10 Reasons Why You Should Consider The Ford F-150 Lightning As Your Next Work Truck

2022-09-04 11:37:48 By : Mr. Elon Lee

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Primarily designed as a work tool, pickup trucks are a must-have for all workforce. Currently, the Ford F-150 Lightning is unrivaled.

Ford is quite fond of relegating model names to the back of the store cupboard. Only to then resurrect them many years later. Just take the recently resurrected Ford Puma as an example. Once a cut-price yet competent coupe, the name now resurfaces, but in the form of the Puma compact crossover.

It seems to be a common practice for Ford. With the mighty Ford Bronco, GT supercar, and now the F-150 Lightning, all having the dust blown off their respective monikers.

But the F-150 Lightning is different. Its name now fully suits the vehicle, on a whole new level. Powered by electricity, it is sophisticated, fast, and very luxuriously appointed. But it's no poser show vehicle. As here are 10 reasons why you should consider the Ford F-150 Lightning as your next work truck.

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Fossil fuels have had their day. They are expensive. Bad for the environment, and considered to be old technology. The way forward is electric. Electrification is upon us and the Ford Lightning has embraced the push. Owning a pickup truck will no longer get you dirty looks.

An ambitious idea, the EV pick-up just makes sense. It's a powerful beast that makes short work of hauling loads. Towing prowess is incredible, thanks to plenty of torque. It comes loaded with equipment. It can almost be treated as a fully functional mobile office.

Served up only in crew-cab configuration, the load bed of the Lightning measures 5.5 feet. This allows it to gobble up a 2,000lb payload. As there is no engine, a very useful 'Frunk' features under the hood. This gives a further 14 cubic feet of fully sealed storage space.

Inside, passengers are spoiled for space. Five adults can sit in comfort, with generous amounts of legroom. The seats are also very comfortable. There are plenty of cubbyholes and holders. Plus a useful stowage area beneath the rear bench. It just swallows stuff.

A base specification F-150 Lightning will cover 230 miles, thanks to a standard range battery. Those looking for more can opt for the extended-range setup. This battery allows for up to 320 miles of range. The bigger battery is also best suited for those looking to pull loads.

Ford boasts the largest public charging network in North America. So running out of juice never be a worry. Dual onboard chargers also allow for diversity. All Lightning models come with a Mobile Power Cord allowing for multi-charge outlet use. Which is very reassuring.

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At present, there are 4 models to choose from. Prices start at $39,974 for the Lightning Pro. An entry-level machine that is ideally suited to the everyday tradesman. Capable of towing a 5,000lb load on its standard battery. It offers excellent value for money. A great work truck.

At the top end sits the $90,874 Platinum model. With its extended range battery, it will haul 8,500 lbs. Smart-looking leather bucket seats and an array of advanced technology await the driver. Transforming this hard-working vehicle into a high-end luxury truck. It's impressive.

The original Ford F-150 Lightning SVT trucks were all about performance. Generation 1 trucks had a 240hp motor, whilst generation 2 trucks got a supercharged 380hp 5.4-liter V8. Both were decently quick. The new Lightning makes them both look like paperweights.

Bristling with energy the standard vehicle produces 452hp. Upgrading to the more powerful battery yields 580hp. Both generate a colossal 775 lb/ft of torque. Bury the throttle and 60mph will appear in 4 seconds. The quarter mile can be destroyed in a little over 12 seconds.

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To show off the truck's prowess Ford subjected the Lightning to some chores. A prototype version pulled a 1,000,000-pound line of train cars. All loaded with F-150s. An incredible feat, and one showing the unrestricted capabilities of Ford's EV offering. A true powerhouse.

Even with its restrictions in place, the Lightning is a great tow vehicle. Pulling up to 7,000 pounds is no hardship. There are even several built-in systems to aid the driver. With cameras, alignment guides, and towing safety features all included. It's all work first, play later.

A great feature of the front trunk is the 9.6kw power outlet. With 11 power outlets, it can run everything from power tools to popular gadgets. It's a work truck that truly does power you through the day. From home to the building site. It offers flexibility in spades.

It's also able to serve as a generator for the home, thanks to Ford's Home Integration System. This also makes the Lightning a great camping truck. Load it up and head off into the wilds. Safe in the knowledge that you won't have to rough it. Just pack the microwave oven.

The Ford F-150 Lightning comes loaded to the roof liner with impressive technology. It boasts the largest touchscreen console of any Ford model. Plus a digital driver display. Both work in harmony to relay vital information. Making information appear clear, and readily available.

Updates are automatically transmitted to the Ford Lightning via cloud-based technology. Drivers can also set up the interior lighting to suit their moods. The sat-nav provides live information, plus weather information. It is all very clever. And very easy to use at the same time.

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A subtle, yet muscular-looking machine. The Ford F-150 may not be as futuristic as the Rivian R1T, but it is all the better for it. Still aimed at blue-collar workers the Lightning doesn't need to look flashy. It's a salt-of-earth type that can unleash its huge power when called upon.

The interior is very impressive. Everything feels solidly built and intended to last. Materials offer up decent quality levels. The seats, at all levels, are supportive. The Lightning feels like a very thought-out piece of equipment. A truck that will not let a hard-working owner down.

The number of commercial pick-ups on the road today is enormous. Very few, if any, can brag about environmentally friendly credentials. The Ford F-150 Lightning changes this. It opens the door to a new way of thinking. A new opportunity for businesses to clean up their acts.

Even the techniques used in F-150 Lightning construction benefit the planet. The knock-on effects are immense. Greener manufacturing plants reduce pollution. There will be no more disposal of waste oils. More recycled materials will feature. It all points to a cleaner future.

Having cut his teeth on the UK street racing scene in the late 90's and early 00's RJ faded from the limelight only to return 20 years later. An avid motoring enthusiast RJ especially enjoys JDM and Italian cars, and is an experienced multi-industry writer.