How many kW is the Ford Lightning battery?
The Ford F-150 Lightning is offered with two battery options and a high-performance DC fast-charging capability. In practical terms, the question “how many kW is the Lightning battery?” is best answered by looking at both the pack size (kWh) and the charging power (kW) the vehicle can handle. The Lightning provides two battery sizes—98 kWh and 131 kWh gross—with a maximum DC fast-charging rate of up to 150 kW.
Battery options
The Lightning is available with two pack sizes, giving buyers a choice between range and payload/price considerations.
- Standard-Range Battery: 98 kWh gross capacity. This option prioritizes lower cost and lighter weight, with an EPA-estimated range typically around the mid-200s of miles depending on configuration and conditions.
- Extended-Range Battery: 131 kWh gross capacity. This larger pack delivers more total driving range, with EPA estimates generally around the low-to-mid 300s of miles under similar conditions.
The two battery sizes are designed to meet different use cases, from daily commuting to longer trips, while maintaining the Lightning’s capability for payload and towing.
Charging capabilities
- DC fast charging: Maximum up to 150 kW. This enables relatively rapid replenishment on compatible charging networks, reducing downtime on long journeys.
- Onboard AC charging: About 11.5 kW (roughly 48 amps) for Level 2 charging at home or in other settings, depending on vehicle and market specifications.
- Charge times: Real-world times depend on starting state of charge, battery size, and temperature, but the 150 kW capability helps with quicker top-ups on long trips, while Level 2 charging supports more convenient overnight or daytime home charging.
In practice, buyers should weigh the extended-range pack when planning frequent long trips, as it offers greater total energy available, paired with the same 150 kW fast-charging capability.
What this means for buyers
Choosing between the two battery sizes hinges on how far you typically drive between charges, how you use the truck for towing or payload, and how often you can access fast-charging networks. Both options support fast charging and modern EV conveniences, but the larger 131 kWh pack will deliver more miles before needing a recharge, at the cost of weight and price.
Summary
The Ford F-150 Lightning comes with two battery sizes—98 kWh gross (standard range) and 131 kWh gross (extended range)—and shares a common 150 kW maximum DC fast-charging capability. The key distinction for most buyers is trade-offs between size, range, and price, with the extended-range option offering significantly more total energy available for longer trips.
