As the automotive industry looks towards a future free of fossil fuel consumption, Ford (NYSE: F) is ready to meet the likes of Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) and General Motors (NYSE: GM) with its own electric truck.
Ford's F-150 "Lightning," as revealed last Wednesday in a press release. As advertised, the F-150 is a fully electric ford pickup capable of the same feats as Ford trucks with combustion engines, albeit with some tradeoffs.
The baseline range of the F-150 Lightning's basic trim is 230 miles, while the baseline range of the extended trim is 300. Doing "truck things" with one's Lightning, such as hauling trailers, heavy bed loads, or crossing rough terrain, will, of course, drain the truck's battery much quicker. Currently, Ford doesn't have much in the way of necessary charging infrastructure either (at least not to the scale of Tesla, for example).
Given that the F-150 is a first-generation electric truck, shorter ranges are a given. Still, Ford is betting on advancements with onboard software that track power consumption and consumption factors, such as weather and cargo weight. Such software is already operational aboard Ford's Mustang Mach E, its electric muscle car.
A significant factor that helps additionally helps offset the shorter travel range is the versatility the Lightning offers. In addition to many features standard in Ford's line of combustion pickups--the Lightning is, in fact, almost physically indistinguishable from its gasoline-powered brethren, much unlike Tesla's Cybertruck--the truck is rigged to act as a type mobile workstation and even as a generator. Within the cabin and across the truck's body are numerous power outlets; the cabin also features a folding workstation as well as a large touchscreen.
The F-150 seems like a promising offering for the automotive market, especially given the pickup truck's place in the hearts of many American consumers, with the pickup continually maintaining a #1 spot as the most favorite vehicle model in the country.