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Leave it to Ford to come from behind in the electric pickup truck race and snap right into the running for the best electric pickup truck. However, only time will tell if the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning’s range will compete with the hypebeasts that are Rivian and the Tesla Cybertruck

An image of a 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning parked outdoors.
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning | Ford

The initial 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning range was said to be 230 miles as standard and 300 miles with the extended range unit. However, it seems that the Ford Lightning’s range might be even better than expected. 

What is the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning’s range?

According to The Drive, Ford may have been literally sandbagging when it released those figures. YouTuber Marques Brownlee got the chance to check out the new electric Ford F-150 Lightning in person recently. In his IRL tour, he gleaned some new information from the folks at Ford.

Brownlee said, “I actually learned something from the people at Ford who were walking me through the car that I haven’t seen anywhere that is definitely worth sharing… that 300-mile range is the EPA-estimated rating with 1,000 pounds of cargo in the trunk.” 

Does this make the electric Ford F-150 Lightning the best electric pickup truck?

2022 Ford Lightning parked at night. This new electric Ford F-150 might be one of the best electric pickup trucks
Ford unveils their new electric F-150 Lightning | JEFF KOWALSKY/AFP via Getty Images

Just like with gas mileage, an electric pickup truck will perform differently depending on weight. With this extra 1,000 pounds, the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning’s range would definitely be lowered. So, without the extra cargo weight, how far can the Ford Lightning go on a single charge? 

Luckily, the F-150 Lightning happens to have an onboard range indicator that considers towing and payload using the new handy Onboard Scales. Brownlee says the Ford Lightning’s range readout showed 367 miles on around 80 percent charged without all that extra weight. 

67 miles alone is a decent step up, but with a full charge, the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning might grab an extra 100 miles of range without the extra weight and a full charge. This is a significant increase by any measure. 

How do other electric pickup trucks compare?

A grey 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat, which may be eligible for EV tax credits
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat | Ford

With the old range of 300 miles, the Ford Lightning is on the lower end of the range battle between Rivian and Tesla. The Rivian R1T will get anywhere from 250-400 miles on a single charge, depending on the package. If Tesla delivers on its promises, the Tesla Cybertruck might get over 600 miles on a single charge. 

As far as the best electric pickup truck is concerned, that 300-mile range would have hurt the 2022 Ford lightning’s chances pretty significantly. However, if Ford can get 400 miles of range, it’s definitely still in the fight. 

The fight for the best electric pickup truck is going to be a battle for the ages. Pickup trucks are already a top moneymaker for many manufactures, and EVs are becoming increasingly popular. The best electric pickup truck will certainly be a golden goose for any company that can take charge of the field.

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