How long to charge a F-150 electric truck?
The Ford F-150 Lightning, Ford's all-electric version of its iconic pickup truck, has gained significant popularity for its power, utility, and eco-friendly design. One of the most common questions potential owners and enthusiasts ask is: "How long does it take to charge?" The answer depends on several factors, including the type of charger used and the battery's current state of charge. Let's break it down.
Charging Options for the F-150 Lightning
The F-150 Lightning offers multiple charging options, each with varying charging speeds. Here's an overview of the main types:
- Level 1 Charging (120-Volt Outlet): This is the slowest option and uses a standard household outlet. While convenient, it can take over 3 days to fully charge the F-150 Lightning's battery, making it impractical for most users.
- Level 2 Charging (240-Volt Outlet): Using a 240-volt outlet, such as the Ford Connected Charge Station, significantly reduces charging time. A full charge typically takes about 8-10 hours, depending on the battery size and starting charge level.
- DC Fast Charging (Public Charging Stations): The fastest option, DC fast chargers can provide up to 54 miles of range in just 10 minutes and charge the battery from 15% to 80% in approximately 41 minutes. This is ideal for road trips or quick top-ups.
Factors That Affect Charging Time
Several factors influence how long it takes to charge your F-150 Lightning:
- Battery Size: The F-150 Lightning comes with two battery options: the Standard-Range Battery (98 kWh) and the Extended-Range Battery (131 kWh). The larger the battery, the longer it will take to charge.
- State of Charge: Charging from 0% to 100% takes longer than topping up from 50% to 80%, as charging slows down as the battery nears full capacity to protect its longevity.
- Charger Output: The power output of the charger you use plays a significant role. Higher-output chargers, like DC fast chargers, deliver energy much faster than Level 1 or Level 2 chargers.
- Temperature: Extreme cold or heat can impact charging efficiency, as batteries perform best within a moderate temperature range.
Tips for Efficient Charging
To make the most of your charging sessions, consider these tips:
- Install a Level 2 Charger at Home: If you own an F-150 Lightning, investing in a Level 2 home charger is a game-changer for overnight charging convenience.
- Plan for DC Fast Charging on Long Trips: Use apps or your truck's navigation system to locate fast-charging stations along your route.
- Avoid Frequent Full Charges: Charging to 80% instead of 100% can save time and extend battery life.
- Precondition Your Battery: Use the truck's preconditioning feature to warm or cool the battery before charging in extreme temperatures.
Conclusion
The time it takes to charge a Ford F-150 Lightning depends on the charging method and other factors like battery size and temperature. For most owners, a Level 2 home charger provides the perfect balance of speed and convenience, while DC fast chargers are ideal for quick top-ups during road trips. By understanding your charging options and planning accordingly, you can ensure your F-150 Lightning is always ready to hit the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you leave an electric car charging overnight?
If it takes a whole night to bring your battery to a 60% charge, and if you're daily driving requires at least this much power, then you can and should leave your auto plugged in while sleep. However, on nights when plugging in and going to sleep will bring your battery to a 100% charge, you probably shouldn't.
How much does DC fast charging cost?
Level 3: Also known as direct current fast chargers (DCFC), level 3 chargers are the fastest. They can charge your battery to nearly full in as little as an hour and will cost between $10 to $30 per charge. 1 The cost per kilowatt hour is approximately $0.30 to $0.48.
What is the max load on the F-150 Lightning?
You'll want to get the full set of towing options. The max tongue load is 10% of max towing capacity, or 1,000 pounds with the 10,000 pound towing capability. The Lightning's payload capacity is plenty (2235 pounds).
How long does it take to charge F-150 Lightning at a charging station?
Using Public Charging Stations
The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning is equipped with compatibility for DC fast chargers, which can drastically reduce charging times. With a DC fast charger, you can recharge the standard range battery from 15% to 80% in about 36 minutes.
How far can a Ford F-150 Lightning go on a full charge?
F-150 Lightning Driving Range
The standard battery pack for the Ford-150 Lightning, which contains a 98-kilowatt battery, is good for 230 miles when fully charged. The range rises to 320 miles with the extended-range battery pack, which contains a 131-kilowatt battery.
Can I charge my F-150 Lightning at a Tesla charging station?
Ford electric vehicles (EVs) can charge at upgraded Tesla Superchargers in the United States and Canada with a Fast Charging Adapter. Select Tesla Supercharger locations have a Magic Dock adapter built into their stations.
How long does F-150 Lightning battery last?
How often should you replace your Ford F-150 Lightning battery? Every 3 to 5 years, but you should have your battery tested frequently for extreme drops in voltage to make sure it's operating at a steady level.
How long does it take to charge an electric truck at a charging station?
| Level 1 | Level 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Power Output | 1 kW | 7 kW - 19 kW |
| Estimated PHEV Charge Time from Empty 4 | 5 - 6 hours | 1 - 2 hours |
| Estimated BEV Charge Time from Empty 5 | 40 - 50 hours | 4 - 10 hours |
| Estimated Electric Range per Hour of Charging | 2 - 5 miles | 10 - 20 miles |
How much does it cost to fully charge an electric car?
Level 3: Also known as direct current fast chargers (DCFC), level 3 chargers are the fastest. They can charge your battery to nearly full in as little as an hour and will cost between $10 to $30 per charge. The cost per kilowatt hour is approximately 30 cents to 48 cents.
What is the life expectancy of the F-150 Lightning battery?
Your Ford F-150 Lightning battery will usually last between 3 to 5 years, but that can fluctuate heavily depending on battery size, weather conditions type of battery, and driving habits. Even still, just because your battery isn't completely dead, doesn't mean it's operating properly.
