Affordable, loaded, 300-mile range, 10,000 lb towing capacity; the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning all-electric pickup offers a gang of features. Ford made sure the company’s golden goose debuted with a punch. And Ford is making sure you don’t forget exclaiming, “the truck of the future today.”

Treading new waters with the company crown is risky, but all of the auto manufacturers are doubling down on electrification. Somebody had to be the first, and Ford tagged itself for that role. But to be that, the Lightning had to be a feature-laden affordable workhorse.

An overload of features distinguishes the Ford F-150 Lightning

To start; two battery options including the 300 miles extended range, dual inboard motors spitting out 563 hp and 775 lb-ft of torque, a total payload of 2,000 lbs, and a maximum towing capacity of 10,000 lbs. With zero to 60 mph in the mid-fours, it is quicker than a Raptor. 

And then there is the price. At $39,974 it’s cheaper than a Mustang Mach-E or a Tesla Model 3. But the 40-thou base can ramp up quickly. If you’re not careful, you can see $90,000 loading the Lightning up. 

The Ford Lightning provides better handling with independent rear suspension

Still, it does everything a traditional F-150 has done with some twists. Full-time 4×4, the proven alloy body, and metal skid plates protecting the electric motors and battery. Plus better handling with the first independent rear suspension in a full-size truck and BlueCruise hands-free driving-as long as the in-cabin camera sees you’re watching the road.

Included with the Lightning are an 80-amp charge station, dual onboard chargers, and 54 miles of added range in a quick-charge 10 minutes. And 15 to 80 percent charges take only 40 minutes. After all, when you need a workhorse you need it quickly.

Just one Lightning trick is “Onboard Scales” which determines load weights

And the Lightning has other tricks up its sleeve. It has an onboard, real-time range calculator. It provides range based on towing, payload, and weather conditions. And the payload part of the equation means the Lightning has Onboard Scales to determine load weights. 

Shifting to become a mobile electricity generator, the Ford Lightning provides up to 9.6 kilowatts with 11 power outlets. Maybe power outlets are the new cup holders? These features are aided by Ford Intelligent Backup Power giving the Lightning the ability to power your home during a blackout for up to three days. 

Ford’s Intelligent Power features the ability to power your house at peak energy hours

Intelligent Power also features the ability to power your house during peak energy hours. Then it reverses during low-cost overnight rates to charge back up in time for your morning commute. So you get cheaper electricity when you need it and take a load off of the grid besides. And all of this back-and-forth can be monitored by an app on your phone.

Ford has a name for everything-even the 14.1 cubic feet of storage space in the frunk. It calls that the “Mega Power Frunk.” With its water-resistant construction, four electrical outlets, two USB ports, and drain hole, you’ve got the makings for a self-contained party including a place to ice down the keg. 

Ford “Power-Up” sends over-the-air updates in less than two minutes

Ford Power-Up (we told you Ford has a name for everything) provides over-the-air updates when ready. These can be scheduled when your Lightning is idle. And the 12-inch instrument cluster is customizable. 

So now if you’re geeked up enough to march down to your local Ford dealer you need to hold your horses. The Lightning won’t be pounding the highways until the spring of 2022. But you can reserve your own for just $100 at Lightning’s official website.