The F-150 is Ford’s most popular pickup and one of the most purchased trucks in the nation. As the new car market goes electric, Ford adapts and brings the 2023 F-150 Lightning. The Lightning is a forward-thinking model that shows the possibilities of an electric truck in a familiar package.
Known as “radically different, yet instantly familiar,” the F-150 Lightning has been awarded Truck of the Year by Motor Trend and other automotive journalists. To learn more about this vehicle’s power, design choices, and cost to own an EV pickup truck, continue reading below.
Standard vs Extended Range
Ford electric truck shoppers have the choice between two battery packs: Standard Range and Extended Range. Both packages create more power than most of the gasoline light-duty trucks on the market.
The Standard Range has 426 horsepower with 775 lb-ft of torque. The Extended Range has 563 horsepower with the same amount of torque. That’s more horsepower for both batteries this model year! Additionally, each Ford Lightning comes equipped with four-wheel drive.
For 2023, the Standard Range Lightning has an electric range of 240 miles, which is 10 more miles than the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning. For the Extended Range, this is bumped up by nearly 80 miles for an efficient 320 miles of range.
In terms of MPGe, the Extended Range has a more potent battery and better fuel efficiency. It hosts 78 mpg-e in the city and 63 mpg-e on the highway. The Standard Range takes second place, but it is still quite smart with 76 mpg-e in the city and 61 mpg-e while cruising down the highway.
To put things into perspective, the 2023 gas-powered F-150 is considered one of the best on the market, and it has a driving range of 280 miles. Its fuel economy is 20 mpg on city streets and 26 mpg on highways.
Vehicle Specs and MPGe
| Standard Range | Extended Range |
| 76 MPGe city / 61MPGe highway | 78 MPGe city / 63 MPGe highway |
| 240 miles driving range | 320 driving range |
| 426 horsepower | 563 horsepower |
| 775 lb-ft torque | 775 lb-ft torque |
| 7,700 lb max towing capacity | 10,000 lb max towing capacity |
| 2,235 lb max payload capacity | 1,952 lb max payload capacity |
Ford does not sacrifice the exciting concept of an electric vehicle for the truck’s power. In fact, the Lightning has the same standards as the rest of the F-150 lineup, plus some. To do this, drivers have the choice between two electric batteries: the Standard Range and the Extended Range.
The Standard Range battery has 426 horsepower with 775 lb-ft of torque, while the Extended Range has an unexpected 563 horsepower with the same 775lb-ft of torque. Each model comes equipped with four wheel drive. Because of this power, the Lightning has a 10,000 pound towing capacity, helping drivers work smarter and harder according to one review.
In 2023, the Ford F-150 Lightning Standard Range has a driving range of 240 miles, which is 10 more miles than the 2022 model. For the Extended Range, this is bumped up nearly 80 miles for an efficient driving range of 320 miles.
In terms of MPGe, the most efficient battery option is the Extended Range, which has 78 MPGe in the city and 63 MPGe on the highway. The Standard Range takes second place, with 76 MPGe in the city and 61 MPGe while cruising down the highway.
This is an unexpected mileage, especially for pickup trucks who are notorious for a poor driving range. To put things into perspective, the 2023 gas powered F-150 has a driving range of 280 miles and 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
Finally, the Standard Range Lightning has a payload capacity of 2,235 pounds while the Extended Range has a smaller payload capacity of 1,952 pounds. This shows that while the Extended Range battery has improved driving range, the Standard Range has its own benefits too.
Utility and Safety Features
One of the few upgrades for the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning from the previous model year is the Pro Trailer Hitch Assist. This comes as standard when the F-150 Lightning is purchased with a Tow Technology Package, but as also available on higher trims with no package needed. This feature automatically controls the steering, throttle, and braking of your vehicle when hitching trailers.
A great perk of an electric pickup is the ability for a front storage space, affectionately known as a “Frunk.” The 2023 Ford Lightning has a Mega Power Frunk which can be utilized for 14.1 cubic feet of storage or even as a charging station. It has four Pro Power Onboard 120V outlets that may come in handy for drivers.
Other utility features include the Pro Power Onboard, which offers 11 outlets and 9.6 kW of auxiliary power. There is also an optional package for an eight amp Ford Charge Station Pro, which has the power to charge a standard home for up to 3 days with a fully charged battery.
While browsing through the Lightning’s features, it’s clear that safety went into the making of this EV pickup. Standard features include, but are not limited to, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, and a blind spot with cross-traffic alert. Drivers will be pleased to find a crisp rear view camera, as well as a lane-keeping system for long road trips, and LED headlights.
Tech Driven Interior
For all 2023 F-150 Lightning vehicles, a push button start and heated and ventilated front seats are standard. This proves beneficial during the blistering summer months in the Phoenix AZ area.
There are plenty similarities between the F-150 Lightning and its gas-powered counterpart. The Lightning has a large 15.5 inch screen with specialized Lightning animations. It works well with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but what drivers have noted is how the dashboard is vertical.
To control the temperature, the Lightning’s dashboard has digital buttons. These buttons work well due to the dashboard’s quick computer processor and smooth graphics. Another favorite feature is that the front seats can recline to 180 degrees, letting you rest while the truck charges. However, this can only be done with the rear seats lifted.
Unprecedented Exterior Design
Compared to the traditional F-150, the Lightning brings slender exterior changes. It hosts a closed off grille and a rounded face, in result, creating a more aerodynamic vehicle.
The main part of the Lightning’s exterior is the large and continuous LED headlight that wraps around the face of the trucl. While it is not as boxy as the gas-powered F-150, those who follow the electric vehicle market appreciate the slenderized design.
The Lightning has the choice between 7 exterior colors, including: Agate Black Metallic, Antimatter Blue Metallic, Avalanche Gray, Azure Gray Metallic Tri-Coat, Carbonize Metallic Gray, Iconic Silver Metallic, Oxford White, Rapid Red Metallic, and Stone Gray Metallic.
Cost to Own an Electric Truck
Despite recent increase in vehicle pricing, the Ford F-150 Lightning is still the cheapest electric truck on the market today. It brings power and a modernized design with a more affordable price tag.
There are also tax incentives for going electric. Those who purchase a new electric vehicle may qualify for up to $7,500 in federal tax credit. To qualify for the full $7,500 credit, you would need to own $10,000 in federal income tax. For more information, give us a call or set an appointment today.
Additionally, according to 2022 prices, it is less expensive to charge your electric vehicle than it is to fuel a gas or diesel powered pickup truck. The car market is going electric, and now could be the time to buy.
F-150 Lightning Trim Levels Explained
This vehicle has four trim levels to choose from: Pro, XLT, Lariat, and Platinum. Only the XLT, Lariat, and Platinum trims have the option between the Standard Range and Extended Range batteries. The Pro comes with the Standard Range battery only.
The Lightning Pro has a plethora of features, convincing some drivers that are using this EV pickup as a daily commuter not go upgrade trim levels. These features include 426 horsepower, vinyl upholstery, manual front seats, all-terrain tires, and LED headlamps.
Next, the 2023 Lightning XLT includes all the features of the Pro, plus LED mirror mounted spotlights, body color bumpers, an eight-way power driver seat, and the popular 360-degree camera. This vehicle also offers the SecuriCode keyless entry keypad, which is well liked among driers.
Going up the trim ladder is the Lightning Lariat. This vehicle has beautiful leather trimmed front seats, the Pro Power Onboard generator, and a wireless charging pad. All four seats can be heated and ventilated and this trim level offers other aesthetic lighting, such as auto dimming lights and LED security approach lamps.
Ford’s Lightning Platinum is the highest trim available and is where EV efficiency and luxury meet. This is recognized as the trim that does it all and is quite pricey. AZ driers will love the Rain lamp wiper-activated headlamps and rain sensing wipers when monsoon season rolls around. This EV pickup truly stands out with its handsome “end cut oak” interior accents.
The Lightning vs the Competition
Sources such as U.S. News prefer the interior of the all-electric pickup truck Rivian, but love the exterior, power, and features of the 2023 F-150 Lightning. Additionally, the contemporary exterior of the Rivian is a turn-off for those just entering the EV market. The Lightning is much more similar to that of a traditional pickup truck, but has the benefits of increased storage and utility power of an electric vehicle.
Additionally, the technology of the Lightning performed better than the Rivian. In general, the F-150 Lightning worked better and had the technology perform as intended. The Lightning’s front trunk worked better and had more utility incentives, according to Forbes.
Test Drive Today
For those interested in going electric and are looking into the latest pickup trucks, stop by our Rodeo Ford dealership. Our representatives can offer competitive financing rates and an in-person review of this handsome electric vehicle. Click here to schedule a test drive today, or utilize our online chat for more information.
Isabelle Justice 