Ford’s F-150 Lightning Pro: An Electric Pickup Truck for Commercial Purpose

Ford has disclosed a model of its latest F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck targeted specifically at commercial customers. It’s named the F-150 Lightning Pro, and it ranges from $39,974 for a model with an estimated 230 miles of range. Extended-range models of the truck, which are anticipated to obtain 300 miles on a full battery, will begin at $49,974.

Similar to the retail model of the electric F-150, the Lightning Pro stands to earn Ford various business. If Ford executes well, the truck begins shipping in 2022. Ferryboats all across the country are already pondering a shift to electric vehicles either to get more zero-emission instructions or to get a lower overall ownership cost with electric trucks. Ford boasts the Lightning Pro could lower maintenance costs by 40% over eight years. And can be used for 100,000 miles relatively to a 2.7L EcoBoost F-150.

Numerous electric trucks will be introducing to the market over the next year or two. For instance, the GMC Hummer EV, Tesla’s Cybertruck, and the Rivian R1T. But almost none are featured, especially for commercial fleets. Only the electric pickup being designed and developed by Ohio Startup Lordstown Motors. That pickup is estimated to go for manufacturing later this year. But it will begin at about $52,000, and the company doesn’t have anywhere close to the track record of developed automakers like Ford. Connected with the E-Transit van, the electric pickup offers an effective punch in the battle to electrify the business market.

There aren’t many differences between the commercial versions and the retail versions of the electric F-150. Similar to the retail version, it merely comes in a 5.5-foot bed layout and four-door SuperCrew cab. Customers can opt for equipping the electric pickup with the extended range battery. The standard version will comprise a max of 7,700-pound towing efficiency. While the extended version can be capable of towing to 10,000 pounds. Both versions consist all-wheel-drive setup, dual-motor, with the standard range maxing out at an estimated 426HP. While the advanced range version can max around 563HP.

Both the trucks have embarked power available, which can drive electric gears or other accessories. However, buyers will require to pay more for extra outlets and higher overall output. The extended range option also available with an 80-amp charging station that’s enough to refill a pickup’s battery overnight. All models of the commercial pickup available with a huge water-resistant front trunk. It has 14.1 cubic feet of storage capacity and its set of electrical outlets.

However, there is one major difference between both trucks. The Lightning Pro will be available with Ford’s business telematics software. That software makes it convenient for fleet owners to monitor the charging status, location, or maintenance of their vehicles.

Fleet software will also allow operators to handle some of the more non-typical issues. For example, some employees bring their fleet vehicles home at night, refills the gas tank by themselves, and get reimbursed by their employer. Ford could allow installing home chargers for those employees.

Source: Ford’s F-150 Lightning Pro.