America’s best-selling car is going electric.
Ford has confirmed the all-electric F-150 pickup truck will bring the Lightning badge back from the dead when it’s revealed on May 19 in the USA.
The (seriously cool) Lightning badge is making a comeback after being retired with the fire-breathing, V8-powered SVT Lightning in 2004.
That car was capable of hitting 60mph (97km/h) in just 5.4 seconds. The 2021 F-150 Lightning electric truck will be quicker off the mark again.
Following in the footsteps of the F-150 Hybrid, the Lightning will be able to act as a massive mobile generator for camping, or for tradesmen on the tools in remote locations.
It will have a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain with more power or torque than any F-150 currently on the market, meaning it will have at least 335kW and 690Nm.
With no internal-combustion engine, the F-150 EV will feature a ‘giant’ front trunk (boot to you and me) to securely store tools you don’t want left in the tray.
Production for the F-150 EV will start in the middle of 2022, meaning it will be beaten to market by the GMC Hummer, Rivian R1T, and potentially the Tesla Cybertruck.
The F-150 EV will need to boast some impressive numbers to take on the Rivian R1T, which will be available with a choice of 105kWh, 135kWh and 180kWh batteries.
The model with a 105kWh battery hits 60mph (96km/h) in 4.9 seconds, with a total electric range of over 370km. Total power and torque are 300kW and 560Nm, respectively.
The quickest Rivian will be the R1T equipped with the 135kWh battery, capable of hitting 60mph in 3.0 seconds and producing 562kW and 1120Nm. Total electric range is said to be over 500km.
180kWh battery-equipped models are said to have an electric range of over 659km, but produce slightly less power (522kW) and the same amount of torque.
Water fording capability is 1000mm, while the R1T has a payload of 800kg and can tow a claimed 5000kg.
The Tesla Cybertruck also boasts impressive figures to back its polarising design.
From the wrapped stainless steel and tempered glass exterior to the 800km range, optional triple-motor layout, claimed 60mph sprint of 2.9 seconds, and mooted 6.5 tonne tow rating, everything promised is revolutionary.
American production is set to begin in late 2021, while lower-grade single-motor and rear-wheel drive models are expected in late 2022 – globally, that is.
