May 19, 2021 could become a date to remember for many Americans. Two days ago, in fact, the first 100% electric version of the Ford F-150 was presented, simply the most popular pickup in the United States, where for 44 years it was the best-selling vehicle ever, with peaks of over 900,000 pieces per year. Considering that the first generation was presented in 1947 and that the current one is the fourteenth, we are in the presence of a true institution of American motor culture. A vehicle that throughout its history has been sold in tens of millions of units, most of which are driven by large petrol V8s with simply unimaginable consumption for us Europeans accustomed to excise duties. But revolutions do not spare anyone and therefore Ford has just presented the F-150 Lightning, which is a so-called “BEV” Battery Electric Vehicle.
Production will begin in 2022 at Ford’s new electric mobility factory, located in the historic Rogue complex in Dearborn, just outside Detroit. “For both Ford and the American automotive industry, the F-150 Lightning represents a defining moment. as we progress towards a zero-emissions and digitally connected future, ”said Bill Ford, executive president of Ford Motor Company. The new F-150 Lightning, moreover, is one of the key models of the global plan for electric vehicles in which the American company will invest 22 billion dollars. A figure that was initially dedicated to the electrification of the most popular models: Mustang, Transit and F-150. The latter, however, will have a price list very similar to that of a thermal F-150 in a similar configuration: the work version will start from $ 39,974, while the more refined XLT version from $ 52,974, in both cases excluding incentives.
The electric platform of the new F-150 Lightning offers unprecedented possibilities, such as transforming the vehicle into a small energy center capable of powering a home for 10 days. Obviously there is no shortage of over-the-air software updates – called Ford Power-Up, to add new features over time and solve problems without going to the dealership. “It is faster than a Raptor, has standard four-wheel drive and independent rear suspension. It will be built in the factory where Henry Ford changed the world and represents everything our country can do when we push for progress,” concluded Bill. Ford. The chassis of the new electric pickup is made of steel, but the body is made of aluminum to save weight.
Speaking of numbers, the capacity reaches up to 900 kg and the load capacity up to 4,500 kg. As for the powetrain, the first available will have two motors, one per axle, for a total of 432 or 571 hp of power – maximum torque of 1,050 Nm – depending on the battery installed. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h takes just 4.5 seconds, compared to a range – measured in the EPA cycle for now – of 370 or 480 km. Finally, in terms of on-board technology, the new F-150 Lightning sports a 12-inch digital instrumentation and a 15.5-inch vertical central display equipped with the SYNC 4 infotainment system. tuonoma “without hands”, which can currently be used on approximately 160,000 km of highways between the United States and Canada equipped with the control infrastructure. As for his possible arrival in Europe, there is currently no official information.
