What the Truck?

Should truck lovers buy into the EVs from Ford and GMC—or indulge in the ICEAge luxury of Cadillac and Land Rover?

2023 FORD F-150 LIGHTNING

The 2022 Lighting EV sold out almost immediately, which should come as no surprise for the fans of the F-150, the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. for decades. With production now in full swing, tens of thousands of Americans are going to see how an electric pickup fits into their lives. The Lighting carries over much of the body, chassis and interior of the ICE (internal combustion engine) F-150.

On the upside: The Lightning is a friggin’ rocket, with massive thrust up to highway speeds. There are two battery sizes—the 98.0kWh Standard-Range claims 452hp and a driving range of 230 miles per charge; the 131.0-kWh Extended-Range one powers the two electric motors to massive 580hp and a theoretical range of 320 miles, but independent testing shows only about 230 are achievable at a 75mph cruise. Both deliver equal and impressive 750 pound-feet of torque. The Extended-Range model is preferred.

EPA RATINGS: 66PMGe

0-60MPH: 4.0 sec PRICE AS TESTED: $99,459

On the downside: the Ford’s cabin, while vast and comfortable, has many materials unworthy of a $90,000-plus vehicle. An exception is the huge, vertical touchscreen poached from the Mach-E. The independent rear suspension is a first for an F-150, and the Lightning rides poorly over rougher surfaces. On smoother asphalt, it is very refined and almost as quiet on the highway as the Range Rover and Escalade also reviewed here.

Forget towing, too—and this applies to all EVs— since a Lightning pulling a 6,000-lb. trailer will drain its battery in only 100-120 miles. And because the Ford uses a less efficient 400-volt electrical architecture, charging takes much longer. The Lightning is great in lower speed driving and will fit into urban cowboy duties admirably. As the first mass-produced EV pickup, it sets the stage for an intriguing, electrified future.