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Is the Ford Lightning a hybrid or full electric?

The Ford Lightning is a fully electric pickup truck, not a hybrid. It is part of Ford's growing lineup of all-electric vehicles, designed to provide the power and capability of a traditional gas-powered truck with the efficiency and environmental benefits of an electric powertrain.


What is the Ford Lightning?


The Ford Lightning is an all-electric version of Ford's popular F-150 pickup truck. It was first unveiled in 2021 and is set to begin deliveries to customers in 2022. The Lightning is powered by a large battery pack and electric motors, rather than a traditional internal combustion engine. This makes it a fully electric vehicle, not a hybrid that combines electric and gas power.


Key Features of the Ford Lightning



  • All-Electric Powertrain: The Lightning is powered by a battery pack and electric motors, with no gas engine. This provides zero direct emissions and improved efficiency compared to gas-powered trucks.

  • Impressive Performance: The Lightning can accelerate from 0-60 mph in as little as 4.4 seconds, thanks to the instant torque of its electric motors. It also has a targeted maximum towing capacity of up to 10,000 lbs.

  • Extended Range: Depending on the model, the Lightning can travel up to 300 miles on a single charge, addressing range anxiety concerns for electric truck buyers.

  • Innovative Features: The Lightning offers features like a front trunk ("frunk") storage space, the ability to power tools and devices from the truck's battery, and advanced driver assistance technologies.


Overall, the Ford Lightning represents a significant step forward in the electrification of the pickup truck segment, offering the capability and utility of a traditional F-150 with the environmental and efficiency benefits of an all-electric powertrain.

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. 



Is the F-150 Lightning all electric or hybrid?


The Ford F-150 Lightning is an all-electric vehicle, while Ford also offers a hybrid version of the F-150 with a PowerBoost hybrid engine. The key difference is that the Lightning uses only electric motors, while the hybrid combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor for improved efficiency. The best choice depends on your priorities, such as range, charging availability, and performance.
 
This video compares the Ford Lightning and the F-150 hybrid, discussing their pros and cons: 55sAsk Jorge Lopez at Tomball FordYouTube · Nov 4, 2023
Ford F-150 Lightning (Electric)

  • Powertrain: All-electric with dual electric motors. 
  • Performance: Delivers instant torque and quick acceleration (sub-4-second 0-60 mph). 
  • Maintenance: Requires significantly less maintenance than a gasoline engine. 
  • Range: Depends on the battery size, with up to an estimated 320 miles for the extended-range battery. 
  • Charging: Requires charging at a home or public charging station. 
  • Features: Includes a front trunk (frunk) for storage and the Pro Power Onboard feature, allowing you to use the truck as a mobile power source. 

Ford F-150 (Hybrid)
  • Powertrain: Combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor. 
  • Performance: Offers strong performance and towing capacity, but with the convenience of a gas engine. 
  • Maintenance: Has the complexity of both a gasoline engine and a hybrid system. 
  • Range: A single tank of gas can provide an estimated range of over 800 miles. 
  • Charging: The battery is charged by the gasoline engine and regenerative braking, so it does not need to be plugged in. 
  • Features: Offers improved fuel economy over a standard gasoline F-150 and is a good choice if you don't have easy access to charging. 

Which one is right for you?
  • Choose the F-150 Lightning if you want the benefits of an electric vehicle, have access to charging, and prioritize instant torque and lower maintenance. 
  • Choose the F-150 Hybrid if you need the flexibility of a gasoline engine, plan to do a lot of long-distance driving, and don't want to worry about charging infrastructure. 



Is Ford Lightning 100% electric?


All Electric.
The next defining moment in the move to electrification is here with the Ford F-150 Lightning Pro. A truck designed specifically to offer what you need for commercial use. It's the same powerful, tough and smart F-150 you've always relied on.



Is the Ford Lightning gas-powered?


The standard-range Lightning has 452 horsepower from its advanced electric powertrain. This is more power than many gas-powered trucks in its class. For those who want more, the extended-range model offers 580 horsepower. The electric truck horsepower numbers are even more impressive because of the consistent torque.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.