How fast is the Ford Lightning in 2024?
The fastest Ford F-150 Lightning models accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 4.0 seconds, with a top speed limited to roughly 111 mph. In lower-cost configurations, 0-60 times are longer, but the electric pickup still delivers brisk performance for a full-size truck.
In 2024, Ford continued offering two battery options and multiple trims for the Lightning, all with dual-motor all‑wheel drive. Performance figures depend on the battery pack, drive mode, and overall vehicle configuration, but the core numbers below reflect published specifications and common testing results across the lineup.
Performance by battery option
To understand how fast the Lightning can go, here are the typical figures tied to the two battery choices available in 2024:
- Extended Range Dual‑Motor: up to about 580 horsepower, around 775 lb-ft of torque, 0–60 mph in roughly 4.0 seconds, and a top speed limited to about 111 mph.
- Standard Range Dual‑Motor: roughly 426–452 horsepower, about 775 lb-ft of torque, 0–60 mph in about 5.0 seconds, with the same general top-speed limit of around 111 mph.
These figures illustrate how the Extended Range battery yields noticeably quicker acceleration while both configurations deliver strong torque for a vehicle of its size. Real-world numbers can vary with temperature, payload, and driving conditions.
Top speed, speed limiting and what influences it
The Lightning’s top speed is electronically limited in most markets to about 111 mph, a constraint designed to protect battery life, range, and drivetrain cooling during full-throttle runs. Performance can be affected by factors such as battery state of charge, ambient temperature, and aerodynamics from payload and towing.
Drive modes and conditions that affect acceleration
Ford provides drive modes that can alter throttle response, suspension tuning, and stability control engagement. In sportier settings, throttle response can be sharper and launch behavior more aggressive, while efficient modes prioritize range. Acceleration can also be influenced by:
- Battery temperature and state of charge
- Aerodynamic drag from payload or towing
- Tire type and road surface
- Ambient temperature and wind conditions
Understanding these variables helps explain why a given 0–60 time might vary between test drives and real-world use.
Implications for everyday use
Beyond straight-line speed, the Lightning’s quick acceleration translates to confident merging and highway overtakes, while its electric torque remains available at low speeds for smooth, practical performance in daily driving. The trade-off for the high-performance variant is typically range demand: heavier use on a high-output setup reduces the distance the vehicle can cover on a single charge.
Summary
In 2024, the Ford F-150 Lightning delivers impressive speed for an electric pickup. The Extended Range dual-motor version can reach 0–60 mph in about 4.0 seconds, with a top speed around 111 mph. Standard-range models are slightly slower, around 5.0 seconds to 60 mph, but still offer strong torque and usable daily performance. Overall, speed is highly configuration-dependent, with battery choice, drive mode, and payload all shaping the final numbers.
