Molly Ayala
Ford Motor Company has been working on electric trucks for several years, with the Ford F-150 Lightning unveiled in May 2021 and production beginning in April 2022. The F-150 Lightning is a battery-electric, full-size, light-duty truck with four models, all initially dual-motor, four-wheel drive, and a range of 240-320 miles. The F-150 Lightning is produced at the Ford Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Michigan and is available in four trim levels. Ford received over 100,000 reservations for the F-150 Lightning within a month of its announcement and began discussing other electric trucks beyond the F-series in May 2021. The second generation of the Ford F-150 Lightning, known as Project T3, was initially planned for release in 2025 but has been delayed until 2027 or 2028.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Ford F-150 Lightning |
| Unveiling Date | May 19, 2021 |
| Production Start Date | April 26, 2022 |
| Production Sites | Ford Rouge Electric Vehicle Center, Van Dyke Electric Powertrain Center, Rawsonville Components Plant |
| Number of Models | 4 |
| Number of Trim Levels | 4 (Pro, XLT, Lariat, and Platinum) |
| Launch Markets | Iceland, Norway, South Africa, Australasia, Europe |
| Launch Date in Europe | April 2023 |
| Base Configuration Range | 230 mi (370 km) |
| Base Configuration Payload | 2,000 lb (910 kg) |
| High-End Configuration Range | 300 mi (480 km) |
| High-End Configuration Towing Capacity | 10,000 lb (4,500 kg) |
| Next Generation Model | Ford T3 |
| Next Generation Model Production Start Date | 2028 |
| Next Generation Model Launch Date | 2027 |
| Next Generation Model Production Site | BlueOval City vehicle assembly plant |
| Next Generation Model Range | 420 miles |
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What You'll Learn
Ford F-150 Lightning
The Ford F-150 Lightning is a battery-electric, full-size, light-duty truck unveiled by the Ford Motor Company in May 2021. The truck began production in April 2022, with four models and trim packages available. The F-150 Lightning is produced at the Ford Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Michigan and involves two other plants in the state: the Van Dyke Electric Powertrain Center, which assembles the electric motors, and the Rawsonville Components Plant, which produces the batteries.
The F-150 Lightning has a standard battery with a range of 230 miles on a single charge. The truck can also be equipped with a larger, 131-kWh battery pack that boosts the driving range to 320 miles. The Lightning is designed to act as a backup generator and can supply up to three days of electricity for an average household during a power outage. It also includes over-the-air software updates and a software driving aid that allows for limited hands-off highway driving.
The F-150 Lightning has impressive performance for a truck of its size, with lightning-quick acceleration and refined road manners. The ride and handling are slightly more agreeable than those of the normal F-150 due to its lower center of gravity and independent rear suspension. The maximum towing capacity of the truck is 10,000 pounds, but only when equipped with the optional Extended Range battery.
The F-150 Lightning was initially launched in Norway in April 2023 and is now available in other European countries, as well as Iceland, South Africa, and Australasia.
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Production and rollout
The Ford F-150 Lightning is a battery-electric, full-size, light-duty truck unveiled by the Ford Motor Company in May 2021. The F-150 Lightning began production on April 26, 2022, and is produced at the Ford Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Michigan. The F-150 Lightning is ready to launch in Iceland, Norway, and South Africa in late 2023, and Australasia in early 2024.
In 2024, Ford announced that the rollout of the first prototypes of its next-generation electric truck, the Ford T3, would be planned for 2027. The T3 will be produced at the BlueOval City vehicle assembly plant in Tennessee, which is expected to have an annual capacity of 500,000 EV trucks.
The T3 will be the next generation of the F-150 Lightning and will be substantially different in design. It will be smaller than the F-150 Lightning and is expected to be more affordable, with a starting price of $46k. The T3 will offer upgraded bidirectional charging capability and advanced aerodynamics, which will improve the vehicle's range.
Ford plans to begin customer deliveries of the T3 in 2026 and gradually ramp up production to ensure quality. The Tennessee Electric Vehicle Center will be Ford's first Industry 4.0 plant, combining automation and connectivity to elevate quality and efficiency.
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Features and specifications
The Ford F-150 Lightning is a battery-electric, full-size, light-duty truck unveiled by the Ford Motor Company in May 2021. The truck began production on April 26, 2022, and is produced at the Ford Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Michigan.
The F-150 Lightning includes over-the-air software updates and a significant software driving aid, which will allow limited hands-off highway driving. The truck can also supply up to 9.6 kW of power through up to eleven 120V and 240V electrical outlets distributed around the truck, which can be used to charge other vehicles or itself. The F-150 Lightning has a standard battery and can travel 230 miles on a single charge. The high-end configuration has 580 hp, 300 miles of range, and a towing capacity of 10,000 lbs. All models have 775 lb-ft of torque, full-time 4wd, and independent rear suspension.
The F-150 Lightning was initially available in four trim levels: Pro, XLT, Lariat, and Platinum. The Pro trim was only available with the smaller-capacity battery, and the Platinum was offered only with the higher-capacity battery. All other trims include the smaller-capacity battery as standard equipment but also offer the higher-capacity battery as an option.
The F-150 Lightning is ready to launch in Iceland, Norway, and South Africa in late 2023, and Australasia in early 2024. In Norway, it is offered only in the Lariat Launch Edition version, featuring a Super Crew Cab body style and available exclusively in Antimatter Blue.
Ford has also announced the upcoming release of the Ford T3, the next generation of the Lightning, which will be produced starting in 2026, with the rollout of the first prototypes planned for 2027. The T3 will have fewer configurations than current Ford trucks and will include upgraded bidirectional charging capability. The T3 is expected to have a range of around 420 miles, a substantial design difference from other Ford trucks, and improved aerodynamics.
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Ford's EV strategy
Ford Motor Company has been making significant changes to its electric vehicle (EV) strategy to cater to the evolving demands of the market. The company aims to increase electrification options, improve affordability, and expand its customer reach.
Ford's next steps in EV development include an electric commercial van, expected in 2026, which will be assembled at the Ohio Assembly Plant. This van will be powered by cells produced at BlueOval City in Tennessee, starting in late 2025. The same cells will also power the next-generation electric truck, assembled at BlueOval City, and future electrified vehicles. This strategy provides Ford with sourcing flexibility and contributes to its goal of reducing overall costs in its electric vehicle portfolio.
Ford is also committed to creating long-term value by building a competitive and profitable business. The company intends to leverage its electric vehicle platform to introduce multiple vehicle styles with personalized digital experiences. This strategy aims to cater to customers seeking more value, range, utility, and usability, while also ensuring profitable growth and capital efficiency.
Ford's best-selling electric truck, the F-150 Lightning, was unveiled in May 2021, with production starting in April 2022. The truck offers hands-off highway driving, digital subscription services, and household-oriented V2G power capabilities. With strong demand and over 200,000 reservations, Ford is already discussing other electric trucks beyond the F-series, such as the Expedition and Navigator. The company is also working on the next generation of its electric truck, the Ford Project T3, which is expected to launch in 2025.
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Customer response
Customers have praised the F-150 Lightning's performance, with one owner commenting that it is "amazing to drive". The truck's power outlets have also been well-received, and some customers have found the vehicle useful during power outages.
However, some customers have expressed concerns about the limited availability of certain features. For example, one customer has criticised Ford for turning off their climate control when they open their frunk. Another has complained about the auto-power-off setting resetting with each power cycle.
Looking ahead, customers are eagerly awaiting the release of Ford's next-generation electric trucks, including the Ford T3, which is expected to offer improved efficiency, range, and utility. Some customers have expressed interest in upgrading to the newer version when it becomes available in 2027 or 2028.
Overall, the customer response to Ford's electric trucks has been positive, with strong demand and a high level of engagement from the Ford community.
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Frequently asked questions
Ford's first electric truck, the F-150 Lightning, was unveiled in May 2021 and production began in April 2022. The company has also announced that it will release the second generation of the F-150 Lightning, called Project T3, in 2027, with production beginning in 2028.
The F-150 Lightning is a battery-electric, full-size, light-duty truck. It comes in four models, all of which are initially dual-motor and four-wheel drive. The truck has a range of 230-320 miles (370-510 km) on a single charge and can supply up to 9.6 kW of power through eleven 120V and 240V electrical outlets.
The Ford Project T3 is expected to have a range of around 420 miles, which is 100 miles more than the current F-150 Lightning.
