Disclosure: The Ford F-150 Lightning All-Electric Truck was provided to me for testing purposes and editorial consideration. All opinions are 100% my own*
Yall already know that I love big trucks, especially pickups. And it never fails! Anytime I get behind the wheel of one I start reminiscing about the good old days.
If you guys read a previous post of mine, I took it back to 1999 when my ex-boyfriend purchased a gas-powered Ford F-150…yep, another ex with an iconic Ford :). When he brought it home, I was obsessed. It took me a day or two to get comfortable with it, but once I did, it basically became mine…well in MY head at least.
After a week or so he stopped leaving the keys laying around because when he did, I would end up with them somehow and my friends and I would be off joy riding. Yep! The good old days.
It is now 2023 and I recently had the pleasure of testing out the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning.
This pickup is big, bold, beautiful, and simply electrifying. When I climbed in it, although this one is an all-electric F-150, I swear I felt like I was climbing in that 1999 model all over again. It definitely brought back some really cool memories.
Check out a few things that I love about this all-electric truck…
Things I Love About the All-Electric Truck
1. Hidden Workspace/Built in Wifi
Most of us love having the option to work from home. Now you can work comfortably from your truck when utilizing the hidden workspace/built-in Wi-Fi of the 2023 Ford Lightning. I enjoyed finishing up a few articles and answering emails while sitting at my favorite park.
This workspace is cool, practical and I can also see it tapping into the mental health side of things as well. Sometimes sitting inside/in front of a computer all day can mess with a person’s mental state. Having this option could definitely help in some cases.
I also love that this space is easy to access. When you’re ready to work and need a flat surface, just lower the stow away gear shifter by pressing the button located directly next to the shifter, fold out the workstation from the front console and you are all set.
Check out just how user-friendly below…
2. Massive Touchscreen Display
The touchscreen fits perfectly inside the very spacious and comfortable cabin, because it is also huge.
There is a 12.0- inch touchscreen infotainment system with Ford’s latest Sync 4 software that comes standard on all trims, except the Lariat and Platinum. These two trims, both come standard with an even larger 15.0-inch display.
I tested out the Lariat, so you are looking at the 15.0 inch in the below picture.
The infotainment system comes equipped with:
- Google voice recognition
- Connected built-in navigation (3-years of service)
- Traffic and weather updates and more
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Check it out below…
3. Ford BlueCruise
Although I still have concerns, I am definitely open to autonomous driving, especially when the vehicle requires the driver to keep their eyes on the road at all times.
I love that when activated the Ford BlueCruise feature allows over 130,000 miles of hands-free highway driving. This is done by controlled steering, throttle and braking of the vehicle with driver supervision on prequalified sections of divided highways called Hands-Free BlueZones.
To ensure driver safety while using this innovative feature:
- The eye-facing camera will alert you if you take your eyes off the road for even a second.
- Adaptive cruise control is also available and will keep your vehicle at a good distance behind the vehicle that is in front of you.
Note: Consumer Reports named Ford BlueCruise top-rated Active Driving Assistance System.
4. Mega Power Frunk
Another one of my favorite features is the mega power frunk.
What is a Mega Frunk? It is a trunk built into the front of the truck.
Frunks come in all different sizes. This one however is huge or should I say mega. There is 14.1 cubic feet of cargo space, which makes it the largest front trunk of any all-electric pickup. And it is designed to carry up to 400 pounds of stuff (depending on vehicle model and trim), like tools, job site materials, power equipment, luggage. It is also wide enough to fit two full sets of golf clubs or eight 50-pound bags of concrete.
Keep reading to learn more about all this mega powered frunk has to offer:
- This frunk also doubles at an ice cooler when tailgating. Additionally, there is a built-in drain hole for quick and easy clean up.
- It also comes equipped with cargo hooks, cargo nets, D-rings etc. etc. to help secure your items, as well as a removable, no-skid floor mat.
- There is also an adjustable opening height for your hood, so it can rest easy even if ceilings are low, four 120V outlets and two USB outlets, delivering up to 2.4 kilowatts of power (enough to charge your smartphone, tablet, a TV, skillets or even a mini fridge while you watch the big game).
- Lights installed in the hood so you can see at night.
Check out the frunk of the electric truck…
Brief 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Trim Overview
The all-electric truck comes in four trim levels: Pro, XLT, Lariat, Platinum…
PRO
- Starting MSRP: $59,974.00
- EPA-Estimated Range: 240 miles standard range
- Towing: 5,000lbs.
- Key Features:
- Duel electric motors
- Huge power frunk
- Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0
Note: Due to high demand, the current model year is no longer available for retail order.
XLT
- Starting MSRP: $64,474.00
- EPA-Estimated Range: 240/320 miles Standard/Extended-Range
- Towing: 5,000/7,700 lbs. Standard/Extended-Range
- Key Features (XLT Trim Adds):
- Signature front lighting
- 360-degree camera
- Interior work surface
Note: Due to high demand, the current model year is no longer available for retail order.
Lariat (Trim Tested)
- Starting MSRP: $76,974.00
- EPA-Estimated Range: 240/320 miles Standard/Extended-Range
- Towing: 5,000/7,700 lbs. Standard/Extended-Range
- Key Features (Lariat Trim Adds):
- Sync 4A w/enhanced voice recognition and 15.5-inch touchscreen
- Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0
- Power tailgate w/unique signature rear lighting
Platinum
- Starting MSRP: $98,074.00
- EPA-Estimated Range: 300 miles EPA-Estimated Range/Extended-Range
- Towing: 8,500 lbs. Standard/Extended-Range
- Key Features (Platinum Trim Adds):
- Ford Bluecruise
- Tow technology package
- Seats w/center flow through console
Note:
- Range will decrease for all trims when towing.
- Also, when equipped w/the Extended Range battery the Lightning trims, XLT and Lariat, has the capability to tow up to 10,000 lbs.
Warranty
- Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- Battery components warranty covers 8 years or 100,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
I definitely had a blast with this one. It was not only fun to drive, but while driving it I felt like a total bad a$$ for being able to handle a vehicle of this magnitude, and I also felt really nostalgic. It definitely brought back some really awesome memories, but I’m pretty sure we all have a Ford story. Now that I think about it, I actually have a few.
I would say this vehicle is for someone who is looking for a full-size all-electric pickup truck that comes equipped with tons of cool/advanced technology, looks like the gas-powered version and not looking to tow heavy trailers long distances.
What are your thoughts on the all-electric truck? Inquiring minds would love to know.
Interested in the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning? If so, please contact your local Ford dealership or visit their website.
Have A Happy Healthy, and Remember to Always
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