Having steered clear of new car purchases for over 15 years, my automotive world is admittedly a bit…dated. My current ride doesn’t even offer Bluetooth, making streaming music a relic of the past in my driving experience. So, when I got the chance to spend a weekend behind the wheel of a Ford F-150 Lightning, the all-electric pickup truck, it was a genuine leap into the future. The experience was eye-opening, a blend of exciting innovation and unexpected adjustments.
As someone new to electric vehicles (EVs), the sheer advancement in technology compared to my trusty old sedan was significant. However, the promise of potent, readily available power is undeniably attractive. Adding to the novelty, this was also my first time ever driving a pickup truck, making the Ford Lightning experience even more unique. In my brief test drive, I learned a great deal about EVs and the Ford F-150 Lightning specifically. While I’m not a die-hard car enthusiast, I value reliability and long-term cost savings, and I was keen to see if this electric truck could deliver.
Here are my key takeaways – the aspects I appreciated and the points that needed getting used to – from my first foray into the world of electric vehicles with the Ford F-150 Lightning.
Familiar Charging Experience, Just Like a Smartphone
Drawing parallels from my profession of reviewing smartphones, the Ford F-150 Lightning’s charging behavior mirrored that of a smartphone. The charging speed is remarkably quick when the battery is low, but it gradually slows down as the battery percentage increases, especially beyond the 50% mark.
This is quite similar to devices like the OnePlus 12, which can rapidly charge from 0% to 60% in about 15 minutes, but requires considerably more time to reach a full 100%. The efficiency of charging is simply optimized at lower battery levels, a characteristic I found consistent between my phone and this electric pickup truck.
Tesla Supercharger Access: Convenient, Yet Not Without Challenges
As previously documented, my attempt to utilize a Tesla Supercharger to charge the Ford F-150 Lightning presented some hurdles. While the expanded compatibility with the Tesla charging network increases charging locations across the country, the actual experience of using a Tesla Supercharger station proved to be somewhat challenging.
The issues ranged from navigating tight parking spaces and dealing with shorter charging cables to competing with Tesla vehicle owners for available charging spots. Despite eventually finding a less crowded alternative location and successfully charging, the initial experience highlighted that Tesla Supercharger access, while beneficial, isn’t always seamless for non-Tesla EVs.
Surprisingly Smooth and Adaptable Ride
While aware of the rapid acceleration capabilities of modern EVs, I was genuinely surprised by how effortlessly I adjusted to driving the Ford F-150 Lightning. Beyond the elevated driving position typical of a pickup, the primary adjustment was getting accustomed to the responsiveness of the pedals. The acceleration is notably more powerful than what I’m used to, but I quickly found a comfortable driving rhythm. The Ford Lightning offers a remarkably smooth and easy driving experience, even for first-time EV and truck drivers.
Affordability and Utility Edge Over Tesla
Cost-effectiveness is a significant factor for me. The common wisdom is that new vehicles are depreciating assets. However, research reveals that the base model of the Ford F-150 Lightning is priced competitively, often lower than many Tesla models, while providing comparable range, top speed, and acceleration.
The Ford F-150 Lightning further distinguishes itself with a more spacious cabin and the added practicality of a truck bed. This combination of affordability and enhanced utility positions the Lightning as a compelling alternative in the EV market, especially when compared to similarly priced Teslas.
One-Pedal Driving: An Acquired Taste
Many contemporary EVs, including the Ford Lightning, offer a one-pedal driving mode where the accelerator pedal controls both acceleration and braking through regenerative braking. While it took a short period to familiarize myself with this system, I adapted quickly in typical driving scenarios.
However, I found one-pedal driving more challenging in highway driving, particularly during sudden braking situations. Because easing off the accelerator immediately engages the regenerative braking, it requires extra caution to avoid abrupt stops, which could be unsettling for drivers and passengers.
Adaptive Headlights Enhance Night Driving
I’ve often been bothered by the intensity of pickup truck headlights, sometimes finding them blinding. Ironically, during my night drives in the Ford F-150 Lightning, I became “that guy.” It took me a while to realize that the headlights on the Lightning move dynamically with the steering, a feature Ford calls Adaptive Headlamps. This system adjusts the headlight beams to better illuminate the direction of travel, significantly improving visibility around corners and curves in the dark.
Furthermore, unlike my brother’s Tesla Model 3 with its proprietary infotainment system, the Ford F-150 Lightning offers the flexibility of using either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. This seamless integration allows me to utilize familiar apps like Google Maps for navigation and YouTube Music for streaming, enhancing the overall driving experience with personalized technology.
Advanced Safety Features Provide Peace of Mind
My driving habits are clearly rooted in older vehicle technology. My usual parking maneuver involves turning and relying on a hand on the passenger headrest for visibility. However, the Ford F-150 Lightning’s advanced safety features quickly made me adjust.
Beyond the increasingly urgent beeping of the backup camera as you approach obstacles, subtle yet effective features like steering wheel vibrations when drifting from the lane are invaluable. These seemingly minor details significantly enhance driver awareness and safety, potentially making a critical difference when it matters most.
Dashboard Technology: A Lot to Take In
In my simple Toyota Corolla, distractions are minimal – perhaps just a wrist vibration from a text. The Ford F-150 Lightning, in contrast, presents a cockpit filled with screens, including a prominent 12-inch touchscreen in the center. It’s more digital real estate than in my home office!
While many interface features are disabled while driving, the sheer volume of buttons and displays throughout the cabin can feel overwhelming initially. It’s a significant shift from minimal dashboards and requires an adjustment period to become fully comfortable with the technology at your fingertips.
Home Charging: The Most Economical Approach
As someone focused on long-term savings, I quickly realized that relying solely on public charging stations isn’t the most sustainable financially. Much like fluctuating gasoline prices, public EV charging costs can vary, and these stations naturally need to profit from the convenience they offer.
Therefore, home charging emerges as the most cost-effective solution for EV ownership. Surprisingly, the Ford Lightning doesn’t necessitate specialized home chargers; a standard 120V outlet is sufficient. While it takes longer to charge fully, overnight charging at home ensures the truck is ready each morning, representing the most economical way to maintain battery levels and reduce running costs over time.
