The All New Electric 2021 Ford Lightning Explained!
THE TRUCK OF THE FUTURE IS HERE:
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overall rating 4.6
Tesla might be the company that has taken electric automobiles as appealing alternatives into the mainstream. But it has not won the heart of Americans over to electrification just yet. That’s because the ordinary American doesn’t drive an SUV like Model S or X for $80,000 and doesn’t drive a mid-size sedan like the Model 3 or Y. They drive trucks.
Ford announced the F-150 Lightning, a pick-up truck that is an integral part of $22 billion investment into electrification. The Pick-up Truck is one of a trifecta of Ford EV debuts. And maybe, the most significant in terms of cost. Following the launch of the all-electric Mustang Mach-E and E-Transit system. Which is a customizable all-electric freighter that focuses on business clients. The Ford F-150 Lightning will be produced at the Rouge factory in Dearborn, Michigan.
The F-150 Lightning was a tough assignment for Ford. The truck needs all that has made it the most-selling gas-powered vehicle in North America. And additional advantages from that come with electric cars. This implies torque, performance, tow capacity and the general layout have to respond to the demands of its consumers. According to truck specs. Ford has delivered the torque and power with the same proportions of cabin and bed as the gas equivalent.
What’s new?
The Ford F-150 was completely redesigned in 2021 with a focus on technology, innovation, and interior comfort. The newly available hybrid engine delivers top-class efficiency with no pulling power sacrifice.
All models are fitted for software upgrades to over-the-air technology. The F-150 is equipped with a semi-autonomous driver. A built-in accessory generator, a storable console shifter, a tailgate surface and completely reclining head seats. There are no less than 11 different grilles and more aerodynamic styles in the body, also, new retraction applications.
Ford states that the high-performance Raptor will return later.
The Interior
Just like the newly refreshed gas-powered F-150, the Lightning is filled with connected car tech and advanced driving assistance features. The higher-level trims of the Lightning — the Lariat and Platinum versions — will come with Ford’s Sync 4A infotainment system that can support over-the-air software updates. That means the system rollout upgrades to the vehicle. Such as adding or improving driver assistance features and keeping maps up to date. SYNC 4 will offer third-party apps through its AppLink system, including Waze and a version of Amazon’s Alexa called Ford+Alexa.
A 15.5-inch touch panel, which looks like what’s inside the new Mustang Mach-E electrical crossover. Shows the Sync 4A system, with natural voice control and real-time mapping. A 12-inch instrument cluster may be modified before the driver. This digital display also provides the driver with crucial information on how the battery works. The regenerative braking, and the sophisticated driver support system.
“It’s the smartest F-150 we’ve ever produced,” said Darren Palmer, Ford Motor Company’s general manager of electric battery cars. ‘F-150 Lightning provides an immersive touchscreen that gives our consumers all the information they desire at once. A real-time view of where you travel, what you carry, and how much you have banked in the real world. And the experience will further improve with Ford Power-software Up’s upgrades.”
Adequate Power Back up
Ryan O’Gorman, electric car Manager of Strategic Partnerships, he said, “Whether hiding in a storm or attempting to stay safely on a thermal wave. Customer may now utilize their truck to offer electricity if they need.” F-150 Lightning is designed for seamless transitions between charging your car and driving your house when required. And Ford is the first electric truck in the US to provide this functionality.’
In the future, Ford will introduce Ford Intelligent Power, which can use the truck to power homes during high-cost, peak-energy hours while taking advantage of low-cost overnight rates to charge the vehicle in time for your morning drive. This can help save money on electricity that powers your vehicle and home while also taking pressure off the grid in peak usage times.
Ford is also teaming up with the nation’s leading solar company, Sunrun, to facilitate easy installation of the 80-amp Ford Charge Station Pro and home integration system. Through this collaboration, customers will also have the opportunity to install solar energy on their homes, enabling them to power their household with clean, affordable energy and charge their F-150 Lightning with the power of the sun.
Stay Plugged in on the Road
Power capability is not limited to the home, either. With enhanced Pro Power Onboard, customers can take advantage of built-in electrical outlets to directly power a variety of tools, electronics and appliances away from home. Standard on base trims is 2.4 kilowatts of power with the option for more, while Lariat and Platinum series come standard with 9.6 kilowatts of power – a combination of up to 2.4 kilowatts available through the frunk and up to 7.2 kilowatts through outlets in the cab and bed.https://www.youtube.com/embed/hPrIgMk-KrM?rel=0
Smart features make power management easier than ever. Customers receive a FordPass notification if their truck’s battery falls below one-third of its total range, and they can even set the truck to stop using Pro Power Onboard if the battery level approaches the distance to the nearest charging station.
All these capabilities are possible thanks to the truck’s powerful next-generation lithium-ion battery. F-150 Lightning offers two options: a standard-range battery targeting 230 miles of EPA-estimated range and an extended-range battery targeting 300 miles of EPA-estimated range7.
Front-Loaded
Under the hood is a versatile, high-tech mega power frunk offering dedicated storage space that’s secure, lockable and easily accessible by a powered open and close system. This spacious area targets 400 liters of volume and 400 pounds of payload – enough to stow two carry-on bags and one checked bag, or two sets of golf clubs.
Cleverly designed with bumper-height clearance, this water-resistant space comes equipped with four electrical outlets, two USB chargers and a drainable floor that can double as a food and beverage container. It can easily power a mobile work site or an epic tailgate. With 2.4 kilowatts of power, there’s enough capability to plug in power tools, TVs, laptops, speakers, crockpots and more.
“The words ‘front trunk’ don’t even begin to describe all the innovation and capability Ford packed into this high-powered space,” said Nancy Reppenhagen, supervisor, Global Feature Process. “It will have customers rethinking what their truck is capable of – and enable the kinds of experiences they never would have thought possible before.”
Built Ford Tough Comes Standard
F-150 Lightning goes through the same tortuous Built Ford Tough testing as all F-Series trucks. The military-grade aluminum alloy body and upgraded frame support the advanced battery, while the first F-Series independent rear suspension and low center of gravity help improve isolation from the road, provide a more stable ride and reduce steering roll – while maintaining the durability and reliability expected from F-150.
“Whether they’re hauling a bed full of firewood through snow or towing a trailer on a road trip, customers need to be able to rely on their truck’s performance,” said Linda Zhang, chief engineer, F-150 Lightning. “This all-electric truck has been engineered with dual in-board motors, which means it can take on rough terrain. Our team of engineers has run the same arduous test regimen our F-150 customers have learned to expect from Ford.”
F-150 Lightning boasts excellent off-road performance, with a 4×4 system featuring four selectable drive modes: Normal, Sport, Off Road and Tow/Haul. Rugged underbody protection keeps the battery safe, with metal skid plates shielding both the battery and inboard motors from tough terrain. The battery itself is secured inside waterproof casing surrounded by crash-absorption protection and has been tested at temperatures as extreme as minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure Lightning can perform when needed most.
Rigorous endurance testing included running the truck through Iowa Hill, Calif., where it towed massive trailers for long durations up and down steep inclines. As a result, F-150 Lightning sports a state-of-the-art liquid cooling system and powertrain layout that expertly manages heat distribution across the vehicle. Improved cooling systems and components ensure the truck can thrive even in the toughest driving ordeals.
Going Electric, Made Easy
Ford has your back when it comes to charging. Ford is the only automaker to offer an 80-amp charge station as standard equipment, helping customers easily charge an extended-range truck at home. This system takes advantage of the only dual onboard charging system on an electric truck in the industry for even faster home charging. With this, F-150 Lightning adds an average range of 30 miles per charging hour, fully charging an extended-range truck from 15% to 100% percent in about eight hours8.https://www.youtube.com/embed/NsI-xRttI2k?rel=0
On the road, customers have seamless access to North America’s largest public charging network through FordPass, with more than 63,000 charging plugs and growing across the U.S. On a 150-kilowatt DC fast charger, extended-range F-150 Lightning is targeted to get up to 54 miles of range in 10 minutes and charge from 15% to 80% percent in about 41 minutes8.
F-150 Lightning takes the guesswork out of when and where to re-charge with FordPass Power My Trip, which identifies charging routes before even starting your journey. In the truck, Intelligent Range accurately calculates range while factoring in weather, traffic, payload, towing weights and more. Cloud-connected navigation on SYNC 4 also identifies public charging locations and prompts owners to charge at convenient points on each drive.
Distinctive, High-Tech Design
F-150 Lightning is undeniably an F-Series truck. Building on the strength of the existing F-150 design DNA. Ford created a truck that epitomizes the toughness people love while adding a distinctly modern, high-tech flair. Key elements include available signature LED lightbars that run across the front and rear. Plus three new grille designs bring a bold new look to a familiar faces while maintaining Built Ford Tough authenticity.
F-150 Lightning is the most aerodynamic F-150 ever9, with improvements like newly shaped running boards, a sculpted hood to reduce drag, and grilles that replace air intake holes with a smoother, textured surface. Even more functional design delivers available enhanced 360-degree Zone Lighting, which can light up a specific zone or the entire area around the vehicle.
And F-150 Lightning makes no compromises on space, maintaining the same cab and bed dimensions as its gas counterpart, so it remains capable of accommodating thousands of accessories already available. The available fold-out Interior Work Surface makes working inside the vehicle even easier and more productive, while available Max Recline Seats offer nearly 180 degrees of recline to help customers recharge as needed.
Proudly assembled in America, F-150 Lightning will make use of the new, state-of-the-art Rouge Electric Vehicle Center – which will also be a zero-waste-to-landfill site. Ford is investing $700 million into the historic Rouge Complex, adding 500 new jobs and employing advanced sustainable manufacturing technology to build the truck as part of its commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2050.
Arriving in spring 2022, F-150 Lightning will be available in four series. And two battery options at more than 2,300 EV-certified Ford dealers across the US. With the option for fleet customers to access Ford’s complete ecosystem of connected data, telematics services via Ford Commercial Solutions.
Horsepower, torque, payload, towing, and targeted EPA-estimated range are independent attributes and may not be achieved simultaneously.
