What is the range of the F-150 Lightning dual motor?
The F-150 Lightning dual-motor setup offers two battery options, delivering EPA-estimated ranges of up to about 320 miles with the extended-range pack and around 230 miles with the standard-range pack.
The range you see in marketing materials depends on the battery chosen, wheel size, trim, and driving conditions. This article explains the numbers and what can influence them in everyday use.
Two battery options and their range
Here is a quick snapshot of the EPA estimates for the dual-motor F-150 Lightning by battery configuration.
- Extended-range battery (131 kWh) with dual-motor AWD: up to about 320 miles of EPA-estimated range per full charge.
- Standard-range battery with dual-motor AWD: about 230 miles of EPA-estimated range per full charge.
Note that these figures are EPA estimates and depend on configuration and conditions. Wheel size, bed length, payload, towing, climate, and driving style can all pull the range down from the top-end numbers.
Real-world factors affecting range
In practice, you may see a difference between the EPA figure and what you experience behind the wheel. Larger wheels and tires, higher speeds, cold weather, towing, and carrying heavy payloads typically lower range. Ford’s testing acknowledges a range drag in adverse conditions even with the extended-range battery.
Summary
The F-150 Lightning dual-motor offers two EPA-rated range options: up to about 320 miles with the extended-range battery and about 230 miles with the standard-range battery. Real-world range varies based on wheel choice, payload, speed, weather, and driving behavior. Prospective buyers should consider their typical usage—whether commuting or work-duty—to determine which battery option best fits their needs.
What is the range of the F-150 Lightning dual motor?
The Lightning has an EPA range of 320 miles. That's based on dynamometer testing at an average speed of 47 MPH and driving from 100% down to 0%. You're never going to exactly duplicate that, just like you probably never exactly match EPA miles per gallon in a gas car.
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.
What is the Lightning's real world range?
Some claim they get over 2.4 mi/kWh in summer conditions. With mostly interstate driving around 70mph, I tend to average 2.0 mi/kWh for an approximate 260 mile range on my ER battery. I tend to get 1.6-1.8 mi/kWh in general once weather breaks under 40*F for similar roads. This drops range to around 220 miles.
Why is the F-150 Lightning not selling?
The Ford F-150 Lightning is not selling well due to a combination of high prices, slower-than-expected demand, and competition. Other factors contributing to the slowdown include the high cost of EV batteries, rising interest rates, and a lack of public education on EVs. Ford has also reduced production and offered dealer incentives to move slow-selling inventory.
This video discusses the reasons why F-150 Lightning sales are struggling: 56sTCcustomsYouTube · Jul 17, 2023
Reasons for slow sales
- High prices: The starting price was initially low, but higher-trim models and the overall cost of EVs have become a barrier for many buyers.
- Lack of demand: Slower-than-expected demand led Ford to cut production. Initial reservations did not translate into immediate sales.
- Rising interest rates: Higher interest rates make loans for expensive vehicles, like the F-150 Lightning, less affordable.
- Stronger competition: New electric and hybrid trucks from Ram and Volkswagen will enter the market, increasing competition for the Lightning.
- Charging infrastructure: Some drivers have concerns about the availability of fast-charging stations, especially for long-distance travel.
- Range anxiety: For some users, the truck's real-world range drops significantly when hauling or towing, leading to range anxiety.
- Dealer reluctance: Some dealerships are reportedly hesitant to sell EVs due to a lack of knowledge about the technology.
- Recall and quality issues: The F-150 Lightning has experienced several recalls, including a significant steering issue that can cause a loss of control.
- Production issues: Ford has had to halt production to address inventory issues and has had to reallocate workers from the Lightning plant to other facilities.
- Market factors: A general downturn in the overall EV market, driven partly by competitors cutting prices, has also impacted sales.
