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First Look: 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning

Huge frunk, massive torque, and two battery choices highlight this all-electric pickup

Andrew McCredie
May 19, 2021  •  5 months ago  •  5 minute read  •  Join the conversation
The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning commercial-oriented entry model starts at $58,000, while the XLT model starts at $68,000.
The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning commercial-oriented entry model starts at $58,000, while the XLT model starts at $68,000. Photo by Ford Motor Co.

The Ford Motor Company has nibbled around the edges of the EV world recently with a couple of appetizers served up to provide a taste, and promise, of what was to come.

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The 2021 Mustang Mach-E caused a stir over its name and its close resemblance inside and out to the Tesla Model Y; the 2022 E-Transit represents an interesting alternative for the last-100-kilometre crowd. Today, the automaker served up the main course, and it’s as meat-and-potatoes as they come.

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The 2022 F-150 Lightning is an all-electric version of Canada’s best-selling truck of the past 55 years, and the country’s top-selling vehicle in the last 11. So, the stakes don’t get much higher when converting a pickup truck of that status — for that matter, any vehicle — from gasoline to electric. That gravitas was underscored yesterday when the U.S. President took a camouflaged model for a rip in anticipation of today’s global reveal.

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When the first models arrive in Canadian showrooms next spring, there will be two to choose from: a commercial-oriented entry model starting at $58,000, and a well-equipped XLT model with an MSRP of $68,000. All 2022 F-150s will be super crew configuration with a 5.5-foot bed. It’s telling that there is no ‘Launch’ edition, a clear signal that Ford is not dipping its toe in the water with this EV. Company executives have gone to great lengths to underscore this is not a niche vehicle, but rather is intended as a high-volume model.

Two lithium-ion liquid-cooled battery packs will be offered: a standard-range (with an EPA estimated range of 370 km); and an extended-range (483 km). Oddly, Ford has not disclosed the size of either battery pack, seemingly of the belief customers are instead solely interested in range and charging times. Using a DC fast-charger, the respective 15-per-cent-to-80-per-cent charge times are 44 and 41 minutes. Using a Level 2 charger, they’ll go from 15 per cent to 100 per cent in 10 hours and 13 hours, respectively.

  1. The F-150 Lightning has four selectable drive modes: Normal, Sport, Off Road and Tow/Haul.
    The F-150 Lightning has four selectable drive modes: Normal, Sport, Off Road and Tow/Haul. Photo by Ford Motor Co.
  2. Key elements include available signature LED light bars that run across the front and rear...
    Key elements include available signature LED light bars that run across the front and rear... Photo by Ford Motor Co.
  3. ...plus three new grille designs.
    ...plus three new grille designs. Photo by Ford Motor Co.
  4. Along with a high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy body, a new independent rear suspension delivers improved ride comfort, while an all-new frame uses the strongest steel ever put in an F-150 frame and supports a maximum 2,000-pound payload and up to 10,000-pound towing capacity.
    Along with a high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy body, a new independent rear suspension delivers improved ride comfort, while an all-new frame uses the strongest steel ever put in an F-150 frame and supports a maximum 2,000-pound payload and up to 10,000-pound towing capacity. Photo by Ford Motor Co.
  5. The electric platform offers enough energy to power an entire home...
    The electric platform offers enough energy to power an entire home... Photo by Ford Motor Co.
  6. ...and a lockable frunk with power and charging capabilities.
    ...and a lockable frunk with power and charging capabilities. Photo by Ford Motor Co.
  7. The all-electric pickup has a liquid cooling system and powertrain layout that manages heat distribution across the vehicle.
    The all-electric pickup has a liquid cooling system and powertrain layout that manages heat distribution across the vehicle. Photo by Ford Motor Co.

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All models will be powered by dual in-board motors and with standard 4×4, and according to Ford, power output is 426 horsepower for the standard-range battery; and 563 for the extended-range. Each packs a big punch, with a reported 775 lb-ft of torque, the most of any F-150 ever offered. That power also translates to a mid-four-second sprint from zero to 100 km/h, making the big-battery Lightning quicker than the Ford Raptor.

In terms of payload and towing capabilities, F-150s outfitted with the standard battery have a maximum payload of 2,000 lbs (907 kg) and a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 lbs (3,493 kg) while extended-range versions outfitted with the Max Trailer Tow package option are 1,800 lbs (816 kg) and 10,000 lbs (4,536 kg), respectively. The F-150 Lightning debuts available Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, which automatically controls steering, throttle, and brake inputs to make hitching trailers easier.

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Those capacities are achievable thanks to a high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy body, a new independent rear suspension, and an all-new frame using the strongest steel ever put into an F-150 frame. Rugged underbody cladding protects the battery, with metal skid plates shielding both the battery and inboard motors from tough terrain. The battery itself is secured inside a waterproof casing surrounded by crash-absorption protection and has been tested at temperatures as extreme as minus 40 degrees Celsius.

There are four selectable drive modes — Normal, Sport, Off Road, and Tow/Haul — and while there is no low-range gear simulation, Ford engineers say the E-Locker feature — which mechanically locks the rear wheels — working with the massive torque makes the need for a low gear redundant.

  1. The available fold-out Interior Work Surface provides space for those who use their truck as a mobile office.
    The available fold-out Interior Work Surface provides space for those who use their truck as a mobile office. Photo by Ford Motor Co.
  2. The digital screen is larger than any currently offered on a full-size truck.
    The digital screen is larger than any currently offered on a full-size truck. Photo by Ford Motor Co.
  3. Intelligent Range calculates range while factoring in weather, traffic, payload, towing weights and more.
    Intelligent Range calculates range while factoring in weather, traffic, payload, towing weights and more. Photo by Ford Motor Co.
  4. The Pro Power Onboard feature gives you the ability to use the truck as a mobile generator, with two available levels of electrical output: 2.4 kilowatts…
    The Pro Power Onboard feature gives you the ability to use the truck as a mobile generator, with two available levels of electrical output: 2.4 kilowatts…
  5. ...and 9.6 killowatts.
    ...and 9.6 killowatts.
  6. The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning EV electric pickup truck
    The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning EV electric pickup truck Photo by Ford Motor Co.
  7. The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning commercial-oriented entry model starts at $58,000, while the XLT model starts at $68,000.
    The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning commercial-oriented entry model starts at $58,000, while the XLT model starts at $68,000. Photo by Ford Motor Co.

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As much as the electric powertrain of the all-new F-150 Lightning is the star of the show, this pickup boasts some pretty interesting technology, particularly when it comes to electricity. Front and centre is the ‘frunk.’ Most every EV on the market has one of these — a storage area under the hood — however none has the capacities and capabilities of the F-150 Lightning’s.

Dubbed by Ford the “mega power frunk,” this cavernous and lockable space boasts 400 litres of volume and 181 kg of payload. Put another way, it can swallow two carry-on bags and one checked bag, or two sets of golf clubs. There is also functionality to go with that utility, as the water-resistant space comes equipped with four electrical outlets, two USB chargers and a drainable floor that can double as a food and beverage container. With 2.4 kilowatts of power, there’s enough capability to plug in power tools, TVs, laptops, speakers, crock-pots, and more.

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Keeping in the power theme, the available Ford Intelligent Backup Power has the ability to offload 9.6 kW of power to keep your house lights on during a power outage while providing security by powering home appliances, security systems, and more. Once power is restored, the truck automatically reverts to charging its battery. Based on an average 30 kWh of use per day, according to Ford, the F-150 Lightning with extended-range battery can provide full-home power for up to three days, or as long as 10 days if power is rationed.

Then there is Onboard Scales, an available feature that uses the truck’s sensors to estimate payload and tell you how much you’re hauling. That’s important in an EV since payload impact ranges, and the system is integrated with Intelligent Range to help ensure F-150 Lightning gives an accurate estimate of how far you can go.

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The all-electric pickup has a liquid cooling system and powertrain layout that manages heat distribution across the vehicle.
The all-electric pickup has a liquid cooling system and powertrain layout that manages heat distribution across the vehicle. Photo by Ford Motor Co.

Also making its F-Series debut on is available Phone As A Key, which allows owners to use your smartphone to lock, unlock, and start the truck without taking their phone out of their pocket or using a key fob.

With the over-the-air (OTA) Ford Power-Up software updates, these features will be upgraded and updated to add all-new functions and capabilities. According to ford, the majority of updates will be completed in under two minutes.

And while it won’t be available on the initial models that are coming to Canada, the SYNC 4A interface features a vertically mounted 15.5-inch touch screen employs natural voice control, cloud-connected navigation and wireless access to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, integrated Amazon Alexa and SYNC AppLink apps.

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