FORD F-150 LIGHTNING

ALL-ELECTRIC LIGHTNING HAS ALL THE VIRTUES OF FORD’S BEST-SELLING F-150

The biggest difference between the all-electric Ford Lightning pickup and the gas-powered version of the company’s best-selling F-150 is that the drivetrain is pretty much the only difference in the two.

That results in differences in performance, of course, but the Ford Lightning is a true truck that delivers a smooth and quiet ride and fuel economy that the standard F-150 can’t come close to matching.

Though it may lag in chores like long-distance towing, the Lightning is up to handling routine truck-like tasks and makes good use of the space vacated by replacement of the V8 engine up front with a large stowage space dubbed a frunk.

Introduced as a 2022 model, the Ford F-150 Lightning has undergone little change since then. Though our test vehicle was a 2024 model, the 2025 version gets only minor updates, though one is a Tesla-style adapter that considerably expands public charging opportunities.

The Ford F-150 Lightning is offered in four trims for 2025 with the XLT serving as the base. Our test version was the top-of-the-line Platinum trim. In between are Flash and Lariat editions.

Standard features on the Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum include such niceties as heated and ventilated front seats, second-row heated seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, sliding rear window, woodgrain and chrome interior accents, a hotspot telematic modem, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and dual-zone climate control.

Safety features include a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, pre-collision assist, lane-keeping system, blind-spot warning, evasive steering assist, and forward collision prevention assist with emergency braking.

What sets the Lightning apart from your ordinary F-150 is the power from the dual electric motors. With the standard range battery,  horsepower is 452 hp. Horsepower is the 580 hp with the extended range battery. The 775 pound-feet of torque is the same with either battery.

All-wheel drive is standard, and zero-to-60 mph time is a lightning quick 4.0 seconds.

Towing capacity is a generous 10,000 pounds for Flash and Lariat trims, 7,700 for XLT models, and 8,500 for the Platinum. Range is seriously impacted, however, depending on the size of the load. While the extended range battery can deliver up to 300 miles between charges, trailering a large load can cut that in half according to various sources.

Another downer for the Ford F-150 Lightning is the price. The base XLT trim starts at $63,345, which is close to the starting price for the upgraded Lariat trim in the gas-engine F-150.

The F-150 Flash trim starts at $69,995 and the Lariat at $76,995. Thet Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum starts at $84,995. Add options like BlueCruise hands-free driving, a mobil power cord, bedliner, and the Rapid Red exterior and my test Ford F-150 Platinum checked in at $90,760 including a hefty $2,995 destination and delivery charge.

What I liked about the Ford Lightning Platinum: The roomy Supercrew cabin has the ambience of a high grade SUV.  Grab handles on the A pillar and a running board make getting in and out a snap.The ride is comfortable, especially on expressways. Front storage capacity (frunk) is spacious.

What I didn’t like about the Ford Lightning Platinum: The size is a bit overwhelming, making for challenging situations on crowded urban streets and mall parking lots. Sometimes touches to the large touchscreen are slow to react, which can create a hazardous situation if you are driving and by yourself. Towing a particular large load seriously impacts range. 

Would I buy the Ford Lightning Platinum? I’m not in the market for a truck of any type but the Lightning does have some advantages over the popular gas-powered F-150. I’d stay away if you do a lot of towing over long distances. If you don’t, have at it.