It remains an excellent electric truck, even with the emergence of longer-range alternatives. However, it isn’t the top Ford F-150 option available.
- The team at Edmunds has been driving a Ford F-150 Lightning for approximately three years.
- After approximately 22,000 miles, automotive specialists evaluate the pros and cons: improved towing capability than expected, yet still not the top choice for all truck tasks.
- Would they purchase a Lightning again? That’s complex.
The Ford F-150 Lightningwas among the earliest electric pickups in the United States, and with the F-150 label on it, it needed to meet exceptional expectations. This wasn’t going to be a trial project. It had to be just as reliable as what Ford truck customers expect, and even better.
So, how is a 2022Lightningfare following three years and approximately 22,000 miles? The people atEdmundsknow the answer to that question, and you can view the complete details of the publication’s ownership journey in the video below.
In short: it’s complicated.
First, let’s address reliability. As new,Edmunds’electric guitar needed to go through a fewrecall repairswhich were completed at no cost at the dealership, but that’s all. Nothing went wrong and there were no additional expenses. This is positive news for those interested in purchasing a used Ford F-150 Lightning, as prices on the second-hand market typically begin around $30,000 for well-maintained models with under 30,000 miles.
In terms of range, the Lightning’s largest battery option, known as the Extended Range version, offers approximately 345 miles in practical conditions, according toEdmunds—approximately 25 miles more than the EPA estimate. The interior is also a more pleasant environment compared to the newer and longer-range model.Chevrolet Silverado EV.
Towing with Ford’s electric truck is also a straightforward choice. The ability for the driver to enter the trailer’s weight into the infotainment system and receive a more precise range estimate is impressive. “The Lightning makes an excellent towing vehicle, it has plenty of torque and is very quiet,” theEdmundsstaff mentioned in their three-year evaluation.
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Even with the quicker charging and extended range of the Chevy Silverado EV andGMC Sierra EV now available, Edmunds’Editors would still prefer the F-150 Lightning over GM’s options. However, this isn’t the full picture, as there is an even superior truck available, and it also comes from Ford.
While possessing the electric F-150, the website’s editors have also been operating ahybrid F-150, and that one secures the overall victory as the superior choice. (Even here at InsideEVs,we have reached a comparable decision.) The Lightning’s cabin has more creaks and noises, and it experiences a significant range reduction when pulling large trailers over long distances. Additionally,it doesn’t charge quickly.
The Lightning continues to be attractive because it functions more like a truck rather than a plaything, unlike many rivals that focus more on the lifestyle angle. It performs truck-related tasks that a Tesla Cybertruck or a Rivian R1T fail to fully accomplish.
However, when considering the F-150 family as a whole, the all-electric Lightning, despite being a good EV, is still not as versatile as the F-150 hybrid.
