Lightning Strikes Today: The Ford F-150 Lightning Has Officially Launched
Ford officially launched the F-150 Lightning nameplate at the Ford Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, Michigan. Today is a historic day for the automaker because production for the first electrified F-150 pickup truck has begun. The Ford F-150 has been the most popular full-size pickup truck in America for years. Ford aims for the F-150 Lightning to mimic that success.
The Ford F-150 Lightning is leaving fans thunderstruck
How do you improve on America’s favorite pickup truck? You give it an electric powertrain system and tons of innovative new features. Ford CEO Jim Farley boasted about the F-150 Lightning’s many capabilities today at the electric truck’s launch. The CEO even joked that the F-150 Lightning could charge Teslas in need of power.
Tesla is the biggest competitor in the American electric vehicle space. Companies like Ford, Rivian, and General Motors all have their sights set on the top spot in the world of EVs. Ford has a leg up on the competition in many ways because the F-150 Lightning is the first affordable mass-produced electric pickup truck in America.
The Rivian R1T is the first mass-produced electric truck on American soil, but the Launch Edition starts at $85,000. The base model starts at a whopping $67,500. The R1T electric pickup is an amazing truck, but it isn’t affordable enough for the average American. Even after the $7,500 electric vehicle tax incentive, the R1T would be upwards of $60,000.
The Ford F-150 Lighting Pro starts at a much more affordable $39,974. The Blue Oval was careful to price the EV under the $40K mark. After the federal electric vehicle tax credit, its price is closer to $32,474. There’s a price difference of under $2,000 between the F-150 Lightning and the 2022 Ford F-150 internal combustion engine pickup truck after incentives.
Some F-150 Lightning trims are already sold out
According to Car and Driver, two Ford F-150 Lightning trims are already sold out because of the crazy demand for the pickup truck. The Pro and XLT trims are no longer available for purchase. Consumers can only buy the Lariat and Platinum trims because of reservations.
The cheapest trim available for purchase is the Lariat starting at $67,474. Consumers have been excited about the F-150 Lightning since it was unveiled because of its potential. Entry-level F-150 Lightning trims may not be available until late 2023.
Can the F-150 Lightning power a house?
The Ford F-150 Lightning has many special features. Upper trim level models have Intelligent Backup Power. This feature allows F-150 Lightning owners to use their trucks as backup generators for their homes in the event of a power outage.
Some F-150 Lightning electric pickup trucks can power homes for days when the power is rationed correctly. The F-150 Lightning can also power multiple tools and appliances. Will Ford’s electric pickup truck take America by storm? Read more about the overwhelming demand for the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning below.
