High-performance Ford F-150 Lightning electric pick-up teased

The Ford F-150 Lightning is tipped to be the US car giant’s next high-performance electric concept car – but don’t expect it in showrooms any time soon.

While Ford’s media statement did not highlight the F-150 Lightning or any details about the project, the car-maker’s previous electric-car concepts indicate the high-performance pick-up will share only a handful of parts with the production vehicle.

The Ford Electric SuperVan – revealed in June 2022 – was fitted with larger, aero-sculpted body panels compared to the road-going van, while the single 160kW electric motor was replaced with four high-power motors, capable of producing up to 1471kW.

All three Ford Performance concepts were created to showcase Ford’s electric-car technology, but it’s not clear why Ford would need to promote the F-150 Lightning given the already high demand for the pick-up in the US.

In December 2022, US publication Motor Biscuit reported wait times for the Ford F-150 Lightning stretched four to six months.

In addition to the lengthy delays, prospective Ford F-150 Lightning customers in the US have been hit with numerous price hikes.

The most recent price increase in December 2022 has resulted in the electric pick-up now starting from $US55,974 ($AU80,770) – or 40 per cent more than its original starting price of $US39,974 ($AU57,680), announced in May 2021.  

As reported in September 2022, Ford Australia has opened the door to the F-150 Lightning electric pick-up being sold in local showrooms – providing the regular F-150 is a sales success when it arrives later this year.