2022 Ford F-150 To Use ‘Lightning’ Name?

Ford’s fondness for reminiscing seems to have been demonstrated again.

The name of Ford’s upcoming all-electric version of the F-150 appears to have been revealed. According to a document obtained by Car and Driver the ‘Lightning’ name from Ford’s performance F-150s of the 1990s and early 2000s will be used again for the new electric F-150.

The first time the Lightning name was used on an F-150 was in 1993, when Ford shoved a 5.8 liter, 240 horsepower V8 into a standard F-150 and added a sprinkling of performance touches.

Together with the Chevrolet 454SS, the Lightning effectively started the ‘performance truck’ category. The ICE F-150 Lightning was further revised for the 1999 and 2001 model years, with the latter variant producing 380 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. The Lightning was discontinued in 2004, with Ford’s performance truck itch finally being scratched again in 2010 with the introduction of the F-150 Raptor.

But now Ford seems to be bringing the Lightning name back, albeit with a slight twist – electrification. Set to go on sale in mid-2022, the new F-150 will have its sights set on a host of competitors in the electric truck genre.

Powertrain, range and other specs.

So, what do we know about it? Well Ford hasn’t mentioned anything related to battery size, range or power output thus far. That said, Ford has stated it will have a dual-motor output and will also be the most powerful F-150 ever.

We would predict a range of at least 350 miles per charge if the F-150 EV wants to be competitive with the likes of the Tesla Cybertruck, Chevy Silverado EV and Rivian R1T – but again, that’s purely speculation on our own behalf.

The all-electric F-150 and the batteries that power it will both be produced in Ford’s new EV facility at their Rouge Center in Dearborn, Michigan.

Well, what are your thoughts on the electric F-150 based on what you’ve heard so far? If it can deliver like the Mach-E did, we could definitely see it becoming one of the best-selling EVs in America, just like the current F-150 is America’s best-selling vehicle full stop. Undoubtedly, an electric truck from a known brand like Ford could convert millions of those based in rural areas who would never have considered an EV before. Let us know your thoughts in the replies section below.

Source: Car and Driver

Images via Ford