Ford F-150 Lightning 2023 Road test: the most important vehicle of the brand (from now)

But in North America, the full -size van has dominated since the dawn of time; It will therefore be difficult to change customs in the short or medium term.

Large price reductions for the Ford F-150 Lightning

After having increased more than once the price of its new electric van, Ford now goes there drastic decreases to the delight of future buyers – and to the chagrin of existing customers. They come into force now.

“Shortly after the launch of the F-150 Lightning, the rapid increase in the cost of materials, supply constraints and other factors increased the cost of the electric truck, both for Ford and for its customers,” explains Marin Gjaja , Director of the Customer Experience for the Ford Model E Division. We continued our efforts behind the scenes in order to make this range more affordable and accessible, with the aim of reducing prices for our customers and shortening the delivery times of their new F-150 Lightning. »»

• Read also: The Auto Guide tests the Ford F-150 Lightning and Trailer 6,600 LB
• Read also: Ford expects to lose $ 4 billion with its electric models in 2023

The red electric vehicle assembly plant in Michigan is temporarily closed in order to finalize the modernization of the factory and to triple annual production – an investment of some $ 2 billion. The target, let us remember, is 150,000 F-150 Lightning from this fall.

From October, the manufacturer mentions that it will be easier for its customers to take possession of their custom -controlled van, at a suggested retail price which is close to those initially announced. Another good news: several dealers will have units in stock and demonstration for the first time.

How much?

First, the F-150 Lightning Pro receives the highest price drop, or $ 15,000. It is now sold from $ 59,000. Another good news: it is no longer offered only to companies but also to individuals. In Quebec, applicable subsidies will total $ 12,000 (taxes included), which makes even more a big difference. Note that this model has the smallest battery.

Then, the XLT versions with standard autonomy, XLT with prolonged autonomy and Latiat with standard autonomy see all their price melted by $ 10,000 to go respectively to $ 69,000, $ 85,000 and $ 80,000. The Latiat with prolonged autonomy costs $ 99,000, down $ 9,000.

As for the Platinum version at the top of the range, available only with the largest battery, it is now displayed from $ 115,000, a decrease of $ 6,000. Remember that the transport and preparation costs must be added of $ 2,295 in all cases.

A spokesperson for Ford Canada confirms that there is no technical change to the vehicle. The adjusted prices are only the result of increased production and procedures optimized at the factory.

That said, as we wrote in February, the manufacturer plans to start joining lithium-fer-phosphate batteries (LFP) in the F-15 Lightning in 2024 to further increase production. These batteries require less rare and expensive materials, which will reduce prices again. In addition, as Ford explains, they are very durable and tolerate faster and more frequent refills.

Ford F-150 Lightning 2023 Road test: the most important vehicle of the brand (from now)

It is undoubtedly one of the largest vehicles in the electric recovery. And yet, the arrival on the F-150 Lightning market is tinged with skepticism. For what? We ask ourselves questions about our weight and above all, our electricity consumption. More and more reports come on the relevance of these large electric vehicles, and this van does not escape it.

But in North America, the full -size van has dominated since the dawn of time; It will therefore be difficult to change customs in the short or medium term.

We were able to drive the F-150 Lightning for a few days of February, just a few days after this free weekend at the beginning of the month. So we could not see how the electric pickup efficient in such conditions. At least, winter conditions were there for this first test, at a time of year when bitumen has more points in common with the surface of the moon than that of a billiard table. Here is the essentials of what we have retained about the most important vehicle of the brand at the dawn of the electric era.

Ford F -150 Lightning Lariat 2023 – Calandre, headlights

The outside: a familiar silhouette, but ..
Take a look at the outside of your residence and it is a safe bet that an F-150 truck is parked around. We are talking about the best -selling vehicle of the last 50 years and more here. We understand why Ford has kept this more conventional design of Pickup with a family vocation (short loading box, team cabin). For the moment, this is the only possible combination for Lightning, available in three finish levels: XLT, Latiat and Platinum.

We led the Lariat version for a few days of testing. Dressed in this rapid red body color, our truck was pointed out by several pedestrians and motorists during this test. But if not, its more “traditional” build makes it go unnoticed in heavy traffic.

Fortunately, Ford designers have integrated some details specific to the electric model. There is this hood dressed in a “full” storefront, and this immense position strip with electroluminescent diodes, which crosses the shield before from left to right. With this signature, it is simply impossible to confuse the lightning with the other versions of the F-150.

But, that’s not all, because on the front wings, new decorative hatches have been integrated. The driver’s side opens to accommodate the charging cable. On the sides, the Lightning rings are exclusive, as are these 20 -inch rims with aerodynamic design. Finally, this very brief owner’s tour ends with this tailgate which is entitled to a new signature of the position lights, which extend to the center of the tailgate.

Ford F -150 Lightning Lariat 2023 – Interior

And inside?
A brief glance at the first row of seats confirms the presence of this large 15.5 inch screen (diagonally), an interface already observed on board the Ford Mustang Mach-E. Electric propulsion is fashionable; Ford must therefore add a hint of “techno” to the interior of its most emblematic experience, isn’t it?

Very responsive and equipped with clear graphics, the screen that houses the SYNC 4A system is however rich in menus of all kinds. Here, more than a week behind the wheel is necessary to navigate easily through this electronic labyrinth, but general rule, we end up navigating. On the other hand, the air conditioning controls, and heated seats are found on the screen, which is not as ergonomic as with good old knobs.

At the heart of the central console, the engineers preferred to leave in place a good old traditional gear lever which, without surprise, can fall back when the vehicle is parked to accommodate this retractable work surface from the armrest. No complicated dial or series of pimples so … so as not to disorient the faithful customers of the F series.

Ford F -150 Lightning Lariat 2023 – Seats

As luxurious as a Lincoln sedan-it is even more opulent in the Platinum livery-, the F-150 Lightning Lariat offers very comfortable seats (covered with leather) for prolonged expeditions. There is not much lacking aboard this truck supplied with electrons, let’s say it.

The electric F-150 also has an advantage over its petrol equivalent. Indeed, where the thermal engine takes place is rather this cargo space – or “fruit” in English – away from looks and bad weather, but what impresses the curious even more is when you press On the button to open the hood. For the rest, the F-150 Lightning is as cannonable as any other F series equipped with a team cabin and the short loading box.

Ford F -150 Lightning Lariat 2023 – Logo

It’s like an F-150, but electric ..
All versions of the electric pickup leave the factory with a pair of electric motors, but it is not all the livery of the truck that are entitled to the high autonomy battery. Of course, our truck had it, this 131 kWh unit.

The other option available on the two more affordable deliveries of the vehicle offers a capacity of 98 kWh. This difference also has an impact on the power and autonomy of the F-150. Indeed, the “big” battery gives the truck a power of 433 kW (or 580 horsepower), while the other level of power is rather “limited” to 337 kW (or 452 horsepower). The couple is 775 LB-PI for all versions of the truck.

It is true that the big battery and this power of almost 600 horsepower gives wings to the F-15 Lightning. But given the weight of almost three tonnes (!) of the truck, let’s say that the powertrain must work hard, even if behind, the steering wheel, we absolutely do not feel this sensation.

Ford F -150 Lightning Lariat 2023 – Three -quarters rear

On the road
The driving of the pickup is silent as possible, while the delivery of power and torque has nothing to do with what this good old F-150 offers us. The instant couple has repercussions even in the passenger compartment, especially during the cookie cutters. The truck then lifts up during a fraction of a second, the rear suspension crashes under the effect of this whole cavalry.

The lightning is heavy, but with an independent suspension all over, its behavior on the road is healthy. Well, the rear axle hops like any full size truck when its loading box is empty, but I must admit, the electric F-150 is a comfortable vehicle.The management, on the other hand, has proven to be heavy enough and precise to give the time just to its driver.

With four -wheel drive, it is difficult to default – although the weight is a detail not to forget. Ditto for braking that could be more biting. Again, it is the driver to be vigilant and not to lose sight of the large mass of his vehicle.

Ford F -150 Lightning Lariat 2023 – Three quarters before

During my test week, I recorded an average energy use of 36.4 kWh / 100 km, a higher result than that provided by Natural Resources Canada. The federal ministry provides an average of 26.9 kWh/100 km in town and 33.3 kWh/100 km on the road. But given the winter conditions and my “enthusiasm” while driving, it is normal for the big truck to consume more than what is planned.

On the other hand, with such a large battery, you must provide long recharge periods with a residential terminal. Ford also provides no less than 19 hours to put the battery from 15 to 100 %. Fortunately, my week did not lead me to empty the battery.

• General quality
• Comfortable
• Good autonomy (515 km)

• Vehicle weight
• The same vehicle is $ 9,660 more expensive in 2023!
• Air conditioning commands on the screen

Ford F -150 Lightning Lariat 2023 – wheel

The final word
This first winter contact with the full -size pickup of Ford went very well. The quality is there-this is the standard in a truck of $ 98,000-, while the driving experience is also very satisfactory. In fact, this road test suggests beautiful things for other electric vans planned in a few months.

Some of your questions concerning the Ford F-150 Lightning 2023:

What is the theoretical autonomy of the F-150 Lightning with regular autonomy battery?
Officially, we are talking about 370 km.

Does the autonomy decrease with a trailer or a large load in the loading box?
In our experience, it is the case. We even speak of a considerable loss.

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