Charging the Ford F-150 Lightning electric truck

Ford Motors’ F-series trucks have been America’s best-selling vehicle for decades – 40 straight years to be exact, and the industry’s top-selling truck for 45 consecutive years. So, it’s no surprise that, with the rise in popularity of electric vehicles over the past years, Ford is looking to electrify their most successful truck. 

The Ford F-150 Lightning is the all-new electric version of the popular F-150 truck. Compared to more luxurious new EV trucks from the likes of Rivian, Hummer, and Tesla, Ford has stayed true to its roots and kept the electric version of the F-150 relatively “normal”. When looking at the Ford F-150 Lightning, drivers will recognize the trusted look and feel of the regular F-150 but will feel and see the real difference in the two electric motors and all-wheel drive that have replaced the gasoline engine and drivetrain. 

The F-150 lightning is available in four trim levels: Pro ($39,974), XLT ($52,974), Lariat ($67,474), and Platinum ($90,874). All trim levels come standard with a crew-cab body style and a 5.5-foot bed. 

The standard battery pack for the Ford F-150 Lightning is a 98 kWh battery pack, which, according to Ford, will deliver about 230 miles of range on a full charge and produce 426 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque, which is more torque than any gas-powered F-150 on the market. The electric F-150 lightning also has an extended range battery. For those who plan to use their Lightning for longer road trips or longer-distance towing, the standard battery pack can be upgraded to a larger 131-kWh battery pack on the XLT and Lariat trim levels, which provides an estimated 300 miles of range, 563 horsepower, and the same 775 lb-ft of torque. The Platinum trim level comes standard with the larger 131 kWh battery pack. Ford says the F-150 Lightning with the larger 131 kWh-battery can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about four seconds, which makes it quicker than the new F-150 Raptor. 

Ford’s existing Pro Power Onboard will also be featured in the F-150 Lightning. This allows Ford lightning owners to plug power tools and other electric devices into household-style electrical plugs in the bed, cab, and front trunk. 

F-150 Lightning drivers will use the standard J1772 plug for home charging. When drivers buy the F-150 Lightning, it will include a 30A Mobile Power Cord, which allows them to charge from a traditional 120V or a 240V outlet. 

To take full advantage of fast home charging, F-150 Lightning owners will want to install a 48 amp home EV charger, such as the JuiceBox 48, which has a standard J1772 plug that works, not just with electric F-150 charging, but also with any electric vehicle on the market. Moreover, with smart charging features, users can monitor and schedule charging when rates are lower — making your electric vehicle even cheaper to drive. JuiceBox also qualifies for many local utility rebates and incentives.

Given typical daily driving distances, most F-150 Lightning owners will only need to top up the battery pack for an hour or two every night. When it comes to charging on the go, F-150 Lightning owners have charging access to the FordPass Charging Network, which offers access to over 16,000 public charging stations.

Level 3 DC fast charging: CCS Combo

When taking a longer trip and needing to charge on the go, Ford offers rapid electric F150 charging through Ford Charging Network’s 150 kW Level 3 DC fast charging locations. 

Using a 150 kW+ DC fast charger, the standard-range 98 kWh pack can charge from 15-80% in about 44 minutes. The extended-range 131 kWh pack can charge from 15-80% in 41 minutes – enough time to stretch your legs and have a bite to eat. 
 

Moreover, the F-150 Lightning will come with two years of Blue Oval Charge Network access and 250 kWh of complimentary direct current (DC) fast charging at Electrify America stations.