[Auto] Ford F-150 Lightning: Electrifyingly powerful and full of range

[#Steeven.™]

Its specific weight in European sales is still low, but little by little the pickups are gaining ground. The same does not happen on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, and the best example is in the US. This country is the one that gathers the most sales of this type of vehicle throughout the year. Especially for Ford, a manufacturer that has long dominated this market segment with an iron fist. Now, he wants to repeat it, albeit "plugged in."

We refer to the birth of the Ford F-150 Lightning. The electrification of the automotive sector is forcing manufacturers to rethink the present and future of their ranges. This mission is very complex, especially in high-volume models that have a strong commercial image. Not surprisingly, the Yankee pickup has assumed this role with astonishing ease, although its new generation has a lot to do with all of this. We tell you its secrets ...

The Ford F-150 Lightning has a powerful and forceful presence

As you can see in the images, the imprint of the Ford F-150 Lightning is very similar to that of the F-150 that we already know. The aesthetic differences between one version and another are nuanced, although recognizable at first glance. From the beginning, in the front, since the grill goes from being open to being a fairing to improve air flow. Mind you, the shiny black diamond pattern remains as well as an attractive, muscular bumper.

Another element that stands out is the LED lighting. On the one hand there are the main optics, which maintain the same scheme as their brother. The striking thing is the LED bar that joins them in the upper area, as we already saw in the teasers. This solution is repeated at the rear for the rear optics. The changes are completed by the cargo cover on the previous wheel arch, newly designed alloy wheels and the "Lightning" logo on the side.

 

Interior packed with technology and durable materials ...

Inside, the feeling that the new Ford F-150 Lightning gives us is of being familiar and familiar. However, there are important developments, such as the arrival of a new 15.5-inch central touch screen located in a vertical position. This item will not be standard, but what will arrive from the factory is the configurable digital instrument panel. Regarding the basic design lines, little to say, since it follows the scheme of the conventional F-150.

To finish, we could not overlook one of the great novelties that the F-150 Lightning brings. We refer to the trunk that the engineers in charge of the project have located under the front hood. According to the brand, its capacity is 400 liters and can accommodate up to 182 kilos of payload. This should be enough to hold two carry-on bags, a large suitcase, or two sets of golf clubs. In addition, it has power outlets.

 

Powerful electric powertrain: 432 hp or 571 hp you choose ...

All in all, the important thing about the F-150 Lightning is under its skin. Thanks to its platform it can accommodate two types of batteries. The first is known as "Standard-Range" (SR) and will offer a range of 370 kilometers. The second, "Extended-Range" (ER), offers 483 kilometers. Both feed an electric powertrain made up of two motors, one on each axle.

The power of the SR is 318 kW (432 hp) and the ER 420 kW (571 hp). The torque in both cases is 1,051 Nm. With such potential, performance is at a high level. Ford announces, for the ER, an acceleration from 0 to 100 of 4.5 seconds. This data, for the moment, makes it the fastest pick up in the world, waiting for the Tesla Cybertruck and GMC Hummer EV to arrive.

But the F-150 Lightning also wants to be the best pickup in the field and for tough working conditions. Among the aids it has, the liquid cooling system stands out to keep the battery temperature stable and improve performance. In addition to that, with one battery charge, it can provide electricity to an average home for three days.

The SR's towing capacity is 2,268 kilos or 3,493 with an optional pack. The ER, meanwhile, can pull up to 4,536 kilos. The payload is also generous, at 907 kilos for the first and 840 kilos for the second. Finally, depending on the version chosen, you can have a 120-volt, 12-amp or 240-volt or 32-amp charger.