We knew an all-electric F-150 was coming, reviving Ford’s old Lightning nameplate, ditching that gas-guzzling V8 from the 1990s for something a little less, um, V8-ish (you’ll need to hold out for the Raptor R for that, which we already reviewed).
Enter the new 2022 F-150 Lightning — an all-electric version of Ford’s best-selling pickup with ample instant torque (most ever for the F-150), a spacious and convenient front frunk, new tech with over-the-air software updates, a new independent rear suspension, a completely new ultra-strong steel frame, improved towing capacity, and the segment’s largest display screen — all with enough volts to power your neighbour’s house courtesy of Ford Intelligent Backup Power.
Price and release date
The 2022 F-150 Lightning will reach dealerships in Spring 2022 and be built out of Ford’s historic Rouge complex in Dearborn in a new high-tech factory using sustainable manufacturing practices, according to Ford. Trims include the XLT, Lariat, and Platinum.
The commercial-ready version will start at $42,000 before tax incentives for going green. The XLT will go for $55,000. In Canada, C$58,000 is the entry-level MSRP for the commercial-ready version, with the more tech and comfort-heavy XLT model starting at C$68,000.
F-150 Lightning Power and Capabilities
- Horsepower: 563-hp
- Torque: 775 lb.-ft.
- Towing: 10,000 pounds
- Payload: 2,000 pounds
A pair of in-board motors power the electrified Ford F-150, coupled with standard 4×4, so customers can still put the truck to work while taking advantage of the Lightning’s low center of gravity for improved handling.
But unlike the rest of the lineup, the 2022 Lightning steps it up with a high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy body coupled with a new independent rear suspension promising improved ride comfort for those longer journeys.
Impressive towing capacity and payload
This setup is good for up to 10,000-pound towing capacity (XLT and Lariat trucks with the extended-range battery and Max Trailer Tow Package) with a maximum 2,000-pound payload in the standard-range Lightning model.
This modern-era pickup will be Ford’s most torque-loving F150 to date at 775 lb.-ft. of instant twist, coupled with a targeted 563 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time in the mid-4-second range with the extended-range battery.
Cool Features: Onboard Scales and Phone As A Key
A few features new to the entire F-Series include something for the haulers and those losing their keys (not you, of course). Both are optional features, not standard. To better gauge payload and realize better electric range, the Onboard Scales feature utilizes the F-150 Lightning’s sensors to estimate load and relay to the driver how much they’re hauling.
Phone As A Key does more than replace your keys with lock and unlock abilities, fortunately allowing customers to start their trucks remotely. Both features will take advantage of the Ford Power-Up software updates, bringing new and improved functionality over time.
2022 F-150 Lightning Interior
Another new feature for the lineup is the massive, 15.5-inch touch screen linked to Ford’s new SYNC 4A intuitive interface — making their truck debut on the F-150 Lightning in the Lariat and Platinum series. The new Ford Sync system features include:
- natural voice control
- cloud-connected navigation
- wireless access to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, integrated Amazon Alexa and SYNC AppLink apps
Driver front-and-centre is a 12-inch instrument cluster with flashy animated graphics and a customizable interface. All provide vital stuff like regenerative braking status and hands-free highway driving mode info. To learn more about the new interior, read our 2021 F-150 interior review.
Power Your Home for Up to 10 days with Ford Intelligent Backup Power (Seriously)
The first North American vehicle with the ability for seamless transitions between charging your vehicle and powering your house when needed, the all-electric F-150 Lightning will offer Ford Intelligent Backup Power — essentially, turning your pickup into a legitimate power source, seriously.
Courtesy of the optional 80-amp Ford Charge Station Pro and home management system, and based on an average 30kWh of use per day paired to the truck’s extended-range battery, this super truck can fully power a home for up to three days, or as long as ten days if power is rationed, with results varying based on energy usage.
The Lightning can offload 9.6 kW of power to juice up your home’s lights, appliances, security systems, and the Nintendo Switch. But in all seriousness, the truck’s backup power abilities can help serve those sheltering during a storm or other major disasters and events. And once home power is restored, the Lightning will automatically revert to charging its battery.
The company plans to roll out Ford Intelligent Power in the future, using the truck to power homes during high-cost, peak-energy hours while taking advantage of low-cost overnight rates.
Customers can power up other devices outside the home thanks to 9.6 kilowatts of power (standard on all trims from XTL, Lariat to Platinum). This works with the 2.4 kilowatts available through the front trunk and up to 7.2 kilowatts through outlets in the cab and bed.
More storage upfront
This feature turns the F-150 into a proper road trip hauler, allowing more space to store all that stuff you can’t live without (without hogging valuable cabin space) — like a pair of golf club sets or a pair of carry-on luggage with a checked bag, to be exact.
The front-loading trunk’s main features include:
- 400 litres of space
- 400 pounds of payload
- bumper-height clearance design
- water-resistant space
- four electrical outlets
- two USB chargers
- drainable floor that can double as a food and beverage container
- 2.4 kilowatts of power to power up other devices
Related Story – F-150 Lightning Frunk: The Party’s in the Front
2022 F-150 Lightning Range and Charging Options
| Spec | Standard-Range Battery | Extended-Range Battery |
|---|---|---|
| Charging Unit: 32A Mobile Charger | standard | standard |
| Charging Unit: 48A Connected Charge Station | optional | optional |
| Charging Unit: Charge Station Pro with Ford Intelligent Backup Power capability | optional | standard |
| Onboard charge power (input/output) | 11.3 kW/10.5 kW | 19.2kW/17.6 kW |
| Charge times: LEVEL 3 – 150 kW DCFC 15-80% | 44 minutes | 41 minutes |
| Charge times: LEVEL 3 – 50 kW DCFC 15-80% | 91 minutes | 122 minutes |
| Charge times: LEVEL 2 – 48A Connected Charge Station 15-100% | 10 hours | 13 hours |
| Charge times: LEVEL 2 – 80A Ford Charge Station Pro 15-100% | 10 hours | 8 hours |
| Charge times: LEVEL 2 – 32A/240W Mobile Charger 15-100% | 14 hours | 19 hours |
| Estimated Range | 230 miles | 300 miles |
Takeaway
Sure, every new vehicle is a ‘big deal’ for automakers as they tout this is a very big deal for our company. But this new all-electric F-150 is a big deal not just for the Blue Oval but for the storied F-150 that’s been going strong and breaking sales records for half a century. Customer expectations will likely be high for Ford’s latest EV.
As Bill Ford puts it, “F-Series is America’s best-selling truck for 44 years (55 years in Canada), the backbone of work across the country, and a trusted icon for generations of customers. Now we are revolutionizing it for a new generation.” He adds, “For both Ford and the American auto industry, F-150 Lightning represents a defining moment as we progress toward a zero-emissions, digitally connected future.” No doubt, the Lightning is a big deal.
Interior and exterior 2022 F-150 Lighting pictures:
