Ford Unveils The Revived Lightning – The First Fully Electric F-150 Model
This week, Ford announced its newest version of its F-150 pick-up truck for the 2022 model year. Once again, the favorite truck of utility fleets will change the game in a massive way. Finally, the F-series lineup will include the Ford Lightning, the first fully electric F-150 model.
All-electric, all truck. That’s what Ford is saying about their latest addition to their light-duty offerings. The Ford F-150 Lightning also boasts an intelligent range across two battery types – their standard battery at an estimated 230 miles to a full charge, and an EPA-estimated range of 300 miles for their extended-range battery. Utility and other fleet managers alike are monitoring this new addition to Ford’s portfolio, citing that the increased range and two inboard motors for instant torque and prime performance are what’s getting their gears turning.
But that’s not all, alongside increased range and full towing/power capabilities, the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning also features:
- Pro Trailer Hitch Assist
- Onboard Scales for measuring payload weight
- 2,000 lbs. of maximum payload capability
- Smart Hitch to easily load trailers and practice safe towing
- Four 120V outlets in the Mega Power Frunk, providing 2.4kW of Pro Power Onboard exportable power
- Total of 9.6kW of exportable power when combining capabilities of in-cab and Frunk outlets
- Enhanced zone lighting
- Tailgate workspace
“Ford’s reveal of its fully-electric F-150 came with much anticipation as questions surrounding the range, payload and price have been speculated much in the past couple of years. Now that those answers have arrived, we’re looking forward to the day we’ll be able to help our customers’ fleets integrate and analyze the performance of these trucks-of-the-future via its connected data and embedded telematics.“
– Chris Shaffer, CEO, Utilimarc
The Ford F-150 is the chosen light body pick-up truck for many if not most of Utilimarc’s customers and fleets within the utility and municipality space – and we don’t expect that to change any time soon. It’s a trusted model for a reason, so to see Ford adding a fully-electric option to their F-series model lineup is exceptionally exciting for us and fleets alike.
Most people tend to associate electric vehicles with smaller, lighter duty models that are not designed for heavier work loads. However, with Ford’s new F-150 model, they are setting themselves apart from their competitors by pushing the boundaries and setting the standard for other brands to pursue fully-electrified models that can get the tough jobs done in the future.
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 fleets to access Ford’s complete ecosystem of connected data and telematics via Ford Commercial Solutions.
To learn more about how our customers and other top utility fleets in the nation were planning to either electrify in the future or make better use of their current electric fleet, we ran a survey to understand their plans, key concerns and top metrics. The findings were compelling, and certainly leave room for new electric offerings from Ford and other manufacturers in the automotive space.
To learn more about the Ford F-Series models in the fleet space, speak to an analyst today.
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