This Ford F-150 Lightning Trip Proves What We Already Know
Range anxiety is a real issue when it comes to electric vehicles like the Ford F-150 Lightning. Typically, EVs provide more than enough range for daily errands and can last for days without being charged. However, Ford CEO, Jim Farley, took the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning on a road trip to discover one issue we’ve already faced.
How fast does the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning charge?
At peak conditions, with a DC fast charger or at a Level three charging station, you can recharge the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning from 15 to 80% in roughly 44 minutes. A Level two charger takes about eight hours to recharge the batteries fully.
You can use a 120V or home outlet to charge the F-150 Lightning, but this method can take days. It only adds about one mile of range per hour.
When Jim Farley took a Ford Lightning on a road trip, he admitted that charging the truck caused a few headaches. This is because the Electrify America charging stations aren’t as dependable as expected.
There aren’t as many fast charging stations available, and we’ve often found that the charging stations are down. We’ve arrived at a few different charging stations with issues and had to move to other locations.
If the charging network was up, sometimes the DC fast charging stations weren’t functioning correctly, so we had to settle for Level 2 charging instead.
Jim Farley can relate because, near Tesla Superchargers, he had to use a low-speed charger that only delivered about 40% of charge after 40 minutes.
He shared that charging has been challenging, and the road trip was a good reality check about the issues Ford customers face and the importance of fast charging. He shared that improvements need to be made.
Can you charge the F-150 Lightning at a Tesla station?
Soon, people can charge their 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning trucks at Tesla Supercharger stations. Ford partnered with Tesla to provide Ford EV customers with access to over 12,000 Telsa charging stations.
But the Tesla stations won’t be available until the spring of 2024. A Tesla-developed adaptor will allow the F-150 Lightning, Mustang Mach-E, and E-Transit vehicles with the Combined Charging System (CCS) port to access Tesla Superchargers.
Software integration and payment will be made through the Ford Pass or Ford Pro Intelligence apps. Electric Ford vehicles will be built with the North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector to eliminate the need for an adapter to connect to Tesla stations.
Can you charge the Ford Lightning at home?
Yes, you can charge the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning at home. It comes with an adapter that connects to a regular home outlet. But this is the slowest method of charging, and it could take three to four days for a full charge.
The Ford Charge Station Pro comes standard with the Extended Ranger F-150 Lightning models. It’s available with the Standard Range trucks for $1,310. Don’t forget about the installation fee from your local electrician.
This method provides faster Level Two charging times. Plus, it allows you to use the truck to power your home if needed.
Also, the available Mobile Power Cord with a 240V connector costs $470. You can take it with you as you travel, and it works with regular home outlets and 240V NEMA 14-50 outlets.
Be sure to top off your Ford F-150 Lightning before taking a road trip. We’ve been stranded due to malfunctioning charging outlets and slow charging times. Stay tuned because Ford is working to correct this issue.
