Most Ford F-150 fans will agree that there is Ford F-150, and then there are other pickup trucks when thinking of high performance, productivity, and serious off-roading. No in-between!
With the widespread electrification of the automotive world, it was just a matter of time before it caught up with the Ford F-150. And that’s how Ford Lighting was born!
But most F-150 fads are worried about the capability of the electrified F-150, which is the Lighting model. Even as awesome as it sounds, will the Lighting be available with a four-wheel drive system? Will it be sufficiently tough to handle the rough terrain of your favorite trails?
Ford lighting not only comes in a 4×4 setup but is also a game-changer in illuminating your path through the beaten tracks and badlands on the way to rural.
But before we delve into the nitty-gritty details of this beastly pickup truck, let’s take a brief look at its history.
A Brief History of the Ford Lightning
The Ford Lightning debuted in the early 1990s as a high-performance version of the popular Ford F-150 pickup truck. It was designed to appeal to drivers who wanted a sportier, more agile truck that could deliver impressive acceleration and handling.
The original Lightning was powered by a 5.8-liter V8 engine that produced 240 horsepower and 340 lb-ft of torque. This may seem relatively modest by today’s standards, but at the time, it significantly increased the base F-150’s power output and made the Lightning a formidable performer.
Despite its popularity, the Ford Lightning was eventually discontinued in 2004. This was due in part to a shift in consumer demand towards larger, more luxurious trucks, as well as increasing competition from other high-performance trucks.
The current Ford Lighting is an electric car model by Ford Motor Company, initially announced at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show. The same year, Ford tested the electric prototypes based on the F-150 chassis. Chief engineer Linda Zhang expressed the desire to replicate the formidable capability, durability, and productivity of the F-150 into the electric version.
The production of the F-150 Lighting was set for the Spring of 2022, and 69,500 refundable-deposit orders were made.
The New Ford Lightning: A Performance Powerhouse
The Ford Motor Company has bragging rights based on the all-electric 2022 F-150 Lightning. It’s truly a game-changer!
But what does the all-electric 2022 F-150 Lightning have that’s causing so much buzz on the all-electric pickup truck market?
Believe it or not, the new Ford truck can power your house and offer an experience like no other. It is no surprise that Lightning received over 100,000 reservations within three weeks of the announcement.
As Ford fondly says, the new Lightning is robust and tough!
But how good is its performance?
The Ford F-150 Lightning tops other F-150s in acceleration and tops it out in just 6 seconds. The Lightning with the extended range battery zips 0-60 at just 4 seconds, with targeted 563-horsepower and 775 pound feet of torque. Clearly, the Lightning lives up to its name, and will leave other performance trucks in the dust!
So, Does the Ford Lightning Come in 4×4?
Does it come in 4×4? The answer is a definite yes. In fact, the all-electric Ford Lightning is exclusively a four-wheel drive pickup truck with two powerful onboard motors on each axle.
It is this standard 4×4 system which sets the Lightning apart from many other high-performance trucks and vehicles, often only available with rear-wheel drive.
While a four-wheel drive gives the Lightning added traction and stability in a consortium of driving conditions, it also allows it to tackle off-road trails easily. So, whether hauling a heavy load, towing a trailer, or want the added confidence of four-wheel drive, the Lightning has you covered.
But that’s not all – the 2022 Lightning also comes with various advanced off-road tech to tackle even the most challenging terrain. These include a terrain management system, an electronic locking rear differential, and a high-clearance suspension. And as if that’s not enough, this bad boy has underbody protection when you need to drive off-road.
Other Features that Stand Out Ford F-150 Lighting
Ford Intelligent Backup Power and Onboard Generator
The F-150 Lightning can serve as your home’s backup generator to keep the lights on and your devices charged for up to ten days. And let’s be honest, that’s more than enough time for the power company to get their act together and fix whatever issue they’ve got going on.
But wait, there’s a caveat. Ford Intelligent Backup Power feature is only available on properly equipped homes. So, what exactly does that mean? It means your home requires the necessary hookups and equipment to use your F-150 Lightning as a power source. But don’t worry; it’s not as complicated as it sounds. Your local Ford dealership can hook you up with all the info you need to get your home up for the Intelligent Backup Power feature.
When working outdoors and away from the grid, your F-150 Lightning can serve as a generator. The Ford has 11 outlets that offer 9.6 kW of power for your power tools. On the other hand, the frunk has four 120V outlets, two in the bed and two more inside the cab.
A reliable backup power source is just one more way your F-150 Lightning proves to be a versatile and capable truck.
Powerful for Cargo
As is the tradition for the F-150s, the Ford F-150 Lightning is a serious hauler. It’s a pickup truck that means business regarding hauling and towing. But how much towing and hauling are we talking about? The Ford F-150 Lightning can handle as much as 2,000 lbs of payload with a standard-range battery. That’s enough space for heavy gear, from construction materials to outdoor adventure equipment.
In particular, the Mega Power Frunk, located where the engine would be, offers a payload capacity of as much as 400 pounds. You have 14.1 cubic feet of storage to bring more to the work site. And if you need to up the ante, opt for the Max Trailer Tow Package and extended range battery for a whopping 10,000 lbs of maximum tow capacity. That’s right, folks – this bad boy can pull its weight and then some.
“But wait, isn’t 2,000 lbs enough? Why would I be required to go up to 10,000 lbs?” Well, sometimes you’ve got tons to haul. Maybe you’re moving across the state and must bring worldly possessions. Or perhaps you’re a business owner who must transport large machinery or equipment. Whatever the case may be, the F-150 Lightning has you covered. And if you have a boat or a camper you want to take on your next road trip, the extended range battery and Max Trailer Tow Package will come in handy.
Battery and Range
The Ford F-150 Lightning has two different battery options, and you can pick the one that best meets your needs.
The standard-range battery flaunts a whopping 230 miles on a single charge, enough to get you from Los Angeles to San Francisco and back with plenty of juice left over. This is usually more than you need in a single day!
But when you need more, you have the extended-range battery with an impressive 300 miles of range. Think of all the places you can drive without needing to juice up! It’s the best definition of freedom.
So whether you’re a long-distance traveler or someone who likes to have a little extra juice on hand, the F-150 Lightning has covered you. Its two battery options give you the freedom and flexibility to go wherever you want. Its impressive towing and hauling capabilities make it the perfect vehicle for work or play.
Tech and Features
The Ford F-150 Lightning is packed to the gills, such as the Ford BlueCruise, an advanced option that allows for select-area hands-free driving. The F-150 Lightning leverages a driver-facing camera and radar-sensing capability to keep you safe on the road.
The designated Hands-Free Blue Zones are on more than 130,000 miles of North American roads. That’s plenty of open roads to exercise your driving freedom.
The Lightning also has the Phone As A Key feature, a handy dandy option to access and start your truck. You won’t ever have to fumble around for a key or a fob. Just use your cellphone, and you’re good to go.
But that’s not all in terms of tech and features. The F-150 Lightning boasts a spacious and well-equipped cabin with all sorts of goodies.
These include a touchscreen display, a wireless charging pad, and a premium audio system. For safety, the F-150 Lightning packs features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a rearview camera.
So, “Does the Ford Lightning come in 4×4?” The answer is a resounding yes. The high-performance pickup truck is only available with four-wheel drive for added traction, stability in various driving conditions, and easy handling on off-road trails. So if you’re in the market for a do-it-all performance pickup, the Ford Lightning is worth a look.