2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum 4x4 EV - Bottom Line Review

TAILPIPE FREE PICKUP FINAL FRONTIER : The debate over the motive and method for transitioning to zero tailpipe emissions transportation is virtually certain to surpass our lifetimes. While the numbers of new purchases of legacy manufacturer battery electric purchases are finally making double digit year over year increases, the overall net zero emissions private vehicle adoption conversion is still in the single digit percentiles. Fully electric sports sedans are admirably impressive but quite niche in sales volumes.

Moving the needle towards a mass American adoption of emissions free vehicles would require a transition to petrol free light work trucks. Not even fluctuations in gasoline prices have dissuaded American new vehicle buyers from purchasing one pickup truck per every five vehicles sold. Despite recent advances in efficiency from advanced drivetrains, hybridization and even weight reduction the average new pickup truck consumes as much petrol as two new petrol cars.

LIGHT DUTY PICK UP HEAVY : Naturally technical challenges in the range vs. work utility compromise would have to be addressed in developing the first volume battery electric full size pickup truck. Yet, arguably, the larger looming hurdle was whether the final compromise would draw the loyal legacy customer who values a familiar operational experience. Freshly arrived to pry the fossil fuel full size pickup truck away from the "live cold hands" of tradespersons, ranchers and roughnecks is a familiar, but oh so different, all new 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning SuperCrew Dual Motor 4x4.

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WHAT: 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning SuperCrew Platinum Extended Range 4x4 plug-in battery electric full size pickup truck. America's first volume series based electric pickup lays on the fourteenth generation of half-ton F-Series T3 Platform. Therefore, consistent with gas and gas hybrid F-150 Series, an aircraft strength aluminum alloy body sits on a revised steel full boxed-in frame.

POWER & DRIVETRAIN - ELECTRIC:

_{Manufacturer Provided Specifications @2023 Roadblazing.com *std. net power: 452 hp (337 kW) @ 3800-8000 r.p.m. / 775 lb-ft @ 0-3600 r.p.m.}

The new Ford F-150 Lightning is the second battery electric vehicle, following the Mustang Mach-E raised sportback from the carmaker which founded the volume production assembly line.

ELECTRIC SUPPLY:

_{Manufacturer Provided Specifications @2023 Roadblazing.com *standard battery: F-150 Lightning 288 LiIon Polymer cells, 360V, 180 Ah, 98 kWh}

WHAT (A) STYLING DIFFERENCE(S): Dearborn kept true to delivering a battery electric pickup truck which looks every bit F-Series. Typical to battery electrics the upper grille is swapped for more aero cheating tandem dark diamond quilt solid panels, body colored bumper cover and darkened lower center tri-slotted valance. The hood is the saddle layered smooth front unit from the Ford F-150 Tremor.

• Cribbed From Gas F-Series: √ Cab lateral creased, layered lower door panels; √ Body color trimmed sail panel folding mirrors; √ 1st Row door aft frame digital access key pad.
• Based on Gas F-Series: √ Inboard "F"^{(for "FORD")} tracing vertical boomerang headlamp housing; √ Split lower & upper LED projector lenses
• Departed From Gas F-Series: √ Smooth, non-creased fender and rear quarter wheel apertures; √ Tailgate large font F-150 embossing; √ Body color matched rear bumper + license plate, trailer connections; √ Inboard "F"^{(for "FORD")} tracing vertical boomerang taillamp housing, wrapping further around rear quarter panel, with straked black framing; √ Cargo box full upper edge flaring; √ Tailgate narrow soft touch release pocket; √ Back-up lights located below tailgate release pocket; √ "FORD Oval" relocated to lower liftgate, left side; √ NO EXHAUST PIPES
• "LIGHTNING" Giveaway Details: √ Upper front nose full raceway white LED light bar; √ Upper tailgate full raceway red LED light bar; √ Upper rear quarter panel "LIGHTNING" raised letter logo, with lightning bolt icon over letter "T"; √ Black & chrome American flag, with lead lightning bolt icon, located at lower rear tailgate

WHY: First fully zapped, volume brand, full size pickup truck leverages a workhorse legacy.

WHEN: On-Sale (in the U.S.) since Spring 2021

WHERE: Ford new consumer electric vehicles dealers

WHERE MADE:River Rouge, Dearborn, Michigan, U.S.A.

WHERE TO:Since all wheel drive is full time, media screen activated "Off Road" drive simulates a 4x4 Low gear, adjusting throttle response, traction and stability control and engaging the electronic clutch rear differential lock. Locating the propulsion battery tray under the cargo box reduces departure angles. -1 The limited slip can only be off-ed in Normal drive mode; No One Pedal driving available in Off Road mode.

• Drive modes x 4; ♦ Normal, ♦ Sport, ♦ Off-Road ♦ Tow/Haul

HOW STRONG: It used to require a lot of internal combustion displacement for two and three quarter ton, twenty foot, aerodynamic bricks to keep up with traffic. The three and a half ton Dual Motor Ford F-150 Lightning kicks a lot of road going butt with two electric motors. Just shy of 600 hoofpower and a cataclysmic 750 pound feet enable this rolling granite boulder to punch a serious hole through the wind.

Without varying drivetrain gear ratios, "Sport" drive mode preps the batteries to send peak voltage to the motors, for roller coaster abruptness. Nearly as fleet as the company's 3800 lb. gas V-8 powered S550 Mustang GT high performance coupe, the F-Series Lightning Dual Motor wil chirp the highway terrain shoes to give fits to the outgoing champ of BAJA & street racing pickups, the RAM 1500 TRX.

Gas F-Series operators will adapt quickly to familiar super crewcab surroundings including including the middle dash push start button and the novel power recessing center console T-shifter (making way for the WorkStation fold-out center console table). If utter powertrain silence is too punishing, audio system synthesized motor noise can be piped in.

Mustang Mach-E single level type single-pedal driving, selected in the media display, makes the brake pedal lonely in surface road driving. Higher speeds pedal slowing will still require pedal application. Available closed access highway BlueCruise^TM hand's free adaptive cruise and lane maintenance is an apt driver de-stressor.

HOW LIMBER: Pickup trucks hovering nine inches above the earth's surface have no right to be so body roll resistant. Ford's brilliant aircraft aluminum body, first implemented in the 2016 F-150 , schooled the rest of the segment on body roll minimization. Nearly a ton of sub-floor battery supply plunges the F-150 Lightning center of gravity by at least another 50 stories. The electric F-150 charges with absurd rapidity, limited by the modestly sticking General Grabbers. Twenty-two inch alloys glide uncannily on smooth highway, supported by a fully independent suspension with beefy aluminum carriers. Underdamping for the stiffer springs on this Leviathan is suspected for the bobbing on rougher surfaces. No qualms are presented by the large vented disc binders but the helm centers a bit morosely and turn in has been dulled.

HOW FAR:for 2022 Ford F-150 SuperCrew Platinum Lightning Extended Range

_{Manufacturer Provided Specifications @2023 Roadblazing.com}

HOW TO CHARGE IT:√ FordPass wireless app (available on either Android or Apple I) manages accounts for most major public charging networks; √ Native GPS navigation includes dedicated public charging location search in vicinity; √ Native in-vehicle at-home charge scheduling with remote FordPass control; √ Charge depletion level re-charge notification settings.

-1 FordPass lists less accurate charging station information than PlugShare application.

_{Manufacturer Provided Specifications @2023 Roadblazing.com}

WHAT IS THE CHARGING EXPERIENCE:

_{Manufacturer Provided Specifications @2023 Roadblazing.com}

Charging Notes:

• Primarily connected to Electrify America DC CCSAO charging network in metropolitan Chicago
• DC Electrical charge cost (average) = $0.42 per kWh, excluding session fee (paid at dispenser or via charging network apps)
• +1 Acceptably fast peak DC charging speeds to 85% charge status
• -1 at least one EA charging session had to be remotely activated by customer service, and it was in rainy weather
• -1 Charge dispensers lack canopies (unless inside a parking garage)
• -1 Charge dispenser screens typically illegible in bright sunlight

HOW BIG/ LITTLE: √ Big as a full size pickup truck gets. √ Five grown guys &gear fit just after dining large at the Five Guys burger joint.

• DIMENSIONS & CAPACITIES:

_{Manufacturer Provided Specifications @2023 Roadblazing.com}

HOW USEFUL: √ 14 cubic foot forward trunk aka Frunk*, w/ power hood, plastic lined, drain; √ Power sliding backlight window; √ Box Link J-Channel sliding cleats; √ Crinkle finish sprayed-in bed liner; √ Extending tail gate step; √ Wide full cab length running boards; √ Folding extendable tow, lower convex wing mirrors; √ Power folding + raising tailgate hinges; √ LED overhead bed & under-rail lights ; √ 60:40 split 2nd Row bench w/ fold-up cushions, fold-down backs; √ 2nd Row sub-bench storage locker; √ 1st Row full fore center console deep storage management & saddle pockets; √ 1st & 2nd Row door pocket management. OPTIONAL: ♦ Locking bed cargo divider

• Pro Power OnBoard: 9.6 kW AC power supply; √ Box: 240VAC (20 Amp) x 1; 110 V x 4; √ Front Trunk: 120VAC x 4; √ Cab: 120 VAC x 2; √ Intelligent Backup Power acts as electric mains supplement when 80 amp Ford Charge Station Pro^TM is installed at building
• *Forward trunk or "Frunk" is seriously praise worthy with AC power outlets^{(see above)} USB A + C ports, cargo tie hooks, and a sub-floor bin for the household current wall charger cable, LED lighting

• WORK CAPACITY AND CAPABILITY: √ ProHitch^TM automated conventional + gooseneck + 5th wheel towing setup; √ Onboard Scales; √ Pro Trailer Backup Assist; √ Integrated trailer brake control; √ Trailer Sway Control; √ Variable zone full perimeter LED exterior work lighting

_{Manufacturer Provided Specifications @2023 Roadblazing.com}

HOW SAFE: Good IIHS scores (2022 MY Top Safety Pick); STANDARD: √ 10 airbags; √ Rear camera w/ predictive grid; √ Audible rear park assist; √ Roll mitigation; √ MyKey restrictive access; Ford Co-Pilot360: √ Blind Spot, rear cross traffic Warning; √ Post collision S.O.S. alert; Lane Departure Warning & Steer Prevention; √ Forward collision, pedestrian detection warning w/ avoidance braking; √ 2nd Row occupant minder

Available Safety Features (included in test vehicle): √ Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist Plus: Full adaptive cruise control; Emergency evasive steering, Lane center steering; √ BlueCruise™ ^{(opt. Lariat, std. Platinum)} total hands & pedal free, look ahead in-lane driving on pre-mapped controlled access interstate; √ Surround View camera w/ sonar proximity warning; √ Automatic high beam headlamps, rain sensing interval wipers

• Safety Misses: -1 Forward camera won't auto engage during park-in maneuvers;BlueCruise^TM struggled in construction zones (where road reflectors were lacking); Instrument cluster doesn't display adjacent lane traffic^{(and the tester did not yet support assisted lane changing)}; Dim headlights

HOW FRIENDLY: One year into a redesign of the internal combustion F-Series, the cabin song of the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning 4x4 remains the same, save for the dedicated EV displays including available jumbotron portrait media screen. The center console continues to accommodate stay, work or play with the dual laptop large fold-out Work Surface, made possible by the unique power folding T-shifter. MyFord Sync 4.0A infotainment functions define intuitiveness, though there was the occasional 15.5" portrait screen freeze-up. Who can fault an EV pick-up truck for including decadence like massaging front seats? Despite the evidence of refinement, there is wanting in panel fit and material textures when judged against the posh RAM 1500.

√ Leather seats, heated + cooled front, driver: 10-way power w/ 2 setting memory, front pax: 8-way power; √ Heated 2nd Row outboard seats; √ Power folding side mirrors; √ 4 Pillar grab handles; √ 12.0" inch Digital Productivity Screen instrument cluster + drive mode themes; √ Heated power tilt/ telescoping leather wrapped steering wheel w/ horizontal spoke MFI, audio & driver assist buttons; √ Power adjusting pedals; √ 2-zone auto climate control; √ Panorama moonroof, power sliding front pane.

Cool Gizmo(s): √ Power folding center console transmission shift lever w/ fold-out laptop accommodating flat interior work surface; √ Massaging driver & front passenger seats; √ Lie flat reclining 1st Row seats; √ finger traced media display Sketch Notes app

Details Done Right: √ "Nirvana" semi-aniline leather seating; √ Partly tailored tucked seam, contrast stitched leatherette console, dashboard & doors; √ Ash wood & aluminum door, console & dashboard appliques; √ Tight webbed headliner; √ Blue ambient cabin night illumination

Nearly Non-Descript: -1 Hard plastic finished pillars w/ scant grab bar leather wrapping; Industrial finish mid-dash and door panels; Coarse grain below waist-height, pillar, aft cabin wall plastic cabin trim; Modest pile carpets; Steering wheel spoke controls lack tactile distinctiveness; Overly bright climate switch LED lighting.

• +1 Work related controls work glove handed operational
• -1 Hard dark large grain plastics dominate below the belt
• -1 Some interior rattles, some wind noise at speed

HOW CONNECTED: √ MyFord Sync4 center dash embedded 15.5"-inch portrait oriented, capacitive touch LCD infotainment screen; √ Bluetooth & voice command hands-free communications; √ GPS HDD Navigation w/ 3-D map, voice guidance; √ SMS messaging w/ predefined responses; √ USB-A x 5, USB-C x 5, (including 1 apiece in Frunk), 12V x 2 (dashtop, cargo), 115V AC x 8 (1st, 2nd Rows, 4 in Frunk, 2 in cargo bed), 240 3-phase  x 1 (cargo bed), Qi inductive charging tray x 1; √ Phone as Key capability;

• +1 New Sync4 infotainment user interface = sharper resolution, simplified menus, horizontal & vertical swiping dual panes, comprehensive voice vocabulary, wake up phrase and systems commands.
• +1 Concealed forward center console wireless device storage
• +1 Comprehensive user guide picture and video tutorials
• -1 Jumbo portrait center infotainment screen digests petrol F-150's landscape display's physical climate knobs and dials.
• -1 No more multiple night time cabin ambient color selection (other than blue)

HOW AUDIBLY: √ 18-speaker, 1080 watt, 10 channel DSP B&O Play Unleashed audio; √ Row 1 seat headrest speakers w/ uniquely perforated headrests; √ Laser etched aluminum speaker grille covers; √ Streaming audio^{(via bluetooth)} ; √ HD Radio

• +/- Audio playback not soulfully deep and slightly shrill

HOW "APP" -LICABLE:

√ wireless Android Auto / Apple Car Play smart phone projection; √ Amazon Alexa assistant; √ FordPass Apps

• +1 Extensive MyFord Sync4 voice commands for climate, audio, voice to text SMS and navigation inputs

By Subscription: √ 3 years Connected Navigation; √ Sirius XM Traffic, Metro Weather radio & TravelLink apps (5 yrs. included); √ Wi-Fi hot spot x 10 devices (4G LTE by Verizon Wireless); √ FordPass Trailer Theft Alert

HOW MUCH: $93,509 for a 2022 Ford F-150 SuperCrew Lightning Platinum 4x4 EV

WHAT'S MISSING: The fit and finish of that Ford is capable of and the RAM 1500 possesses; Improved BlueCruise^{(coming in gen. 1.3)}

ANY COMPETITION: Rivian R1T Dual Motor: +1 available with even more power; purpose built as EV with sub cargo box storage;

RB BOTTOM LINE: A fully zapped full sized pickup truck that will fit in at construction sites.

(Contributing Editor: T. Paluch)