Ford's new electric F-150 offers a lot of new benefits over the company's gas-powered truck.
The F-150 is capable of going 60 mph in just over four seconds. In the event of a power failure, the giant battery pack can be used to share electricity with appliances, tailgating gear, or an owner's home.
Automatic backup power is not something owners will use on a daily basis. It is not a capability I got to see in action when I tested the Lightning earlier in May.
The front trunk is the greatest feature of the Lightning. It's called the Mega Power Frunk because it's a silly name for a useful feature.
The underlying structure of the F-150 Lightning looks like a giant electric skateboard. Its batteries are mounted in its belly. Ford can do fun things with all the space that isn't occupied by a conventional engine.
The cargo area of the Lightning is larger than the trunk of a Toyota corolla. There is plenty of storage space in trucks. That is the whole point. The pickup has generally lacked weather-proof, lockable storage.
It is spacious and easy to access, and can carry around a few carry-ons and a maximum of 400 pounds.
The loading floor is low enough for most people to use. The Rivian R1T, an electric pickup, has more of a conventional hood, so you need to lower cargo into it from above. It could be difficult for smaller people.
You are traveling with four people and a bunch of bikes or camping gear in the bed. An extra trunk for smaller items would be great. Some owners might want to keep things in their truck permanently, but not expose them in the bed.
There are other cool extras at the Frunk.
There is an additional under-floor storage with a drain hole, so owners can fill it with ice or hose it down. A divider can keep groceries from sliding around. There are hooks and tie-down points.
The Mega Power comes in the form of aUSB ports and power outlets built into the wall, opening up possibilities like charging devices or power tools while on the go.
brisk acceleration and zero tailpipe emissions are cool. The factor that pushes some more hesitant buyers over the edge is the lightning. Although I can see how useful the Frunk could be, future Lightning owners will come up with loads of innovative uses nobody expected.
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