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup has received more refinements and looks more modern. As promised by the manufacturer, the new product is significantly different in terms of progressive functions. The first thing you notice is the large 15.5 ″ touchscreen display of the multimedia system.

The display was positioned vertically, at the bottom of the display there is a sound control washer and several usual buttons for quick access to car systems (rear view camera, emergency parking signal, etc.). At the heart of multimedia will be Android Auto and Apple CarPlay systems at the same time, with support for all kinds of modern applications for gadgets, including remote control. In fact, the engineers transferred all the control of the pickup to the display, from monitoring to all kinds of entertainment, including climate control.

On the sides of the display, there are air ducts, the Start / Stop button of the engine, as well as a four-wheel drive control washer. The center console, although it looks rough, is nevertheless practical. The tunnel between the front seats of the 2021 Ford F-150 Lightning will surprise you in its own way.

Firstly, the transmission shift lever is massive, but at the necessary moment it can be easily folded by pressing the button next to it, or it is enough to unfold the center armrest. In turn, a flat surface is formed for placing a laptop, tablet or just a table for a snack on the road.

Secondly, the central tunnel is fully equipped with 12V or 220V sockets for recharging gadgets without special converters. Even when unfolded, the designers have provided cup holders and the ability to adjust the seats for a comfortable fit. According to the manufacturer, this approach is perfect for freelancers or outdoor enthusiasts.

In its standard form, the central tunnel, in addition to the folding gearshift lever, will delight you with a wireless charger, a pair of cup holders and cells for various little things. The armrest itself turned out to be large, which is quite enough for the two front passengers. The interior of the Ford F-150 Lightning 2021 looks no less modern. The front seats have received a massive shape, with good lateral support and all kinds of adjustments. If necessary, it can be completely expanded, thereby obtaining a flat surface with rear seats. It turns out that the angle of the seat will be almost 180 °.

The second row of seats of the Ford F-150 Lightning is made in the form of a sofa and is designed for three seats. Most likely, the second row was simply copied from the usual F-150, respectively, under the seats there should be additional compartments for storing all sorts of little things, tools and other things.

The interior trim of the F-150 Lightning will be fabric as standard, and the manufacturer claims it will be easy to clean and the seat parts are not afraid of moisture. Top pickup modifications will receive leather interior trim. The interior colors have not yet been fully disclosed, it is reliably known about the black, brown and gray options.

Finally, consider the driver's seat of the electric Ford F-150 Lightning. Starting with the basic equipment, the manufacturer will install a digital instrument panel based on a 12 ″ color display. In this case, the display will be sealed, which means that moisture will not spoil its performance in any way. In addition to the standard arrangement of devices, the driver is offered to arrange the elements at his discretion.

They decided not to modify the steering wheel, just taking it from a regular F-150. The steering wheel, although it looks rough, is nevertheless a nice bonus for a pickup. Three spokes, two of which are reserved for function buttons, the ability to adjust in height and reach, a comfortable fit in the hands and no unnecessary details. In total, the interior of the new Ford F-150 Lightning 2021 turned out to be modern, while it managed to retain its recognizable appearance and did not lose reliability in case of operation in difficult conditions.

Specifications Ford F-150 Lightning 2021

Special attention should be paid to the technical characteristics of the electric pickup Ford F-150 Lightning 2021. While the manufacturer does not disclose all the details, but still there is something to talk about. As standard, the electric pickup has two electric motors, an all-wheel drive system and a powerful battery.

The frame of the new pickup is made of sturdy steel, which has not been previously used. The body is also now military grade aluminum. In addition, tests of the Ford F-150 Lightning are now carried out using the Built Ford Tough system, similar to that of all F-series trucks, with heavy loads and unpredictable road situations. Given the purpose of the pickup, the manufacturer placed the battery in a waterproof case, and protected it from below with steel plates. The pickup battery has been tested under extreme conditions at minus 40 degrees Celsius.

A lot of information about the technical characteristics of the F-150 Lightning 2021 has not yet been disclosed. It is known that in the basic version, the total power of the two electric motors will be 432 hp. and 1051 Nm of torque. This is quite enough to drive 370 km on a fully charged battery. While the approximate battery capacity is 90 kWh.

A modification of a higher class will be able to travel 480 km of track, and the total power of the electric motors will be 571 hp, while the torque will remain the same. If in the first version the carrying capacity of the pickup was 907 kg, then the more powerful version will be able to lift only 816 kg on board.

But here the plus will be in the towed cargo, the weaker modification will pull 3.5 tons, and the more powerful modification will be able to pull the trailer weighing 4.5 tons. Charging the battery from 15% to 80% using Quick Charge will take approximately 41 minutes. In the case of using a usual household outlet, it will take 8-14 hours to charge up to 100%. The manufacturer will reveal more information closer to the start of sales of the electric pickup truck.

Safety and comfort systems

The highlight of the pickup Ford F-150 Lightning 2021 can be considered electronics, modern comfort and safety systems. On board the novelty, the manufacturer for the first time installed an autopilot, at the time of operation of which you do not need to keep your hands on the steering wheel. The main advantage and progress for electric cars is the presence of an external power supply system PPO (Pro Power Onboard).

In other words, a pickup can both charge and give off electricity. This is quite enough to power a private house for three days, with the condition of consumption of no more than 30 kW * h per day, or up to 10 days in an economical mode of use (calculations are made for a high-power battery). Also, due to the presence of sockets, electrical appliances or construction power tools can be connected to the on-board network of the Ford F-150 Lightning.

The power output of such a system in the base pickup configuration will be 2.4 kW, but in the Lariat and Platinum trim levels it will grow to 9.6 kW.

In addition to the above, on board the new Ford F-150 Lightning 2021 is installed:

• airbag package;
• safety curtains;
• all-round visibility system;
• cargo towing assistance system;
• trailer stabilization system;
• remote control;
• autopilot;
• parking assistance system with a trailer;
• autonomous parking mechanism;
• LED lighting around the outer perimeter of the pickup;
• digital instrument panel;
• 15.5 ″ multimedia display;
• wireless charger;
• USB ports;
• sockets for 12V and 220V;
• PPO system;
• 4G mobile communications;
• navigation maps;
• monitoring of the driver's condition;
• software update over the air;
• Wi-Fi hotspot.

Another problem that they still tried to solve is the calculation of the real data of the power supply. It is no secret that in many electric cars the calculation system gives approximate and sometimes very erroneous data. Usually, the additional load of the electric car, the towed trailer, weather conditions and even the air temperature overboard, which plays an important role in the capacity of the battery, is not taken into account.

According to engineers, Ford F-150 Lightning, the new pickup truck was equipped with all kinds of sensors, sensors and even electronic scales. The latter in real time help to assess the load and the change in the total weight of the electric vehicle, thereby providing a more realistic picture for the calculation.

Pickup package

Ford's new F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck has truly made unprecedented advances in electric vehicles. New technologies, the continued reliability of a Ford pickup with an internal combustion engine, as well as a huge field for further progress and development. It is possible that on the basis of existing technologies, the manufacturer will offer innovations, and they can appear simply by updating the software.

Other photos of Ford F-150 Lightning: