How long does it take to charge a Ford Lightning extended battery?
In practical terms, a Ford Lightning with the Extended Range battery can regain a substantial charge quickly with DC fast charging (roughly 15–80% in about 41 minutes on a high-power charger). Level 2 home charging typically fills the battery in about 11–12 hours from empty to full, and Level 1 120V charging can take multiple days. Actual times vary with temperature, state of charge, and charger capability.
What is the extended-range battery?
The Lightning is offered with two battery options: standard range and extended range. The Extended Range touts a larger energy pack (approximately 131 kWh gross) that supports a higher EPA-estimated driving range, but it also means more energy to replenish. Charging behavior is subject to the same rules of tapering as the battery fills, especially after about 80% of charge.
Charging options and speeds
Below are typical times for charging the Lightning Extended Range using common charging setups. Times are approximate and depend on temperature, charger output, and how full the battery is at the start.
- DC fast charging (public, up to 150 kW): 15%–80% in about 41 minutes under optimal conditions; reaching 100% can take longer, typically around 60–75 minutes total from a very low state of charge on a high-power charger.
- Level 2 charging at 48A (about 11.5 kW): roughly 11–12 hours to go from empty to full; at 32A (~7.6 kW) expect about 16–18 hours.
- Level 1 charging from a standard 120V outlet (about 1.4 kW or less): approximately 3–5 days to reach full with the Extended Range pack, depending on available current.
In practice, most owners use Level 2 home charging for overnight replenishment and rely on DC fast charging for long trips. The vehicle can optimize charging based on schedule and temperature via Ford’s charging features in the app and vehicle settings.
Factors that affect charging times
Real-world charging times are influenced by battery temperature, current state of charge, charger health and output, and environmental conditions. Cold weather can slow fast charging and reduce peak power, while battery management systems throttle flow as the battery nears full to protect longevity.
Summary
The Ford Lightning Extended Range benefits from rapid DC fast charging (up to about 150 kW), with a typical 15–80% fill in around 41 minutes and a full charge often taking roughly an hour or more under favorable conditions. Level 2 home charging provides robust daily replenishment, usually about 11–12 hours for a full charge, while Level 1 charging is much slower and suitable mainly for very light usage. Real-world times vary with temperature, state of charge, and charger capability, so plan accordingly for trips and daily driving.
