What size battery is in the Ford F-150 Lightning?
The Ford F-150 Lightning, the all-electric version of the popular F-150 pickup truck, boasts a powerful battery that provides impressive range and performance. The battery size in the Ford F-150 Lightning is a key feature that sets it apart from its gas-powered counterparts.
Battery Size and Capacity
The Ford F-150 Lightning is available with two different battery pack sizes. The standard-range model comes equipped with a 98 kWh battery pack, while the extended-range model features a larger 131 kWh battery pack. These battery packs are among the largest in any electric vehicle currently on the market.
Powering the F-150 Lightning
The large battery packs in the F-150 Lightning provide ample power and range for this electric truck. The standard-range model has an estimated range of 230 miles, while the extended-range model can travel up to 320 miles on a single charge.
The battery also powers the F-150 Lightning's dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, which delivers impressive acceleration and towing capacity. The truck can tow up to 10,000 pounds and has a maximum payload capacity of 2,000 pounds, making it a capable work vehicle in addition to its electric powertrain.
Charging the F-150 Lightning
Owners of the Ford F-150 Lightning can charge their vehicles using a variety of methods, including:
- Level 1 charging (120V household outlet): Provides up to 3 miles of range per hour of charging
- Level 2 charging (240V): Provides up to 30 miles of range per hour of charging
- DC fast charging: Allows the battery to be charged from 15% to 80% in about 41 minutes
The F-150 Lightning's large battery packs and advanced charging capabilities make it a compelling choice for those seeking an electric pickup truck with impressive performance and utility.
What size battery is in the 2025 Lightning extended-range?
The 2024 and 2025 F-150 Lightning Standard Range (98 kWh battery) can charge from 15-80% in about 32 minutes. The 2024 and 2025 F-150 Lightning Extended Range (131 kWh battery) can charge from 15-80% in about 38 minutes. The 2025 F-150 Lightning Flash™ (123 kWh battery) can charge from 15-80% in about 38 minutes.
What battery does F-150 Lightning use?
The F-150 Lightning uses two main types of lithium-ion batteries: Nickel Cobalt Manganese (NCM) for extended-range models and Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) for standard-range models, though they are all part of a larger lithium-ion battery system. NCM batteries offer higher energy density for longer range, while LFP batteries are known for their durability, safety, and longer lifespan, especially when charged to 100%.
Battery types by model
- Standard Range: The standard-range model uses a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery.
- Pros: More robust, safer, and has a longer cycle life compared to NCM batteries.
- Cons: Has a lower energy density, which means a shorter overall range compared to extended-range models.
- Extended Range: The extended-range model uses a Nickel Cobalt Manganese (NCM) battery.
- Pros: Higher energy density, which provides a greater overall range and performance.
- Cons: Typically has a shorter lifespan and lower thermal stability than LFP batteries.
Other battery information
- 12V Battery: In addition to the main high-voltage battery, the F-150 Lightning also uses a 12V battery to power its accessories and systems, which some aftermarket manufacturers offer in lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) versions.
- Backup Power: The 131-kWh extended-range battery pack can also be used for home backup power during an outage.
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.
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.
