Ford F-150 Lightning

With the success of the Mustang Mach-E electrified crossover and the E-Transit, the first electrified Ford F-150 has arrived and it brought back an iconic nameplate to match its electrified stance. This is the all-new Ford F-150 Lightning.

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning

With prices starting at below 52 grand plus additional costs, the new Ford F-150 Lightning is the electrified take on the best-seller that promises to deliver the same "Built Ford Tough" philosophy in this age of the new normal.

So, why did Ford decide to bring back the Lightning brand for this electrified F-150? For those who owned a super-old F-150 SVT Lightning, the one with the supercharged engine in it, consider the new F-150 Lightning a bit of a joke, just like the Mustang Mach-E when it was a crossover instead of being a muscle car that purists wanted. Sacrilege it is, the F-150 Lightning is built to tackle all kinds of demanding tasks like a true blue-collar worker.

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning interior

Beginning with the styling, the Lightning features a unique exterior design that differentiates it from the normal F-150, which is common sense for carmakers trying to differentiate it from normal ones. The same story goes for the interior because instead of using a similar dashboard layout to its ICE-powered equivalent, it dons a tall touchscreen similar to the one used on the Mustang Mach-E, which is packed with numerous gadgetry, including the annoying Amazon Alexa feature.

While it can accommodate up to five people and has a big interior space which is typical for full-size trucks, the F-150 Lightning's convenience doesn't stop at the rear trunk because, with the unique electric powertrain position, the front hood has motors in it. Instead, it's a front boot that's almost as spacious as a Porsche 911. Ford calls this the Frunk but the Frunk is nothing new for carmakers. Mid-engined supercars had the frunk but nothing as spacious as the Ford. Besides, you can plug in it and enjoy manly stuff anywhere, especially tailgating parties with your bros.

Thanks to its dual electric motors that made it a 4WD offroader, the F-150 Lightning can be bolted with either a 98 kWh or a 131 kWh battery pack. With the latter, it generates about 563 horsepower, 775 lb.-ft. of torque, and a 0-60 mph time in the mid-4-second range, that's quicker than the Ford F-150 Raptor. As for range, it's good for up to 320 miles while running on the extended-range variant.

Because of its electric powertrain, driving the F-150 Lightning feels like weightlifting a 1000lb barbell repeatedly. It feels like hard work while on the go and even when you go offroading or using the available towing package, guess you'll have to go exercising first before handling this electrified truck. This is a real man's electric truck doing extreme jobs. This is no time to sit back and enjoy binge-watching your favorite painting TV show from your childhood. Once you're in the Lightning, the hard labor begins and every day is a work day.

At the end of your arduous day, the F-150 Lightning comes prepared with a list of safety features some may find shocking behind the wheel, including the intriguing Ford BlueCruise hands-free driving which works like Tesla's AutoPilot. It's shocking to have an autonomous driving feature implanted in the F-150 Lightning and with a long list of ADAS, welcome to the new normal, cowboy.

Although mediocre to reviving the Lightning brand to the electrified F-150, this deserves all the attention it deserves like blue-collar workers. With its electric powertrain, shocking tech features, the same F-150 capability, and unique front boot, the new F-150 Lightning has the earnings of being a Built Ford Tough vehicle. Macho-bellied men are more than welcome to drive this electrified F-150 by all means necessary and such capability means jealousy for those who wish who want to drive one.

Photo: Ford Motor Company