The 2022 Ford Lightning’s Innovative Features

Finding the best Pueblo Ford F-150 dealer is about more than just finding a good deal; it’s about balancing performance power and fuel efficiency while still rocking the stylish Ford truck aesthetic. While it sounds too good to be true, it’s possible to have three of these in one, thanks to the F-150’s newest variant, the 2022 Lightning and The Faricy Boys Ford.

This fuel-free truck has a 300-mile driving range on a full charge while doubling as a generator and tow-capable machine. While the term “all-electric” often comes with negative connotations, it’s now possible to have towing power without the need for gasoline. With up to 10,000 pounds of tow capacity, this all-electric model offers the classic truck power we all know and love without the need to spend money at the gas station.

If you’ve always been an F-150 fan, you may have some questions. You’re used to V6 and V8 gas-powered engines, and you don’t want to sell yourself short. In addition to that, going from gasoline or diesel to a battery pack calls for a big shift in habits. We understand, which is why we’re here to answer all your 2022 Lightning questions.

What Kind of Battery Does the Lightning Have?

There are many different electric battery pack types on the market. While fuel-powered vehicles include multiple engine options, all-electric vehicles come with several battery types. There are two main concerns that most drivers have about these batteries; how long do they last, and how safe are they? Some drivers may even be concerned about how environmentally friendly the battery’s design is. This is especially true since many drivers switch to electric vehicles for eco-friendliness reasons. The good news here is that Ford’s latest technology proves to be safe for both people and the environment, all while maintaining a long lifespan.

The BlueOvalSK battery that powers the new 2022 Lightning is made of 90% nickel, 5% manganese, and 5% cobalt. Since mining for cobalt causes issues for the environment, and it’s not known to be ethical in general, this is a huge feat. For example, early EV batteries were made up of as much as 33% cobalt. Plus, nickel offers a higher energy density, meaning that the vehicle can run much longer on one charge. This is a huge advancement for larger EV vehicles such as trucks and SUVs.

Thanks to this new technology, drivers can go for up to 300 miles on one charge. When hauling up to 400 pounds in the Ford Lightning’s front trunk (known as its “frunk,”) drivers can still go up to 230 miles on a single charge, which is only a roughly 23% drop. Since there’s generally a 30% drop in tow capacity on average for a gas-powered vehicle, this 23% drop in drive range is actually better for the Lightning than for a gasoline or diesel variant.

How Does the Lightning Double as a Generator?

Ford hasn’t been shy about using its vehicles as powerhouses. For example, the 2021 Ford F-150 tested the waters by including Pro Power Onboard. This feature was available as an option for its gasoline engine models, and a stronger version was standard on the hybrid F-150 engines. This allowed drivers to use their trucks to fire up televisions for tailgate parties or even convert their trucks into mini work stations, powering electric saws and more.

Oh, and did we mention you could power your entire home directly from your Ford F-150 truck? The new 2022 Ford Lightning offers this same perk. When you ration the power, which essentially means to conserve it and distribute it for necessities only, you can power a home for up to 10 days on one singular charge. Furthermore, you can power the house without rationing power for up to 3 days in a row. And just like its 2021 predecessors, this new F-150 comes with an optional tailgate work surface area. This includes everything from power hookups for tools, a built-in measuring device, clamp pockets, and much more.

You’re probably wondering just how the 2022 Lightning maintains enough of a high power level to act as a generator, and the answer is simple. Thanks to this model’s standard 80-amp Ford Charge Station Pro, all you have to do is charge overnight to reach a full charge by morning. Even when you’ve drained your battery down to its lowest percentage, this remains true. Drivers also receive the slower 32-amp mobile charger that works with 120V and 240V outlets for traveling and emergency charging situations.

How Does This Electric Truck Manage Off-Roading Situations?

If you’re like most Ford F-150 drivers, you don’t plan to stay on pavement 24/7. Whether you head out to the woods on the weekend to hunt, fish, or camp, or you have farming to do; you want a truck that can handle rough roads. Just like any other F-150 truck, the 2022 Lightning is no slacker when it comes to off-roading.

You’ve heard of an underbody skid plate, but what about the underbody battery shield? Skid plates are great, but they typically come at an additional cost, either as an add-on or as a standard feature on a higher trim. That’s not true for the Ford Lightning. In this case, the Lightning’s exterior battery protector is standard on all trim levels, and it is designed to protect the battery from damage when off-roading, just like a more costly underbody skid plate.

To top it all off, the battery’s encasing is waterproof, and it still allows for up to 9 inches of ground clearance. This model is also 4×4 capable, it comes with an off-road mode, and its independent rear suspension makes it a breeze to tackle both inclines and declines. In short, thanks to Ford, electric driving is possible in both the city and in the wilderness.

What Safety Features Does the Lightning Have?

If you’re expecting this all-electric model to be safety efficient, you’re correct. The innovation doesn’t stop with the Ford Lightning’s battery. Each Lightning model includes standard Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0. This means that drivers have plenty of different safety features at no additional cost, even with the lowest trim. These features include the following:

• Reverse Brake Assist
• Post-Collision Braking
• Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
• BLIS (blind spot information system) with Cross-Traffic Alert
• Lane-Keeping System
• Reverse sensing system
• Rear View Camera
• Auto High Beam Headlamps

These features provide drivers with automatic braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane drift warnings and corrections, to name just a few perks. While these standard features offer everything, you can upgrade to Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 to add on the following:

• Intersection Assist
• Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go
• Lane Centering
• Speed Sign Recognition
• Connected Built-In Navigation
• Evasive Steering Assist

This package is for those who feel safer having additional protection. For example, Speed Sign Recognition keeps up with road signs, so you don’t have to. Its built-in memory is there to remind you of the road rules when you forget or don’t spot the sign yourself. Furthermore, Lane Centering is there to keep you from drifting out of your lane rather than correcting the issue once it happens. Intersection Assist is also a handy tool that makes 4-way intersections much less stressful than ever before. When other drivers fail to yield, this technology can help prevent you from getting hit.

Finally, to access the Lightning’s BlueCruise semi-autonomous driving technology, you’ll want to opt for Co-Pilot’s ACTIVE option. However, this comes standard on the 2022 Ford Lightning Platinum trim. BlueCruise’s technology makes long drives easier than ever before, thanks to automatic steering, acceleration, and braking. While this may not sound safe at first, remember that Ford doesn’t let their drivers just sit back and text while BlueCruise does all the work. As soon as the driver shows signs of distraction, BlueCruise forces them to stay alert and regain control.

Convinced, Yet?

While trucks have a history of being simplistic, sometimes that can make it feel like they’re not worth the high price tag. However, the new 2022 Lightning breaks that stereotype by everything you can imagine, and for a reasonable price. From eco-friendliness and safety technology to power and off-road capability, this truck practically balances strength and innovation.

Now that you’ve seen what the Lightning is capable of, we’re here to make sure your buying experience goes smoothly. While new models are often difficult to come by, we work hard to keep a full inventory. We served you the new Bronco, and we’re excited to do the same with the 2022 Ford Lightning.