2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Electric

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning is available in four trim levels, which is lesser than the standard gasoline F-150. The base PRO trim starts at $39,974 and is followed by the XLT ($52,974), Lariat, and Platinum. Ford is yet to disclose the pricing for Lariat and Platinum. We believe the brand would make this information public as the launch nears.

The F-150 Lightning XLT adds better features and options compared to the base trim, including cloth seating with a power driver’s seat, a 12-inch capacitive touch screen, navigation, a 360-degree camera system, hotspot, and a power frunk, with a power tailgate optional. Lariat version gets features such as 20-inch Carbonized Gray wheels, power tailgate plus tailgate lighting, power heated and ventilated leather front seats, the 15.5-inch infotainment system, and 8-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. 

The range-topping Platinum trim gets a larger battery pack along with additional features like large 22-inch machined aluminum wheels, premium leather seating with adjustable-contour front seats, phone-as-key functionality, and an 18-speaker B&O sound system. 

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For now, we’ll go with the XLT trim as it comes with an extra add-on compared to the base trim. It also offers optional enhanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control and speed sign recognition.

The Ford F-150 Lightning with the standard battery is claimed to return 230 miles of range on a single full charge. This is quite impressive for an EV, and something great from a pickup truck like F-150. The range is decent for normal city dwellers but for long trips, there's an extended-range battery pack that is estimated at around 300 miles of range. 

Ford is likely to offer an 80A charging station that will help people charge the vehicle as quickly as possible. The F-150 Lightning will charge at 30 miles per charging hour, going 18 to 100 percent in 8 hours. Using a 150 kW DC fast charger would reduce the charging time down to 41 minutes. 

The F-150 Lightning's interior is very much similar to the conventional F-150 model. It is spacious and comes with a decent number of features. There is a 15.5-inch vertically fixed touchscreen sourced from the Ford Mustang Mach-E EV. The central screen is easy to use with reachable physical buttons surrounding it. 

The seating features are also similar to the regular F-150 Crew Cab. The front seats are adjustable so that you can stretch your legs and take a quick nap in between the trips. Under the rear seat, you get a lockable and sealed storage bin as well. There are lots of storage options inside the Lightning. The compartments are drainable so that they don’t get dirty while driving.

Just like what we have seen in other EVs with storage opening under the hood, the F-150 Lightning too gets a power front trunk that offers around 14 cubic feet of space. The cargo area gets four power outlets and two USB ports. Moreover, the trunk is completely sealed and water-resistant. The electric truck also features a cargo management system with tie-downs, hooks, cargo net, and lid divider. Some of the interior features include:

• Reclining front seats
• Rear seat under storage
• Power cargo lid
• 15.5-inch touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• Fold-out center console table

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning: Infotainment and Connectivity

The Lariat and Platinum trim levels of the Lightning will come with the big Mustang Mach-E sourced “Sync 4A” 15.5-inch touch screen system that includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa support. Most models also get a 12-inch instrument cluster. We might see new updates once the production model arrives at dealerships. Ford will also offer several OTA updates with the latest software and features. You won't need a separate key fob as you can even use your smartphone as the vehicle's key.

Some of the infotainment features in the Ford F-150 Lightning Preview are:

• The 15.5-inch touch screen system
• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• Alexa
• Animation supported instrument cluster

While designing the Lightning, Ford went for the popular Crew cab model, and it worked for it. The SuperCrew configuration for the F-150 Lightning is doing wonders for the brand. It has managed to offer extra cargo space under the hood without compromising the bed. Dimension Wise, the Lightning resembles its gasoline counterpart. Few exterior touch-ups distinguish it from the regular F-150.

The headlights and taillights get their signature style with lights assembled in the bed and frunk. 

The front fascia looks bold with a blacked-out chrome grille attached to the hood. The Lightning comes with wheel size options of 18-, 20-, and 22-inch. You will find the word "Lightning" inscribed on both sides of the bed, and the tailgate gets a Lightning as well as American Flag badging. You can find the same pattern on the new Hummer and Jeep cars. Some of the exterior features in the new electric pickup truck are: 

• Blacked-out chrome front grille
• Lights in frunk 
• 18-,20- and 22-inch wheel sizes
• Signature LED light bar
• 360-degree zome lighting

The XLT, Lariat, and Platinum models come with an array of active safety features, including automatic emergency braking, cross-traffic alert, a blind-spot warning system, active lane control, and reverse sensors. You can also avail of an optional enhanced package with the XLT that includes exclusive safety features like adaptive cruise control, speed sign recognition, and steering assist. Notable safety features include: 

• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Cross-traffic alert
• Blind-spot warning
• Active lane control
• Reverse Sensors

The Ford F-150 Lightning will go on sale next year. We believe that the XLT would attract most budget shoppers, and the higher trims would please people who are looking for a perfect replacement for their SUVs. Ford asks for a refundable $100 from those who want to reserve one. This pickup truck has created a sensation among EV enthusiasts since its debut. Since there is a lot of information yet to be notified by Ford in the coming months, we shall update this column with more information accordingly.