2022 Ford F-150 Lightning

 

Ford debuted their all-electric F-150 Lighting, which will be available in Spring of 2022.

Tesla made a big splash with their Cybertruck. Upstart Rivian has also generated consistent conversation as it prepares to start selling its eclectic R1T pickup in 2022.

Ford fired its first salvo in the battle of electric trucks, unveiling the production version of it's much touted all electric Ford F-150.

But this is the Ford F-150, America's best-selling truck for the past 44 years. Ford has a reputation in the pickup industry to protect. An electric F-150 will be the little brother to the family star.

Whether or not the Ford F-150 Lightning becomes the icon of EV pickup trucks remains to be determined. It's safe to say though, that Ford made one hell of an effort to convince consumers.

For the basics, the Ford F-150 Lightning comes standard as a 4x4 with dual motors producing 600 hp in four different drive modes. The 10,000 lb towing capacity matches that of the Tesla Cybertruck. It has a maximum payload is 2000 pounds.

Standard models will have a 230 mile range, which can be upgraded to 300 miles for an additional cost.

Like the original, the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning comes packed with technology.

Start with the 12-inch digital instrument-cluster. Ford used expertise from the video game industry to help develop a more intuitive and helpful cluster.

Then there's the 15.5 inch touchscreen system driven by the new SYNC 4A. SYNC 4A employs natural voice control, cloud-connected navigation and wireless access to your favorite services: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, integrated Amazon Alexa and SYNC AppLink apps.

Ford obviously used the research from their 2021 Ford F-150, to make the vehicle more convenient with how drivers live their driving lifestyles. First thing to notice will be all the electric outlets for charging and work. There are 11 outlets in the bed itself.

The tech packed EV features onboard scales to keep towing drivers informed. The truck's computer system also utilizes that information to provide more exact information about existing battery charge.

The F-150 Lightning brings an entirely new facet to the EV. While plugged into an owner's home charging station, the vehicle can power the entire home for 3 days. In addition to powering homes, future software updates will allow it to power during non-peak hours, to reduce the cost of charging from home.

In a truly Teslean type move, Ford teamed 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 home, enabling them to power their household with clean, affordable energy and charge their F-150 Lightning with solar power.

How the electric F-150 fares moving forward will be up to consumers. But for the first time, Tesla has true competition in the EV field.

Let the games begin.