How big is the bed on the Ford Lightning?
The bed is 5.5 feet long (66 inches) on the Ford F-150 Lightning, across its crew-cab configuration. There is no longer bed option currently offered for the Lightning.
Designed to pair with the truck's electric powertrain and interior layout, the 5.5-foot bed provides a balance of cargo space and cabin comfort, with features like bed lighting and tie-down points that adapt to common pickup tasks. This article explains the bed’s size, how it compares to other F-150 bed lengths, and what you can expect in terms of utility.
Bed length and configuration
The Lightning uses a single bed length option: a 5.5-foot bed (66 inches) when configured as a crew cab. Ford has not offered a 6.5-foot or 8-foot bed option for the Lightning in its current model years.
Why the single bed length matters
Having a fixed bed length simplifies the model lineup and aligns with the Lightning's compact packaging and front trunk (frunk) emphasis. It affects payload, cargo width, and the overall balance of the electric powertrain with the truck's footprint.
Practical implications and features
With a 5.5-foot bed, the Lightning remains capable for typical trades, home projects, and outdoor use. The bed includes standard features like a protective liner and multiple tie-down anchors; some trims also offer additional storage options or convenience features, depending on year and market.
Comparison with non-electric Ford F-150 bed options
In gasoline and hybrid F-150 variants, Ford traditionally offers multiple bed lengths (including 5.5-, 6.5-, and 8-foot beds, depending on cab and configuration). The Lightning, by contrast, is currently limited to the 5.5-foot bed in its crew-cab form, reflecting its specific engineering and market positioning as an electric pickup.
Summary
The Ford F-150 Lightning’s bed measures 5.5 feet (66 inches) in its crew-cab configuration, offering a practical balance of cargo space and payload while accommodating the electric drivetrain. Buyers should verify the exact spec for their chosen year and trim, as options can change over time and vary by market.
Why is the F-150 Lightning not selling?
The Ford F-150 Lightning is not selling well due to a combination of high prices, slower-than-expected demand, and competition. Other factors contributing to the slowdown include the high cost of EV batteries, rising interest rates, and a lack of public education on EVs. Ford has also reduced production and offered dealer incentives to move slow-selling inventory.
This video discusses the reasons why F-150 Lightning sales are struggling: 56sTCcustomsYouTube · Jul 17, 2023
Reasons for slow sales
- High prices: The starting price was initially low, but higher-trim models and the overall cost of EVs have become a barrier for many buyers.
- Lack of demand: Slower-than-expected demand led Ford to cut production. Initial reservations did not translate into immediate sales.
- Rising interest rates: Higher interest rates make loans for expensive vehicles, like the F-150 Lightning, less affordable.
- Stronger competition: New electric and hybrid trucks from Ram and Volkswagen will enter the market, increasing competition for the Lightning.
- Charging infrastructure: Some drivers have concerns about the availability of fast-charging stations, especially for long-distance travel.
- Range anxiety: For some users, the truck's real-world range drops significantly when hauling or towing, leading to range anxiety.
- Dealer reluctance: Some dealerships are reportedly hesitant to sell EVs due to a lack of knowledge about the technology.
- Recall and quality issues: The F-150 Lightning has experienced several recalls, including a significant steering issue that can cause a loss of control.
- Production issues: Ford has had to halt production to address inventory issues and has had to reallocate workers from the Lightning plant to other facilities.
- Market factors: A general downturn in the overall EV market, driven partly by competitors cutting prices, has also impacted sales.
What F-150 has a 6.5 ft bed?
2022 Ford F-150 Bed Options & Model Availability
| Cab Style | Bed Size | Trim Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Super Cab | 6.5 ft. | XL, XLT, LARIAT |
| Super Cab | 8 ft. | XL, XLT, LARIAT |
| SuperCrew | 5.5 ft. | XL, XLT, LARIAT, King Ranch®, Platinum, Limited, Tremor®, Raptor® |
| SuperCrew | 6.5 ft. | XL, XLT, LARIAT, King Ranch, Platinum |
How big is the bed on a Ford Lightning?
The standard Ford Lightning bed is 5.5 feet long and can hold up to 52.8 cubic feet of cargo. Ford does not currently offer longer bed options, such as 6.5 or 8-foot beds, for the Lightning model.
- Length: 5.5 feet (67.1 inches)
- Volume: 52.8 cubic feet
- Cab: All models come with the SuperCrew four-door cab
- Other features: A 14.1 cubic foot "Mega Power Frunk" (front trunk) is also a standard feature for storage
Is Ford cancelling the lightning?
Ford is reportedly considering canceling the F-150 Lightning, but the decision is not final. Production was paused due to an aluminum supply shortage, and ongoing EV losses have led Ford to evaluate the future of the electric truck. While production is temporarily halted, there is no official announcement of cancellation yet.
- Production is paused: The F-150 Lightning assembly line at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center is currently on hold, and Ford will not say when it will restart.
- Supply chain issues: A fire at a key aluminum supplier's plant caused a shortage, and Ford is prioritizing its more profitable gas and hybrid F-150s.
- Financial losses: Ford's electric vehicle division has been losing a significant amount of money, and the F-150 Lightning has been a major contributor to these losses.
- Uncertain future: The Wall Street Journal reports that Ford executives are in active discussions about ending the truck's production.
- Potential replacements: If production were to end, the F-150 Lightning might be replaced by a new vehicle built on the Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) platform, according to MotorTrend.
