The Ford F-Series is one of America’s favorite truck lines and has been around since 1948. So, there’s been a lot of excitement about the release of the 2023, all-electric version of this capable full-size truck in its second year. Through electrical conversion, Lightning delivers speed, silence, and a smooth ride.
Many traditional F-150 buyers have reportedly ordered the new Lightning. So, is this the best time to buy it? Here are three reasons why a new electric car is the truck to buy and three reasons why it’s a good idea to pick it up right now.
320 miles per charge. If you are towing a heavy trailer, the battery drains very quickly. However, you’re covered if you’re not towing or just need to haul something a short distance.
The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning seats five and will offer four trims. According to , the most popular model is the LARIAT SuperCrew 5.5 Box 4WD. It comes equipped with all-wheel drive and electric power that produces 76 MPGe city and 61 MPGe highway. Pricing for the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning starts at $57,869.
Pros of the F-150 Lightning
According to Ford, the F-150 Lightning can go from 0 to 60 mph in just four seconds, making it faster than the Mustang GT. You wouldn’t expect a full-size pickup truck to move that fast. Even with the base model and the standard range battery, you get an impressive 452 horsepower. It also generates 775 lb-ft of torque regardless of which powertrain you choose.
Acceleration is a great motivator, especially since the truck can be equipped with the same tech and safety features as the standard F-150. The drive feels the same as the gas-powered version, too: refined. In addition, the battery pack can send power to electrical appliances, your home, and more.
The F-150 Lightning can keep up with the standard F-150 in terms of towing with one caveat. If you must tow something heavy, it will greatly shorten the drive range. Lightning can tow 7,700 lbs. It is only available with a crew cab short bed configuration and has a payload capacity of 1,952 lbs.
Finally, the F-150 Lightning offers plenty of storage space in its large front trunk or rear trunk, which is where you usually find the engine. There, you can store up to 400 pounds of additional cargo.
Cons of the F-150 Lightning
to the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning is the price. The base model’s sticker price increased by $12,000. The price hikes on the over-the-top designs aren’t extreme, but they’re noticeable. A fully loaded Platinum trim costs $6,000 in 2023, while the XLT is up $6,500. In the middle is the Lariat model, which has jumped $7,000 in price. A representative for Ford said the price increases were caused by increased material costs, continuing supply chain issues, and “other market factors.”
Elsewhere, despite its minivan status, there are all-terrain issues. You can drive the F-150 Lightning off-road, but if you’re serious about off-road adventures, you can’t keep up with the Raptors.
Finally, while the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning can tow, it drains the battery quickly. If you often tow for long distances, you will have to stop frequently to charge the battery. TrueCar says charging the long-range battery from 15% to 100% with a common Level 2 charger at home takes 19 hours.
