Lightning name set to be revived for electric Ford F-150
Ford is set to revive the iconic F-150 Lightning according to overseas reports.
The Lightning name hasn’t been seen for almost two decades and was previously reserved for high-performance V8 models of the large American pickup that is also the most popular vehicle in the United States.
But it’s the imminent shift to an all-electric F-150 that is the catalyst for reviving the Lightning nameplate.
Car and Driver claims to have seen official documents that confirm the Lightning name will once again be used on a Ford F-150.
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All of which makes plenty of sense.
The Lightning name would nicely fit with an EV version of the F-150.
And while some may not agree with using a nameplate synonymous with a fuel-sucking V8 on an EV, Ford has shown it is not afraid of shaking things up and breaking with tradition – big time – as the automotive industry undergoes enormous change.
The Mustang Mach E is the perfect example of that. The Mustang name that has helped define one of America’s most famous two-door muscle cars is now front and centre on Ford’s push into electrification; the Mustang Mach E is a mid-sized SUV that borrows the name and some styling cues from the iconic Mustang, but little else. The Mustang Mach Eis Ford’s tilt at Tesla.
And performance won’t be an issue for an F-150 Lightning.
The electric versions of the F-150 will have two motors – for all-wheel drive capability – and mountains of torque.
Ford has already said the electric F-150s will have more grunt than the current crop of ICE Ford pick-ups. Expect 340kW or more.
To some extent the benchmark for the F-150 electric – or F-150 Lightning – has already been set by the rival GMC Hummer EV, which makes up to 745kW of power.
And Ford appears to have a ready-made market, with American consumers most eagerly awaiting the Ford F-150 electric ahead of other EV utes such as the Tesla Cybertruck and Chevrolet Silverado.
EV range is also said to be north of 450km, although that will clearly drop for anyone looking to tow or carry heavy things.
Given Ford’s heritage with high-performance utes it’s unlikely to allow a rival clear air in the EV hot truck space.
The big question is whether the F-150 Lightning will come to Australia – and on that front the chances seem a lot less likely.
Rivals Ram and Chevrolet allow local right-hand conversions of their pick-ups and others such as Nissan and Toyota are considering their respective Titan and Tundra large trucks for Australia.
But Ford isn’t too fussed about Australians driving some of the more interesting product from the Ford world. The Mustang Mach E, Bronco and F-150 are proof of that.
