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Back in the summer of 2019, Ford shared a video of an electric-powered F-150 prototype pulling more than a million pounds of freight cars along a railroad track.
Fast forward to the evening of May 19 and Ford’s unveiling of what has become of the further development of that prototype pickup truck by unveiling the new F-150 Lightning and proclaiming “the truck of the future is here.”
Ford claims “The F-150 Lightning is the smartest, most innovative truck Ford has ever built. From near instant torque to intelligent towing, seamless connectivity to software updates, plus power for your home, a power frunk (with no big V8 engine taking up space, there’s lockable storage area under the hood), and a digital screen that’s larger than any currently offered on a full-size truck – F-150 Lightning is a driving and ownership experience unlike any other.”
Production begins in 2022 in Dearborn, Michigan, at a new assembly facility in the historic Rouge complex.
“For both Ford and the American auto industry, F-150 Lightning represents a defining moment as we progress toward a zero-emissions, digitally connected future,” Bill Ford, executive chair of the company that bears his family’s name, is quoted in a news release.” F-Series is America’s best-selling truck for 44 years, the backbone of work across the country, and a trusted icon for generations of customers. Now we are revolutionizing it for a new generation.”
Ford says it is targeting 565 horsepower, 775 pound-feet of torque and a 0-60mph sprint in the mid-4-second range from its electrified truck.as well as 2,000 pounds of payload capacity and 10,000 pounds of towing capability. Maximum range is around 300 miles.
But such traditional figures are just the beginning for the truck of the future. Consider available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving, enhanced Pro Power Onboard to provide electricity for camping of the job site, the FordPass app to provide access to charging stations and remote vehicle controls, over-the-air software updates.
Ford says the entry-level version, aimed at commercial use, will start at $39,974 and the mid-series XLT has a base price of $52,974. Those prices are exclusive of any federal or state tax credits, the company added.
“The F-150 Lightning is a massive moment for our Ford team,” Ford president Jim Farley is quoted. “America’s No. 1 auto brand is going zero emissions with America’s favorite vehicle. It’s quicker than a Raptor, with standard 4×4 and independent rear suspension; a power frunk, enough juice to run your house for three days or power an awesome tailgate; and it will forever improve with over-the-air updates.
“It will be built at the Rouge factory, where Henry Ford changed the world and my grandfather punched in every day. F-150 Lightning represents all that our country can do when we push for progress.”
“We’re not here to make an electric truck for the few,” added Kumar Galhotra, head of Ford’s domestic and international marketing group. “Ford is committed to building one that solves real problems for real people.
“F-150 Lightning delivers everything we’ve said electric vehicles can offer, plus the capability expected from a Built Ford Tough truck – not just near instant torque but powerful towing and hauling customers can depend on.”
For more information, and to reserve an F-150 Lighting with a $100 deposit, see the Lightning website.
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