Is Ford Downplaying the F-150 Lightning’s Driving Range?
Ford shocked the world by revealing its first capable electric pickup truck, but is it getting the credit that it deserves? Ford’s new lineup has two new key players. The Ford F-150 Lightning and the Ford Mustang Mach-E were created to usher the blue oval brand into the era of the electric. Ford has intentionally converted two of its biggest nameplates, the Mustang, and the F-150, into electric vehicles to attract consumers. In an effort to handle expectations, has Ford been more reserved with its F-150 Lightning’s range estimates than needed?
How far can a Ford F-150 Lightning really go?
Range has been one of the biggest hurdles for EVs for years. Thanks to the development of new battery technology, electric vehicle battery ranges have made major strides. Some of the first electric vehicles got under 100 miles of range on a single charge. Today many automakers are producing electric vehicles with standard battery ranges of 200+ miles.
The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning has two different battery classes. There’s the standard range battery and the more expensive extended-range battery for those looking to charge their pickup less. The standard range battery offers an EPA (environmental protection agency) estimated range of 230 miles. The extended-range battery offers a whopping estimated range of 300 miles, a huge achievement for an electric vehicle.
According to InsideEVs, Ford may be holding out on us. An automotive journalist claims that they saw an estimated range of 472 miles on a Ford F-150 Lightning model. This range is mind-blowing and beats out more seasoned EVs by a long shot. An estimated range this massive will likely come with a high price tag, but if Ford did accomplish this amazing range feat, they deserve major kudos.
How much will the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning cost?
A 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning base model, the Lightning Pro, will start at $39,974. The Lightning XLT model will cost $52,974. The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat trim is estimated to start at $67,474. The highest level Platinum trim will cost almost $90,000.
The cool thing about F-150 Lightning pricing is that the electric pickup is eligible for federal and local tax credits. After tax credits, you could be looking at a price reduction of at least $7,500. That would bring the entry-level trim from $39,974 all the way down to a starting price of $32,474. Not a bad deal for the first electric F-150.
When can I buy the F-150 Lightning?
Thanks to a chip shortage, Ford models have been expensive and elusive. With a huge amount of preorders and an exciting lineup, Ford is expected to come out on top after the shortage. That being said, now isn’t a great time to think about purchasing a Ford model.
Orders and deliveries have been delayed by months. Ford currently cannot keep up with demand. The ordering process for the 2022 F-150 Lightning begins this Fall, but that doesn’t mean you’ll receive your vehicle anytime soon. Ford’s newest electric pickup is nothing short of revolutionary. It will just be tough to purchase.
RELATED: Is the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Eligible for EV Tax Credits?
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