2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum Review

The F-150 – A North American Tradition

Fond memories of Ford F-150s resonate, from rural farm rides to scenic drives in the Pacific Northwest. Revered for hauling firewood and towing, the electric F-150 Lightning Platinum embraces modernity. Its lavish interior, complete with a large touchscreen, marks a departure from its rugged origins. Balancing luxury and functionality, the Lightning surpasses traditional gas models, proving its versatility in tasks, be it transporting tools, trailers, or a harvest to the cider press—an investment worth its initial cost.

Power and Performance Electrified

Accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 5.1 seconds, the F-150 Lightning Platinum, equipped with a towing package, showcases electric prowess. A leap beyond its historical predecessor, this modern iteration boasts luxurious amenities such as heated and cooled seats, adaptive cruise control, a panoramic sunroof, and a surround-view camera. Embrace the ease of one-pedal driving and experience the future with Ford’s Blue Cruise technology, offering hands-free moments on designated highways with cutting-edge safety features like eye-tracking sensors.

Interior and Cargo Space

While there are similarities in the interiors of the gas and electric F-150 trucks, the F-150 Lightning sets itself apart with a roomy front compartment aptly named the ‘frunk.’ Ford highlights this innovative space, emphasizing its ability to hold up to three sets of standard golf clubs. Additionally, the frunk features four 120-volt power outlets and two USB ports (one USB-C and one USB-A), offering a versatile solution for on-the-go electronic charging and powering tools or laptops during tasks between job sites.

An Impressive Power Source

Featuring four 120-volt and one 220-volt outlet, the Lightning Platinum trim empowers your lifestyle by energizing appliances like dryers and hot tubs. With a 7.2 kWh hybrid truck capacity and an impressive 131 kWh capability, it surpasses conventional gas models boasting 2.0 or 2.4 kWh. The extended-range model transforms into a 131-kWh home generator, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional options. Elevating beyond gas-powered vehicles, the F-150 Lightning serves as a mobile energy storage hub, delivering ten times the capacity of a Tesla Powerwall for off-grid households.

Is the Lightning just as capable as the traditional F-150?

Despite the Ford F-150 Lightning’s electric drivetrain delivering speed and a smooth ride, along with extended battery models boasting an EPA estimated range of 515 kilometres, its buyers defy traditionalist expectations. Ford representatives highlight that most are new to the brand and unfamiliar with truck ownership. While excelling in towing capacity and load hauling, the Lightning surpasses the conventional gas-powered F-150. Range anxiety, a concern for truck drivers, may arise when towing. Yet, for most daily commutes within a medium-sized city and its outskirts, the F-150 Lightning is a reliable choice, covering the typical truck owner’s daily distance of around 65 kilometres.

The Cost Savings of Driving Electric

In Canada, where gasoline prices tend to be higher, the economic advantages of driving a Ford F-150 Lightning are particularly notable. By transitioning to an all-electric model, F-150 Lightning owners can enjoy substantial savings on fuel costs. With electricity offering a stable and comparatively lower-cost alternative amidst fluctuating gas prices, this truck not only champions environmental sustainability but also allows Canadian drivers to traverse expansive terrains without the financial burden of soaring fuel expenses. Additionally, the F-150 Lightning proves to be a sound investment, sparing owners from frequent oil changes and boasting lower overall operational expenses, thanks to the enduring power of electric car batteries and the efficiency of regenerative braking.

It’s all in the Details

The Lightning’s appeal is undeniable, showcasing meticulous details such as tailgate tie-down clamps and dual measuring sticks. Its front trunk’s versatility extends to ice-filled drinks with a removable cover. Bed lights, multiple outlets, a tailgate step stool, and a secure back seat safe enhance the truck’s convenience. Glide hands-free on the highway, thanks to the flat floor skid plate and winter-ready heat pump. The weather-shielded frunk ensures a warm start while opting for the affordable Pro model, which delivers impressive towing and range, surpassing older models like the 2015 FX4.

The Thrill of the Road

Immerse yourself in the prowess of precision engineering during your drive. With dual motors seamlessly merging power and tranquillity, the vehicle accelerates to 100 kilometres per hour in a swift five seconds, supported by a responsive traction control system. While not built for race car agility, the truck excels in Eco, Normal, and Aggressive modes, fine-tuning throttle response and steering for a consistently enjoyable drive.

While encountering slight body rollover on speed bumps due to the soft suspension designed for truck utility, the Ford battery bank’s low placement ensures a refined equilibrium of balance and power. Picture a Rolls-Royce with a cargo bed — an experience that exudes sophistication and stability on the open road.

Ford is Winning Over the Competition

The broader market remains skeptical despite Ford’s triumph in converting non-truck owners. With the delay of GM’s truck release and Tesla’s Cybertruck uncertain, the certainty of electric trucks’ superiority signals the conclusion of the endless preorder era. Ford’s latest offering, the Platinum Black Edition, featuring an intensified black colour, targets potential buyers eyeing the gas-powered F-150 Raptor. Whether opting for this model or others, increasing demand is on the horizon as more individuals embrace electric trucks for economic and environmental reasons amid soaring gas prices and limited daily mileage concerns.