The bullet is through the church: Ford calls its long-awaited electric Ford F-150 ‘Lightning’. This returns a name that was previously used for pickups with an extra powerful V8.
It is actually a very logical step. Ford’s F-150 – mind you, still the most popular vehicle in the US – and the name ‘Lightning’ are already linked. Lightning means lightning and thus fits perfectly with a fully electric version of that car, which has been regularly shown and explained for almost two years. A final unveiling of the Ford F-150 Lightning is scheduled for May 19. Naturally, the car is based on the latest generation of the F-150, which was presented in mid-2020.
Ford CEO Jim Farley modestly places the electric Ford F-150 among the cars that changed the world. In addition to its own Model T and Mustang, it also mentions the Toyota Prius and Tesla Model 3. In addition to electric, the Ford F-150 Lightning will also be ‘fully digital’, he reports. For example, the car receives over-the-air updates and, thanks to a gigantic battery pack, it can supply your home with power if a natural disaster obstructs the usual roads.
5.4-liter V8
The Ford F-150 Lightning was an extra fast version of the F-150 between 1993 and 1995 (ninth generation) and between 1999 and 2004 (tenth generation), then of course on petrol. Finally, the F-150 Lightning got a 5.4-liter V8 with a gigantic compressor and 380 American horsepower, combined with the shortest cab and a ditto cargo box for the lightest and most compact – everything is relative – car possible.
The Lightning name was released after 2004. Its role as a fast top version is nowadays actually fulfilled by the Ford Raptor, although that is a car that, unlike the early Lightnings, is specifically aimed at off-road use. That does Ford no harm, because these types of super-fast, extra rugged versions are very popular in and outside the US.