Ford F-150 with electric drivetrain is on stage at the New York motor show.
Ford is showing off the new F-150 Lightning, the first series-production electric version of its best-selling pick-up, at the New York motor show.
The new F-150 will be sold in Australia next year by Ford Australia, although the electric Lightning is currently not on the radar.
The new truck will be critical to the Blue Oval’s plans to dramatically increase its EV sales in America. Its reveal last year was described by chairman Bill Ford as “a defining moment” for both Ford and the American car industry.
The EV is based on the 14th generation of the F-Series, which has long dominated private vehicle sales in the US. Ford sold around 730,000 F-Series pick-ups last year. The Lightning title revives a name previously used for a road-focused performance version of the truck.
The F-150 Lightning will feature a dual-motor, four-wheel-drive powertrain that produces 420kW and 1050Nm – the most torque yet offered on an F-150.
It will be offered with two battery capacities, offering official ranges of around 370km and 480km on the American EPA test cycle.
Ford claims the F-150 Lightning will be “wickedly quick off the mark”, with a 0-100km/h time in the mid 4.0sec range with the optional extended-range battery.
The firm claims a maximum payload of 907kg for vehicles fitted with the standard 18-inch wheels, along with a towing capacity of up to 4536kg.
Ford will offer the a home charging station as standard with the truck and says it will be capable of 150kW DC fast-charging, allowing a 15-80 per cent charge in 41 minutes.
Ford also claims the F-150 Lightning will be as versatile as the regular versions, and it will be offered with a range of features to boost productivity as a work vehicle. These will include onboard scales, which can estimate the weight of a payload and adjust the vehicle’s range estimate to account, and a ‘pro trailer hitch assist’ function to make towing easier.
The truck also offers a power-at-home function, with the ability to use 9.6kW of the battery charge to power a home during a power outage or similar. Ford claims it can power an average home for up to 10 days. Owners will also be able to use the truck to power tools and other electrical equipment.
The smaller electric motors mean that the F-150 Lightning gains an under-bonnet ‘frunk’ that offers 400 litres of storage space and is fitted out with four electrical outlets and two USE chargers.
The F-150 Lightning retains the aluminium alloy body and frame of the regular F-150, along with independent rear suspension to reduce steering roll.
It will also be the first model to come with Ford’s new Sync 4A infotainment system, with uses a 15.5-inch touchscreen. A 12.0-inch digital instrument cluster will also be offered.
The F-150 Lightning will be built at Ford’s new Rouge Electric Vehicle Centre in Dearborn, Michigan, and will launch in the US this year with a starting price of $39,974 (AUD$54,000), which is broadly comparable to combustion-engined versions.
James Attwood
Keyword: Ford F-150 Lightning debuts at New York motor show